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Clarence Franklin Robison
Clarence Franklin Robison
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Clarence Robison Obituary
Franklin Robison
Clarence Franklin Robison passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, September 26, at his home in Provo, Utah.
Robbie, as he was known by his friends and loved ones, was born June 18, 1923 in Fillmore, Utah to Archie and Lottie Robison. He married Monita Turley on March 31, 1950 in the Manti Temple. Robbie served valiantly in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to July 1946 and was known for his integrity and leadership. Following the war he returned to Brigham Young University and resumed his place on the track team. The highlight of Robbie's athletic career came in 1948 when he was selected as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team to compete in London. The following year he toured Europe as a member of the U.S. National Track and Field team.
Following his stellar track career, Robbie realized his love for coaching and became the head track coach at Brigham Young University, a position he would hold for the next forty years. He served as a father figure and friend to hundreds of athletes during that time and was loved by all. In 1970, Robbie coached the team to a NCAA co-championship, the first national championship reached by any BYU athletic team. When Robbie retired in 1988 he left a powerful legacy behind. He had coached 26 Olympians and 118 All-Americans. More importantly, he has been a spiritual guide for so many of his beloved track "sons". In 2002, he was inducted into the U.S. Track Coaches Hall of Fame, and in 2004 BYU honored him by naming the outdoor track and field facility after him.
Robbie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found great joy in serving the Lord. In 1989, he was called to be mission president of the England Leeds Mission and served side by side with his dear wife, Monita. Robbie and Monita served in several other capacities together, including a mission to Istanbul, Turkey, and also directing the Missionary Training Center in Preston, England. Robbie and Monita's missionaries always looked to them not only as spiritual leaders but as friends.
The father of nine children, Robbie treasured the times that he spent with his family. He has forty-one grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, who lovingly call him "Pappy". He was known by all of them as a good man who truly loved his family and would do anything for them.
Robbie is survived by his wife Monita, sister Jene Bradfield, and his children: Ron (Ria), Steve (Carolyn), Sandy Olsen (Orrin), Mark (Jaye Lynn), Scott (Tina), Natalie Tanner (David), Jeff (Crystal), Camille Chipman (Steve), and Bart (Kori). He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rolf.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 2, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Provo Grandview South Stake Center, 1122 North Grand Avenue, Provo. Friends may call Sunday evening at Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center Street, Provo from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also Monday morning at the stake center, prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment in Provo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in honor of Coach Clarence Robison to the BYU Men's Track Account c/o LDS Philanthropies at BYU, 1501 North Canyon Road, Provo UT 84604-1607. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
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Kevin Biesinger
October 23, 2006
In the mission field we teach people of the Plan of Salvation. It is comforting to know our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness that enables families to be together forever. I am so glad to know this eternal truth and am especially thankful that Clarence Robison made and took opportunities to share testimonies with the rest of God's children about the peace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He will continue to do so on the other side of the veil--extending the blessings of the Atonement that he enjoys to all who will receive them. Remember the Legacy of the link he forged in the family chain, and never let your hope, nor faith, falter "that [you] may also be glorified together." Romans 8:16-17
R. Craig Poole
October 23, 2006
Robie is one of the great men in Track and Field. I can remember, as a Junior and as a High School, sitting in a fireside where he talked and I was so impressed with his style and his presentation. At that point I knew I wanted to coach at his level. As luck would have he was responsible to brining me to BYU as the Women's coach. It has been such a great experinece I will for ever be indebted to him for providiing me this opportunity. When I arrived he helped me to adjust and establish the women's program. We spend countless hours in his office talking, and for me learning. The success we have had in the women's program in a great measure is because of Robie's influence. I will miss him, and his constant influence. He was a fellow coach, a mentor and a friend.
Carol Lambert
October 17, 2006
For the family of Clarence Robison.
From Carol B. Lambert
A standout memory of this superior human being--Clarence--occurred when we, a group of exercising women in the Provo, Utah Oak Hills Stake area, asked Clarence to show us how to "power walk." He replied, "Yes, if you promise ot to laugh." He did (show us how to power walk) and we didn't (laugh).
(My own daughters did laugh at me down in the BYU Fieldhouse watching me "power walk.) Some of the original group of those exercising women are still "power walking" after all these years! thanks to Clarence's demonstration.
There is also a historical connection I have with Clarence since some Robisons come from Fillmore, Utah, as did my mother.
My husband, Carlyle B. Lambert, a huge BYU Cougar sports fan, watched and admired Clarence's building of the BYU Track and Field teams into a national powerhouse. Carlyle, "C.B.", died a little over a year ago at 88.
