Gary/Gus Robinson was a good friend of mine and was my ice skating buddy. Here is his Obituary.
Gary D. 'Gus' Robison
Gus has left the building. Gary Dean Robison, "Gus", our beloved father, husband, brother, son, grandfather, but most of all, our best pal has left for the camp on the other side. Gus passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours on Friday March 13, 2009, after a brief but valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.
Gus was born in April of 1947 to Frank and Dorothy Robison. Gus was raised in a large family in the Billings south side with a sister and his 4 brothers and best friends whom he adored. He attended Taft and Garfield schools and then graduated from Billings Senior High in 1965. He and his brothers ran with a rowdy bunch and enjoyed a colorful upbringing and adolescence of work, fishing, beer, fighting, chasing girls and lots of practical jokes. He would often tell us kids stories of what a rare and special treat it would be to get hamburgers from Novasio's when they were young or to pack a cold chicken picnic and go fishing for the day. Gus was a natural athlete and enjoyed sports as a young man, but was pulled more to work so that he could buy a car and have money. He continued to be an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting his younger brother Pete in basketball and then later in life supporting his nephew, West High coach Doug Robinson, with great pride as a player then winning coach. He also really enjoyed watching small town Class C basketball. In his youth he loved to fish, swim, bowl, roller skate and ice skate and regularly bragged to his kids that they called him "Blades Robinson" at the South Park rink.
Following high school he served in the U.S. Army Reserve 529th, where he learned to cook and met his life long family friends. On January 12, 1968, Gus married Margaret Susan Fowlkes. Gus and Sue went on to have two daughters, their "Blue Eyes" Krista Sue and "Brown Eyes" Kelly. Gus always chose to live and raise his children near his brothers and their families. Our childhood was rich in family, friendship, laughter, fun and many special camping and fishing trips. We were always together for holidays and special celebrations which always included playing cards or dice. The whole Robison clan could often be seen out looking at Christmas lights or just for a cruise in uncle Gimmer's old Yellowstone Park Tour Bus which had no maximum seating capacity. When the Robison brothers were not working or raising their families, they were fishing or doing the annual boat float or at hunting camp. Gus was an avid outdoorsman, but was an especially talented fisherman. He spent many perfect moments floating and fishing the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers and looked forward all year long to the annual Memorial Day weekend trip to Henry's Lake to fish and visit with friends and family. Gus was a super hard worker and had a steady job since he was just a twelve year old kid, often working before and after school. He was an excellent truck driver by trade like his father before him. He prided himself on being a hard worker and a dependable employee. He was well regarded by all of his employers and developed many friendships along the way. His most recent employment was with Raymond Corcoran Trucking and then finally with Charlton and Sons Trucking where he worked up until his diagnosis in December of 2008. While Gus loved the road, he sacrificed much to take care of his family. He did not live to work but rather worked to live. Another happy time for Gus was during his employment as a plumber pipe fitter at Bechtel. It was during this time he developed super friendships and bought his first ski and fishing boat with uncle Pete. It seemed we practically lived at Cooney and we have super memories of learning to water ski and Gus, though he was a large guy, would amaze us by doing his back flips off the boat nearly capsizing us every time. Gus had a tender heart and saw himself in children and families day picnicking on the Cooney shores. He always offered rides and the opportunity for kids to ski who might otherwise not have had a chance to do so. That made him feel so good. Gus was a true character with a tremendous child's heart. Gus was an extremely loyal friend and was the center and touch stone for our extended family. He was notorious for going over board in everything, from cooking, packing camping and fishing supplies, but especially for his holiday displays and celebrations. He was famous for having his warming cook tent set up on Halloween and offering hot dogs and cocoa to trick-or-treaters and alpines for the parents. Gus was also known for his hospitality under his yellow and white canopy at the hill climbs, Cooney Dam and all summer gatherings of family and friends. One of his favorite things was winning money, especially on a bluff, and Gus was known for upsetting many a "friendly" poker game with his aggressive all-in style of play whether he had the cards or not. He loved to garage sale and barter for treasures. In the final years of his life Gus and Sue moved from the little house on Berg, in Billings, to a new home in Worden near his brother Pete-O. That was his castle!
