John Stanley Robbins

The family moved from Tucson to Santa Monica in 1942, which was a big change for Stan, Dick and his youngest brother Jack. Stan attended Santa Monica High School where he met Peggy Hutchins, his future wife, as well as many of his life long friends. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as an aviation cadet in training to become a pilot navigator.

Friends were very important to Stan, and he had many friends he knew for 30, 40, 50 years or more. Everyone remembers Stan for his great sense of humor, love of life, and always being there to lend a helping hand.

Stan was an avid fisherman and along with his brother Dick owned several sport fishing boats. Many of their friends went with Stan and Dick on trips where they often sailed south of Ensenada, Mexico to fish for albacore.

Stan and Dick were partners for more than 60 years in a family business, Robbins Auto Top Company, founded by their father in 1943. They grew the business from a small trim and upholstery shop into a manufacturer of replacement convertible tops with a network of distributors throughout the United States, Europe and worldwide.

In the 1970's Stan became interested in wine when California wines were first beginning to gain recognition. He especially loved California Cabernets and Chardonnays, and over time built a cellar of many bottles of wine.

He was a staunch Republican, and worked hard within the local Santa Monica Republican Club. Some of his proudest moments were attending Ronald Reagan's presidential inaugural ceremonies.

Stan always actively supported his community and was a member of the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club since 1955; serving on many committees, as well as President. For many years Stan worked to raise funds for Santa Monica Hospital and served on their Foundation Board of Directors, and as President.

Stan had a strong sense of family, and is survived by his brothers Dick (Barbara) and Jack (Anita); sons Mark (Cathy) and John (Kathy); and a daughter Leslie Neyman (Roger); as well as by granddaughters Jennifer and Elizabeth Robbins, and Janelle Neyman, who loved their Papa.

Memorial services will be Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at The Little Chapel of the Dawn. (chapel entrance and parking lot located on 20th Street). The address is 1925 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, with Rev. Grace Park of Palisades Presbyterian Church officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the California Yacht Club, 4469 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Monica Kiwanis' Club Charities or the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club. GATES, KINGSLEY & GATES MOELLER MURPHY directors.