John Paul Robben

(May 1, 1955 - Feb. 18, 2013)

John Paul Robben, born May 1, 1955, in Richmond Beach, WA, passed away peacefully in Sequim, WA, on February 18, 2013, due to complications of cancer. He was 57.

John was an avid fisherman since childhood, who began tying his own flies while in high school. His love of the outdoors also included camping and boating and hunting with his father. John participated in Boy Scouts Troop 325, later becoming a Star Scout. A highlight of scouting was a Bowron Lake Canoe trip, with his dad, Paul Robben, as chaperone. The trip more than 50 miles long.

While in high school, John began playing the stand-up bass. He played in the orchestra, jazz band, in a rock band, and for assemblies. He was interested in many varieties of music and it brought him and others great joy. John was known for his subtle sense of humor and easy-going nature. He loved to play cards and get together with friends for an evening of bluegrass music.

John graduated from Shoreline High School in 1973. He attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, then transferred to Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. As a research project in psychology, John ran a bio-feedback lab. John received his BA in psychology and economics from Evergreen State College in June, 1978.

John worked for major Native American tribes in the state of Washington from 1980 through 2000. In 1984, he moved to Sequim to begin working for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe as Director of Economic Development. It was during his tenure that 7 Cedars Casino and Art Gallery opened, along with other projects.

He completed his MBA from City University in June, 1985. John had the opportunity to travel to China in 1998, doing research into a possible joint venture to sell goeducks to the Chinese seafood markets.

In 2001, John stepped up his game and became an independent entrepreneur. His interest in health and wellness formed the basis for his water massage business and his computer savvy took the aromatherapy and spa tools online. His most recent business was developing websites for others and doing collaborative projects that grew out of the Occupy movement.

John met the love of his life, Glorian (Petchnick), after moving to Sequim. They were married July 27, 1991 and spent many years together playing soft tip darts, camping, boating, fishing and loving life. John played both soft and steel tip darts placing in regional competitions. Although music soothed John's soul, he was deeply effected by the early death of his wife and soulmate Glorian, his dearest friend Dennis Overby, and his loving father, Paul.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Paul W. Robben and Lois (Maunula) Robben, and his wife Glorian (Petchnick) Robben. Surviving relatives are his sister, Ann Robben Dott, brother-in-law Jim, and niece MeiLi of Astoria OR.

In keeping with John’s love of the outdoors and fishing the private gathering for distribution of ashes will be on the waterways of Clallam County. Summertime Bluegrass at the Hoko will be in his honor.

Read at the memorial on the breakwater: As we create this circle take time to breath and come into this moment. Be aware of John's presence here with us. As I speak these words it is for each of us; knowing that even though we are individuals and that we each had and have our own relationship with John we are all one and share in our love and high regard for him. We are letting go of being able to talk to him, play music with him, worrying about him, sitting and literally breaking bread with him, and playing cards with him. No longer in body- that spirit which animates the body in now at one and at peace. We take heart, refuge, or solace in knowing he no longer experiences loss and grieving of those he loved as he swims in that love and is with the presence of those who have gone before. We remember them now and bring them into our circle. As we let go of John Paul Robben and our pain, grieving, sorrow, and loss we let go into the peace of surrender, the love that never dies, the comfort and support of others. We remember you John, with love, with all the emotions that come with day to day struggles and daily celebrations. You will remain in our hearts and our thoughts. The life we shared remains in our remembering.

He who we love and lose

is no longer where he was before.

He is now where ever we are.

WE love you, God Bless You. Ann Robben Dott, sister, on behalf of all gathered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC),540 E. 8th St., Port Angeles, WA 98362 (360) 452-1511

http://vhocc.org/

Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements and www.sequimvalleychaple.com Guest book at http://tinyurl.com/JohnRobben-obit

Published in The Peninsula Daily News on March 3, 2013