Spike Robinson

Spike lived a life of immeasurable fullness and adventure. He loved and devoted himself to his large family and many friends. He stood out among them as a man who was both respected and loved deeply and he will be missed by them all. Spike was an admired and straightforward businessman, a tireless traveler, a witty companion and avid outdoorsman. When outdoors he connected with the land naturally and effortlessly, as if he were meant to be part of it. His passion for hunting and fishing were shared and enjoyed with his family and friends at the Robinson Ranch and in East Africa, South Texas, and Port Aransas. His spirit and legacy will forever live in the places that were beloved to him.

Spike was born in Austin, Texas, on May 3, 1941 to Alfred Henry Robinson, Jr and Charlotte Dies Robinson. Spike's nickname was derived during his mother's pregnancy when she informed the Sewing Club that "she was having a little Spike". He is preceded in death by his parents; his uncle, George Edward Robinson; aunt, Flora Robinson "Sis" King; brother-in-law, Haynes Ray Cosper; and cousin, George "Bo" Edward Robinson, III. His family members were original residents of the historic Robinson/Bremond Block in downtown Austin, where his grandmother, "Mama Al", presided over a large and loving family.

Spike graduated from St. Edward's High School in Austin and attended the University of Texas where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Spike was a managing partner of Austin White Lime Company and Robinson Ranch. He served on the Board of Directors for Texas Commerce Bank and later on the Advisory Board for Chase Bank. He was a founding member of the Austin chapters of Ducks Unlimited and Gulf Coast Conservation Association.

Spike is survived by his wife, Quinlan Quiros; four children from his marriage to Judy Bradley - Alfred Robinson, IV, Brad Robinson, Elaine Benton and husband Britt Benton, and Flora Crosswell and husband Victor Crosswell; grandchildren, Olivia Benton, Hall Benton, Bradley Benton, Joanie Crosswell and Jaco Crosswell; as well as step-children, Dino Smith, Erin Quiros and Nina Quiros and nine step-grandchildren; his siblings, Carla Robinson Allen and husband Anton Allen, Flora Robinson Cosper and Scott Robinson; and many special cousins, nieces, nephews and companions.

Death has a way of taking a little something away from us. It leaves a hole, a void that can never be filled. But sometimes the power of a life well-lived supersedes death and leaves a mark more profound. Spike's life was a life well-lived and well-loved. We will miss him.

The family is most grateful for the care and friendship of Laura Tijerina and the Hospice Austin staff, nurses and doctors.

Mass of Christian services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at St. Mary's Cathedral, 203 E. 10th Street, Austin.

Those who desire may make memorial gifts to Hospice Austin's Christopher House, 2820 East Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Austin, TX 78702.