He loved to cook and spent Sundays preparing our weekly Sunday supper for his children and grandchildren and for Pete's children Jenny and Tom Fox of Billings and Matt and Mary Robison when they could come down from Big Bear Lodge in Cooke City. He considered Pete's grandkids his own and affectionately referred to Jake, Ryan and Addy as his "Monsters," as he did his own. He held annual pumpkin carving contests with a lighted hay ride and Easter egg hunts for all of his "monsters" and anyone else's who happened to be around. Since moving to Worden, Gus and Sue enjoyed dinner with his friends in the Friday Night Club. Gus did not have many material possessions in his childhood and spent the later parts of his life going through a second childhood buying himself everything he always wanted. Gus was an avid collector of whatever struck his fancy. His most prized possession was his 1971 Classic Chevelle. He spent much of his spare time at car shows and had many friends in the local car club community.
Much to his own sadness and to everyone who loved him, his life was cut short by this terrible disease. It tried to rob him of everything he enjoyed in the final days of his life. What it could not diminish was the wonderful friendships he had with so many and the love of his family. In the end it was the absolute raw love of those closest to him, especially his girls, his wife and his brothers that sustained him through the end.
Daddy you have left us such a gaping hole in our hearts and lives. We are so glad that your suffering is over, but no one could ever fill your shoes and the world will just be a lot less fun with you not in it. Thanks for making us tough and teaching us to work. We will take care of our Mom. We will remember you always and think of you in all of life's simple and perfect moments. We will celebrate you in that first drink of cold beer at the Hill Climbs, in the moment the fish hits the line, in the laughter and joy of our children, every holiday and all family gatherings, when we win, the spur of the moment water fights and in the first jump off the boat each summer that takes our breath away. Simply, we will love you forever, we like for always and as long as we are living, our Daddy and Pal you'll be.
Gus was preceded in death by his beloved father Frank Robison, who gave him his nickname and so much more, his brother Doug Robison, Sr., his sister-in-law Linda Robison and his two close friends Ron "Cop" Pendill and Doug LeClair.
Gus is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sue Robison of Worden; his daughters and son-in-laws, Krista and Patrick Boehm and Kelly and Chris Konecny; his two grown grandchildren Chelsea and Justin Boehm and grandchildren Glorian, Gabe and Kale Konecny, all of Billings. Gus is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Robison; brothers Dwayne (Brenda), Gimmer (Linnea) Robison all of Billings; his sister Sandy Muniz of Texas and by his youngest brother and the baby of the family, Pete (Becky) Robison of Worden. He is additionally survived by all of his nieces and nephews and all of our extended family and friends: Larry and Barb Marshall, Tim and Lucy Brown, Bart and Betty Jo Howell, George and Maryanne Mathis, Dennis and Joanne Ostermiller, Deb and Shorty Will and last but not least, Floyd Newell, Bernie and family.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial and celebration of Gus Robison's life will be held of Friday, March 20, 2009 at Smith Funeral Chapel West, located at 304 34th St. W. at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following at the Knights of Columbus on Grand. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Gus's memory to benefit Dennis and Joann Ostemiller's 3 year old granddaughter who was recently diagnosed with cancer, c/o Krista Boehm, 2102 Hoover Ave., Billings, MT 59102.
Gus was a good friend when we were in Taft and Garfield. I recall his house got a little crack in the stucco during the earthquake. The same house I once washed up in before going home after an after school fight. So much fun in those days. I remember another time someone said something not complimentary about his sister; that guy found himself flat on the ground in a second. He had a happy, easy going nature, but was always ready for a little rough horsing too. I lost track of Gus during adulthood, and am happy to hear he had a happy life; his obituary is very well written and sounds just like the guy I remember. See you later Gus.
Oh, the wonderful people I didn't know in high school...I'm sure if I had it to do again, it would turn out the same. I'm thankful I can appreciate it now--Gary sounds like such a good person in all the important ways. I love your sharing that you cleaned up there after a fight. I imagine we all have earthquake stories, but not quite as dramatic as a cracked wall!
I will say again-another wonderful member of our class, one living his life as we should. Just loving and giving. What a beautifully written story honoring our classmate! xxoo
Charles Nelson
Gary/Gus Robinson was a good friend of mine and was my ice skating buddy. Here is his Obituary.
