Love You Pops

I dedicate this blog post to my late father Dennis R. Robinson Sr.   Dad passed away earlier this year, May 21st to be exact.    The poor guy had been sick for about a year and he did a pretty good job hiding it.   I spent a lot of time this year being back in Wichita to visit and help out where I could.

I pretty much traveled by car, train and plane on some of my trips back and forth.  Honestly a lot of it is a blur.   It was some very emotional times and I am thankful that I did get to spend as much time with him as we did toward the end.

For my part I had forgotten all about COVID during this time as we were spending a lot of time in the Hospital and Doctors offices.

I really miss him and at times find myself wanting to pick up the phone and tell him something or ask a question.  I know it has been tough on my Mother as well.   She is now by herself and has some of her own health issues and there is not a lot I can do being 500 miles away.

"Dennis Ray Robinson, 75, of Valley Center, Kansas passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on May 21st, 2021.  Dennis was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Robinson and Jennie (Kabler) Robinson Cowdrey; Step-dad, William Cowdrey; brother, Edwin A. Robinson

Dennis is survived by the love of his life, Goldie Robinson, of 57 years; son, Dennis Ray Robinson Jr. (Candy); daughter, Angela Marie Montini (Tony); grandchildren, Eric (Shannon) Robinson; Clark Robinson; Katie Montini and Natalie Montini; great-grandchildren, Aemon and Lochlan Robinson; cousins, Linda Kabler, Brian Kabler, and Brenda Kabler.

Dennis had a love for aviation and built and flew numerous aircraft through his life.

He worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 43 years, retiring at the age of 60.  Through his career with the railroad, he was a Carman, mechanical supervisor, and safety supervisor in La Junta, Colorado and Newton, Kansas. Dennis had served as safety assistant for BNSF's mechanical, car, and locomotive team in Newton, Dodge City, Hutchinson and Wellington, Kan. Dennis helped the team surpass 14 years without a Federal Railroad Administration-reportable injury — one of the best safety records in the railroad industry, according to the Association of American Railroads.  In 2004 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Carman Dennis Robinson was named recipient of the 2004 Harold F. Hammond Award, which recognizes an individual railroad employee for outstanding safety achievement.

After Dennis retired from the railroad, he spent his free time working on his airplanes and flying in/out of his own airstrip. He was known for his Karaoke singing, sense of humor, and savior to any furry critters that may have crossed his path."