Love, Honor, Cherish not just words for Leonard Merle Robinson. Leonard not only loved his family he cherished them. Upon marrying his sweetheart, Helen, 74 years ago, Leonard’s life revolved around providing necessities for his family as well as teaching his four sons practical life lessons that they have carried into their adulthood and taught their own children. His sons would say that he unconditionally loved his entire family, but he valued his wife, Helen, above all.
When the boys were young, Leonard supported them by coaching Little League and attending all their sporting events. As they grew, he showed by example the importance of finishing what you start and doing things right the first time. His PhD in common sense has carried through to the generations who have followed in his footsteps. Although his children describe him as very patient, compassionate and loving, he could indicate they needed to be quiet with a single motion. One of his favorite jokes at the dinner table was, “If you don’t like what’s on the table, you’re not very damn hungry.” He was slow to react but was fair in his decisions. To this day his sons, who are grandfathers themselves, have a great deal of respect for their father.
As a natural gas engineer, Leonard enjoyed his work and his co-workers. He was a union steward and was pleased to have a part in making things better for the workers. Actually, making things better for the people around him was one of Leonard’s greatest attributes. Throughout the years, he bought several homes that could be described as “fixer uppers.” Not everyone understood his drive to purchase a home that needed work, but more than once he turned a questionable building into a comfortable home for his family. His carpentry skills are yet one more thing he passed on to his sons.
A source of pride for Leonard was serving in the United States Navy during World War II. He was discharged in 1946 as an E-4 Second Class Seaman. Shortly after that he married Helen. All these years later, they still enjoyed talking to each other and sharing their morning coffee. Upon retirement, Leonard and Helen liked to spend the day together, travel and visit Gulf Shores with their friends.
Leonard is preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Jeremiah Robinson; son Greg Robinson; grandson Heath Robinson; sisters Maggie and Gert; and brother Edward (Bus) Robinson. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Helen Robinson; sons Mike (Connie) Robinson, Dan (Kathy) Robinson and Scott (Lori) Robinson; Greg’s mate Lenore Robinson; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 1pm on Thursday, April 22, at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 205 East Middle St, Williamston, MI. Burial will follow in Summit Cemetery, Williamston, MI. As many members of the Robinson family are cancer survivors, the family is asking for contributions to be made in the Robinson name to the American Cancer Society at 1755 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.
Leonard’s life will continue, now in memory, through stories told by family and friends. A Memorial Gathering will be posted later this summer … we hope you’ll join us and bring your story.
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