Richard Clifford Robbins

On February 6, 2026, Captain Richard “Dick” Robbins passed away peacefully in Stuart, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, generosity, and adventure.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to humble beginnings, Dick grew up on welfare and in the foster care system. Though his early years were marked by hardship, he was gifted with remarkable foster parents, Henry and Elva Thom, whom he loved dearly, and with lifelong friends who became his chosen family. From a young age, Dick learned the value of perseverance, kindness, and gratitude – qualities that would define his life.

As a boy, Dick delivered newspapers and set pins at the local bowling alley to save up money. Even at a young age, he had a fascination with heights and flying. One day, while lying in the grass with his best friend Jim Webster, watching airplanes pass overhead, Dick decided he would become a pilot. That moment helped shaped the course of his life.

Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing flight school at the Hawthorne School of Aeronautics at Spence Air Force Base in Moultrie, Georgia in 1957. He served honorably as a Lieutenant on active duty and later in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Part of Dick’s time in the military brought him to Korea, where he lived for an extended period of time. He became fluent in Korean and often shared that he even dreamed in the language.

Dick became a pilot for 3M and went on to fly for Northwest Airlines for 32 years, with the majority of those years spent piloting Boeing 747s. During his tenure with NWA, he proudly served in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet during the Persian Gulf War (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm). His professionalism, skill, and dedication earned him the respect of colleagues.

It was on a flight to Rochester, Minnesota, for his initial NWA physical in 1964 that he met his future wife Mary Ann Newby, an NWA flight attendant. After a “short” courtship of eight years, they married and shared 49 wonderful years together until Mary Ann’s passing in 2024. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, partnership, and enduring love. Dick’s career and love of travel took him all over the world. Home, however, was wherever he and Mary Ann were together – on Lake Owasso in Minnesota, Lake of the Woods in Canada, Key Largo, Lake Mary Jane in Orlando, and ultimately in South Florida.

Dick’s love of flying extended far beyond his profession – it was a passion. When he wasn’t flying airplanes, he was often flying kites. An accomplished “ski flyer,” Dick was a member of the Bald Eagle Water Ski Club Show, soaring high behind boats with a delta wing kite after launching from water skis. In 1970, over Leech Lake in Minnesota, he set national records recognized by the U.S. Water Ski Association, including a national altitude record of 2,120 feet above the water. He later placed first in the National Kite Flying Championships in 1973 in Texas – another testament to his fearless spirit and love of adventure.

In his retirement, Dick treasured his fishing trips to Nicaragua with his brother-in-law Lello and to the lakes in Minnesota with his lifelong friends.

Dick had a deep appreciation for history and literature. He encouraged learning in his family, often rewarding the children for good grades and memorizing poetry. One poem especially meaningful to him was “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, which he kept displayed in every office he ever had.

Music was another love. Dick enjoyed listening to Gentleman Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline and Randy Travis. Self-taught on the guitar and piano, Dick later took private voice lessons and proudly sang bass in a barbershop group and the community chorus.

Above all, Dick was a man of extraordinary character. He was humble and never boasted of his many accomplishments. His generosity knew no bounds. He was the devoted husband, the “cool uncle” with incredible stories, the gentle and wise grandfather, and even the playful prankster who loved to laugh. His home was always open, and his heart even more so. Summers at the lake and vacations in Florida with Dick and Mary Ann remain cherished memories for many.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ann. He is survived by granddaughters Priscilla Lim and Leah Ditchek; nieces Anna Sacks and Elizabeth Veldman; sisters Ann Gillespie and Karen Hagen; daughter Nancy Robbins; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly. Dick’s legacy will live on in his family, his friendships, and the countless hearts he shaped.