So, I know that death is poignant and can be very painful at saying goodbye for now. But, what a marvelous legacy Clarence Robison has left for you, and for BYU athletics, and for all the athletes and students whose lives he affected for good.
Sincerely,
Carol B. Lambert
1420 Maple Lane
Provo, UT 84604
Jussi Kemppainen
October 7, 2006
On and off the field, in Church or wherever he was... his testimony was the radiant factor that influenced all of us.
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David Galindo
October 4, 2006
Where do I start and what can I say that hasn't already been expressed through this medium and others I have so richly been uplifted by through reading? What a man and what a wonderful lady you are Monita! I love you both so much, even though I wasn't able or didn't have the chance to express that love and admirition I have for you both when I served under you as a missionary for our Heavenly Father and the people of northeastern England. I often think of his powerful counsel during our zone conferences and, though a very large man in stature, it didn't even come close to matching the size of his heart and humility. What a priviledge to have served under and have been acquainted with the both of you! And of course we all know this isn't really a goodbye but an adieu until we meet again.
God Be With You,
Elder David Galindo ELM (1988-1990)
Saimoni & Cheryl Tamani (BYU Track 1970-75)
October 2, 2006
The Robison Family:
I was saddened to hear of Coach Robbies's passing. I feel my life has been blessed by knowing this great man. Coach Robbie recruited me at the end of the summer of 1970 from Fiji to run sprints and the relays for BYU. I had never heard of BYU, nor been to America. Immediately, upon my arrival at BYU, Coach Robbie made me feel welcomed and became a second father to me. I admired him as a strong man of God and a fantastic track coach. I give credit to Coach Robbie for the influence he had in my life. I stayed at BYU, through many a freezing, cold Utah winters. I got my college degree; the only college graduate in my family. I joined the church in 1973 and have been an active member since. I became a U. S citizen in 1984 and married my college sweetheart from Oregon. Though I have a full-time job, I still coach high school track in the spring at a local high school. Coach Robbie set high standards in his coaching, which I try to do with my young athletes today. I will always be thankful to Coach Robbie for giving me the opportunity to come to America, run track, earn a college degree, and live my dream. He was a wonderful example to everyone who knew him. I will miss my BYU coach, but consider myself fortunate to have been one of the lucky ones who knew him. I pray the Lord will comfort and bless his family at this time. What a great legacy this wonderful man has left. You should be proud.
Merrill Webb
October 2, 2006
Dear Robison Family,
We were very saddened to hear of the death of your husband and father. He has been such a wonderful example for so many people throughout his life. He was an influence for good not only to students, athletes, missionaries but also for his family. I will alway remember his great help and influence when he served on the Provo School Board. He had a good influence on many teachers during that time. You can be very proud of the legacy that he has left.
I have always enjoyed remembering the experiences I had with him and also in teaching four of his children, Mark, Natalie, Camille and Bart and his grandson, Nathan. I could always see his good influence in them. May the Lord bless you and comfort you at this time.
Sincerely,
Merrill and Lynnette Webb
Kevin Biesinger
October 2, 2006
From a letter from Elder Kevin S. Biesinger to his mom 10/2/06: "Yes I did receive the article about Clarence Robison; thank you for sending it. I wish you could send my condolences to Mark Robison for me. While I was admiring the glass prize for the event winners at the Clarence Robison Invitational (with his face etched into the glass), Coach Robison was sharing some special vignettes about his father. I am so glad that he lived such a notable legacy and etched such a fine impression on the world."
Patrick and Karey Shane
October 2, 2006
I owe this great man a debt of gratitude that I can never express in words. His influence has been felt for good by thousands and he will be greatly missed. Personally, I owe so much to Coach Robison for being a father away from home while I was a student athlete at BYU, for his fatherly patience and advice kept me on the straight and narrow, and my decision to go into coaching was a direct result of Robbie's influence. He helped me get my first job at Provo High School where I spent 7 years under his tutelage and where I had the pleasure of coaching four of his children: Mark, Scott, Natalie and Camille. Without his help I would never have been able to become the women's Cross Country Coach at Brigham Young University. His influence has effected my life in so many positive ways. My wife and I offer our sincere appreciation to the entire Robison family. May God bless you.
Jim and Cathy Blaisdell
October 1, 2006
Robbie was such a positive influence in our lives. We love him and think of him and his family fondly.
Darin Larsen
October 1, 2006
Sister Robison & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. President Robinson was and
is a great example to all missionaries that served
with him in the ELM.
