David Scott Robison

David Scott Robison went to glory unexpectedly on Saturday, February 24th at the age of 64. With his wife at his side, he passed due to cardiac issues. If David had his way, he’d probably start his obituary with, “It pains me to admit it, but apparently I have passed away.”

Perhaps the most appropriate quote describing David comes from his favorite movie, Secondhand Lions: “Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in the most: that people are basically good; that honor, courage, and virtue mean everything; that power and money, money and power mean nothing; that good always triumphs over evil; that love, true love, never dies…”

He will always be remembered for his wit, sense of humor, huge heart, faith, and his deep love for his family. David was an amazing father, husband, brother, and friend. His unwavering passion for his family, and unrivaled skill in the field of politics and history were both outstanding testaments to the caliber of man he was. Years from now, his family and friends will continue to share his detailed history lessons. His hilarious escapades ensure he will become a part of that history himself, mirroring that which he loved so much.

His talent for storytelling began early with his best friends, Ross Anderson, Lee Ward, Scott Leonard, Kenny Brown, and Jimmy Myhaver. Throughout high school and college, they attended concerts, made comedic prank films, and performed in a rock band, Southern Star. David and his brother John playfully engaged in antics with their younger sister Anne, tossing basketballs at her head and tripping her with pillows, all in good fun and under the guise of toughening her up. David later credited these interactions for being the catalyst to developing her athletic prowess.

David is survived by his wife Michele O’Rourke Robison, and their sons, Ian, Chris, Reid, and Daniel. He is also survived by his brother John Stuart Robison and partner Jason Papp; sister Anne Kendell Robison Matt and her husband J. Kemper Matt, Jr; nephews Kemper III and Porter Matt; his aunt Claire Atkins and her husband Richard; his uncle Tom Richmond and his wife Janet; his aunt Susan Bryce; and many nieces and nephews. David is predeceased by his parents Jane and Bobby Robison, and stepfather Joe Benasutti.

Born on September 4, 1959, in Houston, Texas, David was the eldest of three children. His father's death from cancer, when David was 13, deeply impacted him, giving him an unfaltering strength and independence from a young age. David graduated from Spring Woods High School in Houston. After this, he was accepted into West Point, but chose instead to serve his country in other ways, attending the University of Texas in Austin. It was here where David graduated with a Degree in Political Science.

David’s career began in political and governmental affairs, working for Houston Lighting and Power. He later led the Texas Corridor Counsel's successful efforts to transform the Texas industry blend, expanding tech jobs and other non-energy companies into Texas. His experience led him to join a Beverly Hills, CA-based private equity firm, Round One Investments. David moved back to Austin, Texas to raise his family. He co-founded the video-communication platform company Arena Edge with Randy Combs and brother John Robison.

David looked forward to relocating to a ranch in Fredericksburg, TX, where he could pursue his passion for international history and produce a podcast to discuss world events.

David's life was changed forever when married the love of his life, Michele, in 2015. Their blended family filled him with pride and love, and he embraced his role as a father to not just 2 but 4 sons: Chris, Ian, Reid and Daniel. Poor Michele was outnumbered with all boys, finding that quiet moments in the house became few and far between.

David actively participated in Austin Christian Fellowship, regularly attending Bible study and couples groups. Outside of that, David had dedicated countless hours to working on their ranch, where he meticulously cleared cedar to unveil the breathtaking views of nearby Enchanted Rock. His genuine nature and dedication to the land endeared him to the locals. It was no surprise that he had befriended most of them in that short time.

David was an avid fan of his favorite musical group, The Who. His love for Michele, their boys, his extended family, and friends can be captured in the verse from The Who’s song, "See Me, Feel Me":

Listening to you, I get the music,

Gazing at you I get the heat,

Following you I climb the mountain,

I get excitement at your feet.

A beloved husband, dad, sibling, nephew, cousin, and friend, David was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

FUNERAL SERVICE:

Friday, March 8th, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Austin Christian Fellowship Church

6401 River Place Blvd., Austin, TX 78730