Barbara V. Robinson

Barbara Robinson Obituary

Barbara (Van Dine) Robinson, 82, of Franconia NH, wife of the late Guy Robinson, passed away unexpectedly on May 5. She is survived by her brother Wesley and his wife Gail of Canton, CT. She was born in Hartford, CT to Wesley B. and Josephine (Zygmont) Van Dine and grew up in West Hartford. She lived in Nahant, MA and she and Guy retired to Franconia, NH. Her loves were skiing, running, and her kitty. She is survived by a nephew and his family, two nieces, several cousins, Guy's relatives, and many friends in the skiing and running communities. Memorial contributions may be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue 1517 Meadow St. Littleton, NH. A celebration of her life will be held August 27 in NH.

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Published by Hartford Courant from May 21 to May 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Robinson

Sponsored by the family.

11 Entries

Wendy Reasenberg

September 8, 2016

I originally met Barbara through her husband Guy. Guy and I were working together to maintain, preserve and improve the unique designs on the chalets of Mittersill Village. We were coordinating a united front of Mittersill Village and Mittersill Alpine Resort to lobby the Town of Franconia for needed improvements.

During our meetings at their chalet, Barbara would be in another area, peddling away on her stationary bicycle for hours, determined to recover from a broken leg to ski and run competitively again.

Most with such an injury in their mid-sixties would hang it up, but not Barbara. She fought her way back to competition level. In her seventies she was still running in the annual Mount Washington Auto Road Race. I think she holds records in some age categories in that event.

She had a training regiment that had her regularly running up the hills at the Weeks State Park. Many have written about how nice a person she was and I certainly agree. In addition, her determination, her perseverance and her professionalism as an athlete made her a role model for us all.

Most think of age as a barrier. Barbara would say to me, "Every five years, I get into a new category and have another chance to set a new record." I will honor her by trying to emulate her positive spirit.

My sincere condolences to the family.

Gail Triff

June 15, 2016

To Wes and Gail Van Dine, I truly wish that you know, that I'm sending prayers of love, compassion and comfort to you and your family at this time of tragic and unexpected loss.
It has taken several days for me to rise above the shock of this terrible tragedy, and it is very important to me that you are aware of the love and prayers I send to you!
There could not be one person who, on meeting and knowing Barbara; did not instantly feel her gracious and engaging personality! She was absolutely one of the most shining lights!
She took with her to the Lord , that brightest light , and I believe, she is joyfully reunited with her beloveds!
I send to you, Wes and Gail, my profound condolences, love, and prayers that the power of our Lord blesses you with His comforting presence in this your time of most tragic loss.
Most sincerely, Gail R. Triff

Gail

June 15, 2016

To Wes and Gail Van Dine, I wish to express my deepest heartfelt sadness and condolences upon the tragic loss of your precious sister, Barbara. She was a great light in the world of her family, and friends who were fortunate to know her!
There is comfort in knowing that she is in the care of our Lord, and joined again with those she, and we also; loved so dearly.
Barbara was always a shining personification of what is the best example of a loving, kindhearted and generous, spiritual being! Those of us who were blessed to know and love her as family feel a great loss, but her presence remains vividly in our hearts and treasured memories forever!
To Wes and Gail, my extended family and I pray for you, remembering your loss!
May the Lord bless you and give you peace!
Amen

Gail Triff

June 15, 2016

Dearest sister,it would take a million candles to match your sunny personality! As you are sorely missed here with us, we know your bright light goes with you. As Patsy Cline sings on the CD you sent me: "I'll be loving you always!" I do, Honey, and I will--always!!
Inge-Olga (aka-Gail)

Stacy Randell

June 14, 2016

I knew Barbara as aunt Barbara. She also was my God mother. She was a inspirational woman who never stopped doing what she loved. I looked up to her and was proud to know her and to be able to say she is my aunt. She will be missed.

Kristin Triff

June 14, 2016

Barbara was a wonderful aunt and friend to me and a loving and supportive great-aunt to my three children. Like all of her family through her husband Guy, I loved her dearly and am heartbroken to have just learned of her passing.

Barbara and I shared many interests and a lifelong passion for skiing and the outdoors, and I treasured my visits to her beautiful homes in Nahant and Franconia. Her keen appreciation for art, architecture, and beauty influenced me deeply as a child and helped me to chart my own career path in architecture. I remember how excited we were when I moved to her hometown of West Hartford to teach at Trinity College, and together we marveled at how the Lord has a way of linking our lives in unexpected ways. Seeing her at my wedding, which was held on Trinity's campus, is one of my happiest memories.

I will always remember her as a true role model, and will miss her deeply. My deepest sympathy to her brother Wes and his family, and peace in their time of loss.

Adrean Triff

June 14, 2016

Barbara was a wonderful, happy, energetic person, and soul. I am just one of her several nephews, the son of Guy Robinson's surviving sister, Gail (Robinson) Triff (Tucson, AZ). Barbara has a total of four nephews and two nieces in the surviving group of Guy's relatives. We all loved her dearly (and continue to) and are incredibly sad, devastated, that she is gone. We are just now finding out why our calls to her went unanswered for the last month or more. This is truly a shock.

I grew up visiting Barbara (and Guy) often at their home in Nahant, and later at Oberwald, as Guy had named their mountain home in Franconia. Barbara shared her passion for skiing with me when I was in elementary school in the 1970s, and that passion drove me to live for several years in Park City, Utah. She had a positive effect on everyone she met I cannot recall any negativity coming from her, a true role model for her family and friends. She was, and is, loved. She will be missed; that pain is ours, but I am happy that she was able to live a full, and truly wonderful life.

My condolences to her brother, Wes, and his family. This is a sad time, and the Lord will hold her close, as he holds you all as you reflect on her life, and your loss.

Rev. Gail R. Triff 2950 N. Alvernon Way. #3203

June 13, 2016

6/13/16. Dearest sister and most cherished friend; only today have I heard the devastating news of your sudden passing! I wondered why your (never forgotten) birthday card hadn't arrived! (May 22!) this is such a terrible revelation; such a shock to me! My heart is broken! "The Baron and Baroness " of Mittersill are permanently locked within my heart! To say that I miss you ...there is no way to express the loss of your bright voice, Barb; or the long phone conversations, punctuated with so many "I love you's" and " I miss you's"
It will be Champagne and lobster together again, one day! Your loving sister, "Inge Olga Von Tucson". Gail

Polly Kenniston

June 6, 2016

Barbara was so inspirational and one could only admire her. Our paths crossed often. I am really sorry at her sudden passing. She was a lovely lady and an excellent runner.

Sandra Cosco

June 3, 2016

I am very saddened to hear about Barbara Robinson. I have had many talks with her and was so inspired by her success at her age. I am sure everyone who knew her was touched by her. She was always asking me how I was doing.

Jerry LeVasseur

May 25, 2016

I am so sorry. We will all miss Barbara. Our prayers are with Barbara and her family.

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