Gary D. 'Gus' Robison
Gus has left the building. Gary Dean Robison, "Gus", our beloved father, husband, brother, son, grandfather, but most of all, our best pal has left for the camp on the other side. Gus passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours on Friday March 13, 2009, after a brief but valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.
Gus was born in April of 1947 to Frank and Dorothy Robison. Gus was raised in a large family in the Billings south side with a sister and his 4 brothers and best friends whom he adored. He attended Taft and Garfield schools and then graduated from Billings Senior High in 1965. He and his brothers ran with a rowdy bunch and enjoyed a colorful upbringing and adolescence of work, fishing, beer, fighting, chasing girls and lots of practical jokes. He would often tell us kids stories of what a rare and special treat it would be to get hamburgers from Novasio's when they were young or to pack a cold chicken picnic and go fishing for the day. Gus was a natural athlete and enjoyed sports as a young man, but was pulled more to work so that he could buy a car and have money. He continued to be an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting his younger brother Pete in basketball and then later in life supporting his nephew, West High coach Doug Robinson, with great pride as a player then winning coach. He also really enjoyed watching small town Class C basketball. In his youth he loved to fish, swim, bowl, roller skate and ice skate and regularly bragged to his kids that they called him "Blades Robinson" at the South Park rink.
Following high school he served in the U.S. Army Reserve 529th, where he learned to cook and met his life long family friends. On January 12, 1968, Gus married Margaret Susan Fowlkes. Gus and Sue went on to have two daughters, their "Blue Eyes" Krista Sue and "Brown Eyes" Kelly. Gus always chose to live and raise his children near his brothers and their families. Our childhood was rich in family, friendship, laughter, fun and many special camping and fishing trips. We were always together for holidays and special celebrations which always included playing cards or dice. The whole Robison clan could often be seen out looking at Christmas lights or just for a cruise in uncle Gimmer's old Yellowstone Park Tour Bus which had no maximum seating capacity. When the Robison brothers were not working or raising their families, they were fishing or doing the annual boat float or at hunting camp. Gus was an avid outdoorsman, but was an especially talented fisherman. He spent many perfect moments floating and fishing the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers and looked forward all year long to the annual Memorial Day weekend trip to Henry's Lake to fish and visit with friends and family. Gus was a super hard worker and had a steady job since he was just a twelve year old kid, often working before and after school. He was an excellent truck driver by trade like his father before him. He prided himself on being a hard worker and a dependable employee. He was well regarded by all of his employers and developed many friendships along the way. His most recent employment was with Raymond Corcoran Trucking and then finally with Charlton and Sons Trucking where he worked up until his diagnosis in December of 2008. While Gus loved the road, he sacrificed much to take care of his family. He did not live to work but rather worked to live. Another happy time for Gus was during his employment as a plumber pipe fitter at Bechtel. It was during this time he developed super friendships and bought his first ski and fishing boat with uncle Pete. It seemed we practically lived at Cooney and we have super memories of learning to water ski and Gus, though he was a large guy, would amaze us by doing his back flips off the boat nearly capsizing us every time. Gus had a tender heart and saw himself in children and families day picnicking on the Cooney shores. He always offered rides and the opportunity for kids to ski who might otherwise not have had a chance to do so. That made him feel so good. Gus was a true character with a tremendous child's heart. Gus was an extremely loyal friend and was the center and touch stone for our extended family. He was notorious for going over board in everything, from cooking, packing camping and fishing supplies, but especially for his holiday displays and celebrations. He was famous for having his warming cook tent set up on Halloween and offering hot dogs and cocoa to trick-or-treaters and alpines for the parents. Gus was also known for his hospitality under his yellow and white canopy at the hill climbs, Cooney Dam and all summer gatherings of family and friends. One of his favorite things was winning money, especially on a bluff, and Gus was known for upsetting many a "friendly" poker game with his aggressive all-in style of play whether he had the cards or not. He loved to garage sale and barter for treasures. In the final years of his life Gus and Sue moved from the little house on Berg, in Billings, to a new home in Worden near his brother Pete-O. That was his castle!
