Robert Lavern Robinson

Age 72, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2015, with his family at his side. He was born on September 11, 1942, in Colville, Washington, to Sam and Neta Robinson, owners of Robinson Building Supply in Sutherlin, Oregon. Robert was the third child in this family of nine children (Geraldine of Sutherlin, OR; Sam and Gladys of Sutherlin, OR; Ruth and Daryl Towler of Sutherlin, OR; Virginia and Ron Oliver of Battle Ground, WA; Juanita and Clarence Stroh of Vancouver, WA; JoAnn and Leon Baptist of Magalia, CA; David and Ulena Robinson of Sutherlin, OR; and John Robinson of Sutherlin, OR). Despite being diagnosed with Diabetes Type I at the tender age of three, he determined at his sixth birthday that he would live a life of joy. "I'm six and I'm sick, but I will smile and be happy." And that summarized his way of handling all the pain and discomfort that he has faced throughout his life. Every day, he assumed was his last, and every day he determined he would accomplish all he could in the service of loving and caring for others as Jesus did. His was a simple faith. If God said it, he believed it. He loved Jesus with all his heart and whatever opportunity came his way, he believed was God's providential leading. Robert loved Sutherlin and although he spent 37 passion-filled years as a missionary in Africa, Russia, SriLanka, and India, he always looked forward to returning to Sutherlin during his regular furloughs.
This Sunday, May 10, 2015, at 10 a.m., he will be laid to rest in the Fair Oaks Cemetery where he will awaiting the trumpet call of Jesus at His soon second coming. You are cordially invited to join this graveside celebration of his life. He is survived by the love of his life, Brenda Robinson, who has been his faithful companion for the last 50 years. He leaves behind children who praise God for giving them such a godly father/father-in-law: Michael and Tina Robinson of Guam; Wichit and Bobbie Jo Srikureja of Spokane; and John and Tonya Rogers of Boise. His nine grandchildren are determined that they will continue his life work of loving and caring for those in need: Nathaniel, Hannah, Elianna, Jenae, Gabriella, Sean, Ian, and Joshua. For so many years, they have helped their grandfather in his work of evangelism, fund-raising for the school he built, and financial support of the boarding students who attend these schools.
He also leaves behind wonderful friends in Sutherlin and around the world, who are thankful for the many years they knew him, for the inspiration of his witness in their lives, and for the opportunity of joining him in the great work of sharing the good news that Jesus saves and He is returning soon.
Grave side services will be held on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Fair Oaks Cemetery, after the service, all are welcome to a light meal to be served at the Sutherlin Seventh-day Adventist church.
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep. For the LORD Himself shall descent from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.