Marc V. Robinson

1953 - 2015

Dr. Marc Vance Robinson passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 12, 2015, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska. Funeral Service will be held 12 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015, at Legacy Heritage Chapel; 440 E Klatt Road in Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Marc Vance Robinson was born on March 20, 1953, in Chicago, Ill., to Lloyd and Annie Mae Robinson, who preceded him in death, along with one brother, Lloyd Kevin Robinson. Since Marc lost his mother at an early age, and because of the love between two sisters, he was adopted by his Aunt and Uncle, Ernestine and Leonard B. Wallace Sr.; and three brothers, Leonard B. Wallace Jr., Vernon C. Wallace and Aaron L. Wallace, who also preceded him in death. Marc accepted Christ at an early age and attended Carey Tercentenary AME Church in Chicago, where he was the assistant musician in the junior church. He and his siblings sang in the Chancel Choir. Marc sang wherever he was needed including weddings and funerals. Worshipers loved hearing Marc's tenor tone sing "How Great Thou Art." Marc attended Mason Elementary School, Lindblom High School, where he sang in the All City Choir, and St. Xavier University, where he was the first African-American male to graduate from that school. Marc met and married Pam and the two have been inseparable ever since. From this union, they gave birth to Marc's heart, Kimkoa Denise. In 1978, Marc received an offer of a lifetime that would take him far away from home, following his love of music he moved to Alaska! Once in Alaska, Marc received his second bachelors degree in Elementary Education, a masters degree in Education and a Doctorate in Educational Leaderships. He taught sixth grade and was an assistance principal and principal at Lake Otis and Fairview Elementary Schools. He was an Associate Professor of Education at University of Alaska Mat-Su and Coordinator of the Education Department at both University of Alaska Anchorage and Mat-Su campuses. Marc was the master of planned spontaneity and could speak volumes with a single glance. His ambition was that every child read and read well. Some of the children called him "Mr. Dr. Robinson," which made him smile. Marc touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. To his family, he was our protector and loved us all. He was an accomplished musician and was respected for his rhythm and blues keyboard playing and his vocals. Marc was quoted as saying, "I am a lifelong learner. I truly believe that all students can learn and it is the responsibility of teachers to provide a safe and stimulating educational environment. I love teaching and I love learning but most of all, I love making my grandsons laugh." This is a testament to his life and love of children and education. Marc leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Pamela Robinson; a doting daughter, Kimkoa; his son-in-law, Nicholas; sisters, Deborah Robinson and Linda Horne (Ralph) of Chicago, Ill.; adopted family brother, Henry Wallace of St. Paul, Minn.; sisters, Sharon Hamilton, Doris Lynn and Jacqueline France (Mark), all of Chicago; grandchildren, Jaden, Elliott and Alice; nephews, Eric Groves, Kevin Davis, Jason Robinson, Ronald Haynes, Justin Stewart, Christopher Robinson and Allen Wallace; nieces, Deanna Patton and Tisha Wallace, Shanika Wallace, Ellana Haynes and Aurea France; lifelong friend, Wade Tavorn; and a host of other relatives and friends.