He loved to cook and spent Sundays preparing our weekly Sunday supper for his children and grandchildren and for Pete's children Jenny and Tom Fox of Billings and Matt and Mary Robison when they could come down from Big Bear Lodge in Cooke City. He considered Pete's grandkids his own and affectionately referred to Jake, Ryan and Addy as his "Monsters," as he did his own. He held annual pumpkin carving contests with a lighted hay ride and Easter egg hunts for all of his "monsters" and anyone else's who happened to be around. Since moving to Worden, Gus and Sue enjoyed dinner with his friends in the Friday Night Club. Gus did not have many material possessions in his childhood and spent the later parts of his life going through a second childhood buying himself everything he always wanted. Gus was an avid collector of whatever struck his fancy. His most prized possession was his 1971 Classic Chevelle. He spent much of his spare time at car shows and had many friends in the local car club community.
Much to his own sadness and to everyone who loved him, his life was cut short by this terrible disease. It tried to rob him of everything he enjoyed in the final days of his life. What it could not diminish was the wonderful friendships he had with so many and the love of his family. In the end it was the absolute raw love of those closest to him, especially his girls, his wife and his brothers that sustained him through the end.
Daddy you have left us such a gaping hole in our hearts and lives. We are so glad that your suffering is over, but no one could ever fill your shoes and the world will just be a lot less fun with you not in it. Thanks for making us tough and teaching us to work. We will take care of our Mom. We will remember you always and think of you in all of life's simple and perfect moments. We will celebrate you in that first drink of cold beer at the Hill Climbs, in the moment the fish hits the line, in the laughter and joy of our children, every holiday and all family gatherings, when we win, the spur of the moment water fights and in the first jump off the boat each summer that takes our breath away. Simply, we will love you forever, we like for always and as long as we are living, our Daddy and Pal you'll be.
Gus was preceded in death by his beloved father Frank Robison, who gave him his nickname and so much more, his brother Doug Robison, Sr., his sister-in-law Linda Robison and his two close friends Ron "Cop" Pendill and Doug LeClair.
Gus is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sue Robison of Worden; his daughters and son-in-laws, Krista and Patrick Boehm and Kelly and Chris Konecny; his two grown grandchildren Chelsea and Justin Boehm and grandchildren Glorian, Gabe and Kale Konecny, all of Billings. Gus is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Robison; brothers Dwayne (Brenda), Gimmer (Linnea) Robison all of Billings; his sister Sandy Muniz of Texas and by his youngest brother and the baby of the family, Pete (Becky) Robison of Worden. He is additionally survived by all of his nieces and nephews and all of our extended family and friends: Larry and Barb Marshall, Tim and Lucy Brown, Bart and Betty Jo Howell, George and Maryanne Mathis, Dennis and Joanne Ostermiller, Deb and Shorty Will and last but not least, Floyd Newell, Bernie and family.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial and celebration of Gus Robison's life will be held of Friday, March 20, 2009 at Smith Funeral Chapel West, located at 304 34th St. W. at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following at the Knights of Columbus on Grand. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Gus's memory to benefit Dennis and Joann Ostemiller's 3 year old granddaughter who was recently diagnosed with cancer, c/o Krista Boehm, 2102 Hoover Ave., Billings, MT 59102.
Gary Beeler
Gus was a good friend when we were in Taft and Garfield. I recall his house got a little crack in the stucco during the earthquake. The same house I once washed up in before going home after an after school fight. So much fun in those days. I remember another time someone said something not complimentary about his sister; that guy found himself flat on the ground in a second. He had a happy, easy going nature, but was always ready for a little rough horsing too. I lost track of Gus during adulthood, and am happy to hear he had a happy life; his obituary is very well written and sounds just like the guy I remember. See you later Gus.
Carol Hopkins (Heath)
Oh, the wonderful people I didn't know in high school...I'm sure if I had it to do again, it would turn out the same. I'm thankful I can appreciate it now--Gary sounds like such a good person in all the important ways. I love your sharing that you cleaned up there after a fight. I imagine we all have earthquake stories, but not quite as dramatic as a cracked wall!
Kim Nybo (Gambish)
I will say again-another wonderful member of our class, one living his life as we should. Just loving and giving. What a beautifully written story honoring our classmate! xxoo