Robert William Robinson Obituary (1944 - 2021)

Robert William Robinson, 77, Bismarck, ND, departed from Sanford Hospital on his final flight when he slipped the surly bonds of earth and arrived at his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bismarck with Rev. Julie Anderson officiating. Visitation is scheduled for 5-7:00 PM, Monday, November 29, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be in the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Bob was born on August 8, 1944, at Washburn, ND to Robert Earl Robinson and Amanda (Hoff.) He was raised and educated at Will Moore Elementary School and Bismarck High School in Bismarck, ND. He later attended Bismarck State College, in Bismarck, ND, North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND and the University of California in Irvine, CA where he received a Master's in Government Contract Management. In 1964, during an early March weekend, while both were students at Bismarck State College, he married Linda Gaasland of Tappen, ND and they began their 57 year adventure together. He is survived by his wife Linda, his son Jay (Amy) Robinson of Bismarck, his daughter Heather (Burt) Robillard, his grandchildren, Zane Hamar, Lola Robillard, and June Robinson, all of Bismarck, and his step-brother, Paul Paulson of Indianapolis, IN. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl Robinson (killed in action on December 1, 1944), his mother Amanda Robinson Paulson, his step-father Alan West Paulson, his infant granddaughter, Isabella Robillard, his brother-in-law Richard Gaasland, his sister-in-law JoAnn Gaasland, and his grand-nephew Benjamin Leingang. Bob was a good son, a loving husband, and a wonderful father and grandfather. A kind, gentle man, he knew no enemies and was never prone to raising his voice in anger. He approached every situation with a calm demeanor and an easy smile, always standing by his loved ones and always there for them in time of need with sage advice and loving support. His love of family was followed by his love of flying which began as a child watching airplanes fly above the North Dakota prairies. That youthful fascination with machines that conquered the skies and his sense of duty to country led to his becoming a combat helicopter pilot in the United States Marine Corps. He became a member of HML-367 "Scarface Squadron" in Vietnam where he flew 1,140 combat missions. His experience in Vietnam led him to later write "Scarface 42: United States Marine Corps Helicopter Air/Ground Support, Vietnam 'In Close'". After five years in the Marines, he joined the North Dakota Army National Guard where he became a full-time technician before becoming the aviation test pilot and maintenance officer, a capacity in which he flew numerous types of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. During his career, he rose to the position of North Dakota Army Air Facility Commander. After 36 years of military service, he retired at the rank of Lt. Col. having acquired 5,800 hours of military flight time. An avid sportsman, Bob loved North Dakota which provided many opportunities for hunting, fishing, and boating. He spent many hours with his son, grandson, and friends reaping the bounty provided in our state'swaters and prairies. A member of the El Zagal Shrine, Bob enjoyed singing with the Plainsmen, hunting with the Saidin, and participating in festive activities with the Jesters. Farewell, beloved. You flew high and touched the face of God.