Ronald Foster Robbins

Ronald Foster Robbins passed away on a beautiful spring day, April 3, 2013 at his home

on Vashon Island surrounded by his family.

He was 91.

Born in Tacoma in 1921 to Frank and Bertha Robbins, he graduated from Stadium High School and then joined the US Navy Air Corps in 1942 as a PBY pilot in the Pacific Theater attached to the famous and highly decorated “Black Cat Squadron.” Following his service, he attended the College of Puget Sound (Sigma Mu Chi), completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington. He completed post-graduate studies in general dentistry at UW in1953. After a number of years practicing general dentistry in Tacoma, he returned to the University of Washington to study orthodontics and that became his specialty until his retirement in 1991.

An avid and graceful skier, Ron was a ski instructor for many years at Crystal Mountain, and was also a tennis enthusiast. He was a member of many clubs and organizations including the American Association of Orthodontists, Tacoma Golf and Country Club, Pacific Northwest Ski Association, Tacoma Lawn and Tennis Club, Lakewood Racquet Club, SOYP, Gyro, and many others. He and his wife, Marion, traveled the world with friends, but their most treasured times were spent with family and friends at their second home in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marion Long Robbins, sister Gloria Nicholas; children Susan Kimbel (Roy), John Robbins (Yvonne), Paul Robbins (Becky), and Annie Bowlby, (Dennis), all of Tacoma; Marion’s son Kim Brasier; as well as six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, four dogs and one African Gray parrot. He was preceded in death by the mother of his four children, Louise Helen Robbins, his parents, sisters Jo and Helen, and stepsons Ladd and Shawn Brazier.

A family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 12, followed by a celebration in Ron’s honor at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Vashon Island Pet

Protectors, a non-profit no-kill animal rescue organization run by island volunteers: P.O. Box 245, Vashon WA 98070.

The family wishes to thank Ron and Marion’s loving neighbors, Will and Susan for all their help, and they extend special thanks to Providence Hospice and to Sissel Johanessen and Marilyn Oswald and all their outstanding caregivers for the love and care they showed to our beloved father.

Paid Obituary.