Richard Donald Robinson, Sr., 83, of Battle Creek, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 7, 2017. He was hospitalized at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo and departed this life after suffering several strokes. He was born August 24, 1933, in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Henry and Beatrice (Radcliff) Robinson. He married the late Judith Huffman on September 8, 1962, also of Battle Creek. Although Richard worked for a short time at Knappen Milling Company in Augusta, MI, by trade he was a master mechanic who spent his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic for Cole Brothers Contractors in Battle Creek. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 324. After 27 years of service, Richard retired in 1992. Throughout his life, Richard was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He “bagged” several deer including his famous 320 pound, 8 point trophy buck that he proudly displayed on the kitchen wall. He went on numerous hunting and fishing trips with his friends and younger brother Roy. His travels included hunting in Wyoming and he fished at various lakes in Michigan and Canada. Richard was delighted to share his big catches with everyone and trips to the lake were almost always followed by him hosting fish fries. In his younger years, he raced stock-cars and hill climbed his Triumph motorcycle. He has a beautiful collection of trophies showing his successes. Richard continued to enjoy the thrill of riding off-road vehicles by teaching and riding with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was still showing off his wheelie skills well into his eighties. Richard accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized at Level Park Baptist Church. He was a deacon, taught Sunday School, and spent many years leading the Youth Group. He was an active member of Higher Ground Ministries (formerly Temple Baptist Church). Richard was a devout Christian with strong faith in God. He positively influenced everyone he met and was a lifelong teacher who shared his wealth of knowledge with anyone who was willing to learn. Richard was as adept at teaching others about Jesus as he was about mechanics and everyday living. There was virtually nothing that he couldn't build or repair. He never passed up an opportunity to help someone in need, whether that was his family, friends or someone he didn't know. Richard knew no strangers, only friends he had not yet met. He was a volunteer for the American Red Cross and participated in disaster relief efforts. He gave generously of his time to repair houses and cars for those that could not afford to have the work done themselves. All of the neighborhood children and teenagers knew if their bicycles, minibikes, motorcycles, or cars broke, they could count on Richard to help fix them. Richard’s greatest passion was his love for God and family. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and adored spending time with them. He was happiest when surrounded by his family. He left behind many broken hearts at his sudden passing but his family finds tremendous peace in knowing that the Heavens opened up and the Choir of Angels sang in rejoice of his arrival when he went home on Saturday. He surely bowed his head gracefully to receive his crown of glory and we know he is basking in the love and beauty of our Lord.
He is survived by his children, Pamela (Russell) Spindlow, Sherri (Robert) Underwood, Chris Robinson, and Toni (John) Wilhelms; sister, Phyllis Wendorf; brothers, Roy (Barbara) Robinson and Bruce Robinson; step-siblings, Mary (Joe) Pursell and Charlie "Chip" Tompkins; grandchildren, Nicole Robinson, Richard (Lisa) Robinson III, Garry (Tonya) Armstrong, Brandi Bruckner, and Samantha Bruckner; 8 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Judy; son, Richard Robinson, Jr.; and brother, Bradley Robinson.
Memorial tributes may be made to Haven of Rest or Southwest Michigan Food Bank.