He was a rock in the gospel and a rock of a man. He will be remembered forever for the great person and leader that he was.
ELM 1988-1990
Teri Stailey Allred
October 1, 2006
I too was an England Leeds missionary under President and Sister Robison. I will always treasure the year that I spent in the office and the wonderful experience that came with working with President Robison. He was a great leader and example and you will be missed. Sister Robison, my love goes out to you in your time of sadness. I do know of your testimony of the gospel, and know that your joy will be great when you meet up with your wonderful husband once again!!
Elizabeth "Sister Brown" Anderson, England Leeds 1990-1991
October 1, 2006
President Robison was a great example to many of Heavenly Fathers children. My life was forever changed when I served in the England Leeds Mission. Sister Robison, Your "Robbie" will be missed. He touched more lives then most do in a lifetime. This world is a better place because of the service he gave to the young adults at BYU and in the mission field. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Cheryl Hansen(Greathouse)
September 30, 2006
Dear Sister Robison and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was such a pleasure and honor to have Sister Robison" mum" and Presient Robison as my mission president. He is a great man and I learned a lot from him. I loved being able to hear him speak every month in zone conference. His messages were very inspiring. You both are greatly loved and President Robison will be greatly missed.
roy hann
September 30, 2006
He was an inspiration to us all but we will meet again
Mark Low
September 30, 2006
our deepest regards go out to the Robison family. Coach Robbie was instrumental in my coming to BYU as an athlete in 1969. He ( and Monita) made us feel part of their family. I remember sitting for hours in the track ofice listening to hunting and fishing stories and the ongoing sagas of track trips. I'm sure as athletes we added to many a gray hair...especially on those long drives to U of New Mexico. He was a second Father to so many of us, his advice was always valuable and he was influential in my choice to be a track coach. He was a great example to us all. I have wonderful memories of his great sense of humor, his love for family and his love for his athletes, his respect and concern for all of those he worked with through the years did not go unoticed. Because of how he built the program at BYU, we are honored that 2 of our sons are also part of the BYU Track Team family. He is a friend that will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Mark and Nancy Low
BYU Track 1969-1974
Alton Thygerson
September 30, 2006
Dear Monita and family,
From the day Robby made a recruiting visit to my Texas home in 1958, he became one of my "heros." His wisdom and calm spirit were strong attributes. I saw them displayed on numerous occasions while on the BYU track team and later as a professional colleague in the BYU Health Science Department. We faculty listened when he gave counsel and opinions on important matters being discussed within the department.
He was a great story-teller and was a very popular church fireside speaker. In less formal places, we all enjoyed his hunting and fishing stories and his contagious sense of humor.
Robby will be missed, but he won't be forgotten.
Ardith and I have included the Robison family in our prayers.
John Myles-Mills
September 30, 2006
I am honored to say in a way,i was one of Robbies prodigies indirectly by way of Coach Hirschie and Mark. I came to enjoy some of the great track ameneties at BYU soo much, that i recommended my brother Leonard to come aboard and today he his an assistant mens track coach. Thanks to Robbie for paving the way.
I was saddend to hear of his passing and i wish his family strength and will continue to pray for them through these sad times.
Michael Smith
September 30, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go to my my mission mum. President and Sister Robison treated every Elder and Sister that passed through the halls of the E.L.M. as one of their own children. President Robison was an amazing leader whose mere presence brought respect. His example as a leader, father, and husband I can only hope to attempt to emulate. He served his Father well. Thanks to him and to you Sister Robison. I love you both.
Michael Smith
E.L.M. 1991-93
andrew morris
September 29, 2006
I couldn't have asked for a better mission president and father figure.
Many lives have been touched in countless ways by his loving gentle spirit.He will be missed and never forgotten.My prayers are with you Sister Robison "mum".Many thanks and much love and admiration to you as well:)
Jenai Axelson
September 29, 2006
President and Sister Robison are dear to my heart. Their leadership strengthened my testimony and has made me a better wife and mother. My condolences are with you, Sister Robison. Tho' it is hard now, eternity is a lot longer. Love, Jenai
Lillian B. Anhder
September 29, 2006
Dear Family,
You do not know me but I did
meet Coach Robbie, through my son in
law, Paul Cimming and his wife Gaye.
They both told me many good things about him and how much they loved him. I want to offer my my condolences to all of you. The good deeds he did for so many will be felt for generations. I like to think that Paul and Coach Robbie are having a wonderful reunion.
Sincerely, Lillian B. Anhder
Neil Mason
September 29, 2006
I remember meeting Mr Robison when he was the mission president over here in Leeds,UK. I remember him as a kind avuncular figure who always had an ear for anyone.
My condolencies go to the Robison family
Dean Moore
September 29, 2006
A wonderful man and a great Mission President. My sympathies and love to his family.
Elder Dean Moore
England Leeds Mission 1990-1992
THOMAS BERG
September 28, 2006
Ron sorry to hear about your dad, I remember him from my days at BYU. Great guy, he will be missed.
Amy McCabe Brown
September 28, 2006
I, too, was a lucky one to have President Robison as my mission president. What a wonderful influence he was on the Leeds Mission- I know he will be missed by many. My thoughts are with you, Sister Robison.
George Robinson
September 28, 2006
I only new him as President Robison, I was a missionary in the MTC while he and his wife served in London before the Preston MTC existed. I still remember his motivating stories and that was nearly 9 years ago. He bore powerful witness of the master, he gave inspired counsel and he was a great support to myself and other like me as did his wife. I must say that Sister Robison always made you feel like she knew you personally, as if she would still remember you name and face years from now, like you were a part of the family. What a testament to a great brother and sister in the Gospel.
Served Mission (Feb 1997 - March 1999)
Marc Coppell
September 28, 2006
My heart goes out to you Sister Monita Robison. Your husband Clarence was one of the best men I have had the privedge of knowing. He did a fabulous job as mission president in the England Leeds mission with you at his side. I will always treasure his goodness to me as one of the missionaries of the E.L.M. I know such a man will be in high favor with our Father in Heaven. I am very appreciative that I knew him though only for a brief time in my life.
sincerely
Shirley Johnson
September 28, 2006
We're sorry for the loss of a great man. Thanks for sharing him with us at BYU for so many years.
Richard Millett
September 28, 2006
Robbie played a very important part in my life by encouraging me to come to BYU in 1952 as a member of the Track team. He was always encouraging and helpful in developing my talents, especially after I had injured my knee while on my mission and was told by three doctors that I would never be able to excel, Robbie had faith that I could still run. With his encouragement and help I surpassed all of my previous marks in the hurdles and sprints, even without an anterior cruciate ligament for stability.
Monita, you have been a wonderful friend, help and inspiration to Denna and me through the years. We love you and pray for the Lord's choicest blessing to be with you and your family. Our family joins with us in sending our love and appreciation.
Richard & Denna Millett
Mary Corbaley (Calder)
September 28, 2006
I was one of the lucky ones to have President Robison as my mission president while serving in the England Leeds Mission. I hold dear the memories of his love, concern and compassion. I also hold dear the "Fatherly Hugs", that he would give at the end of our interviews.
Sister Robison my love and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Mary Isom
September 28, 2006
Dear Natalie
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of
your family. Treasure the wonderrful memories
you have . My God Bless you at this difficult time.
Love, Mary Isom
Lela Aston
September 28, 2006
Dear Monita; I am sorry to learn of Robby's passing. He was a wonderful man. I will miss the funeral because I am in St. George with Susan. My prayers are with you. Sincerely,
Eric Farr
September 28, 2006
I will always have fond memories of President Robison. He was a wonderful mission president, and I enjoyed his leadership and companionability.
David Nilsen
September 28, 2006
President Robison (as I refer to him) was my mission president in Leeds.
He and Sister Robison were wonderful examples to me of Christ-like love and the kind of relationship you can have while serving together as a couple in the church.
I'm sure they are part of the influence that motivated me to find a wife that is eager to serve missions with me when our 7 children have matured enough.
It was an honor to serve with him and although his presence will certainly be missed a knowledge that comes with the restored gospel and living its principles will certainly comfort those still here.
With love,
Dr. and Mrs. David Nilsen
Stan Crump
September 28, 2006
Coach Robison was a model coach for me when I started at BYU. What a wonderful life he has lived so far!
R. Craig Poole
September 28, 2006
Robie brought me to BYU. I'm am forever endebted to him for this. He was my mentor and guided me in being successful as a University coach at BYU. Mostly is was always supportive and a life long friend. My best to Robie's family, he will be missed.
Brent Atterton
September 28, 2006
My family "Atterton's" have know "Clarence & Monita Robison & family for a long time. When we moved to Grandview Hill in 1972 and I have been good friends with Natalie Robison (Tanner). Our thoughts and prayers go to the Robison family. He was and is a great man, a wonderful father and super friend. My Mom & Dad loved going to there home to visit. What a "Great" family.
Our Love,
Atterton's
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