Dr. Charles A. Robbins Jr.

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Charles Robbins Obituary

ROBBINS, Dr. Charles A., Jr., M.D. Dr. Charles A. "Doc" Robbins, Jr., M.D., 85, of Saybrook Road, died at his home after a brief illness on Thursday, (August 10, 2006). He would have been 86 years old next month. He was born in Manchester, the son of the late Charles A. and Mabel (Barrett) Robbins, Sr. He later moved to Middletown in 1954. Prior to his retirement he was employed as a psychiatrist for 37 years with Connecticut Valley Hospital. He is a graduate of University of Connecticut (1942) where he was a distance runner, and New York Medical College (1951). A veteran of World War II he served with the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. After his retirement in 1991 he published a history of the Connecticut State Hospital, "From the Inside Out". A nationally recognized runner, Charley won eleven national long distance championships and finished third in the 1944 Boston Marathon. In 1948 he was selected as an alternate for the US Olympic team. For sixty years he continued to pursue his passion for running, chronicled in his book "Running with the Best", and was instrumental in reviving the now famous Manchester Turkey Day Race in 1945, which he won that year. Earl Yost, a Manchester sportswriter, has written that in 1945 Charley was considered the best distance runner in the United States. He missed running in Manchester only once in 1951 while interning in Cleveland, OH. He raced Manchester fifty consecutive times and finished in the top ten runners ten times. He was honored by the race organizers who pinned the number "1" to his jersey. Charley became nearly as famous for running barefoot as he was for his running accomplishments and was recently inducted into the "Runningbarefoot.org" Hall of Fame. His final race was the 2001 Manchester Turkey Day race when he was 81. He is survived by two daughters, Chris Robbins of Acworth, NH and Barrett Robbins-Pianka and her husband Martin of Middletown; a brother, William Wesley Robbins of Bolton; three grandchildren, Orson, Ethan, and Adam Robbins-Pianka, as well a numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to an organization of donor's choice.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Robbins

7 Entries

Mary Robbins Morganson

September 1, 2006

There are two men who shaped my life. They are brothers. One I just lost, and one I hold onto for dear life. My uncle Charlie and my Dad are very much alike. So when I speak of one, it mostly describes the other. Uncle Charlie taught me by example how to treat other human beings. He gave everyone respect regardless of race, color, creed, income, faults, mental health or running status. He needed little, asked for nothing, and selflessly gave and gave to others. When I talked with him it was as if I were the only person in the world. Everyone who spoke with him felt that way. He never judged or spoke negatively of others. He would faithfully visit his long time patients well after he retired. He taught me to listen, to be humble, and to strive to be an independent thinker. He taught me respect for life and the environment. I inherited his love and discipline to exercise. He taught me simplicity rules. I can only strive to emulate him. I can continue to learn from his brother, my Dad, Wes. I will never forget my Uncle Charlie and all he taught me. The void is painful and as great as the man he was. My heart is with his much loved daughters, Barrie and Chris, his son-in-law and close friend, Martin, and the three grandchildren whom he loved and who brought him great joy, Orson, Ethan and Adam.

Maggie Blackmore

August 22, 2006

A most memorable statment that Dr. Robbins said to me and I always remember it after a race, " Races are exhilerating." My condolences to the family. Sincerely, Maggie Blackmore

Sandra Marks

August 17, 2006

My sympathy on your loss. I use to work with Charlie for many years at CVH. We use to go running at Wesleyan every Wednesday after work. I have many fond memories of our runs and going to Kentucky Fried Chicken after running, except once a month I got him to agree to go to Bonanza. I will truly miss him.

Glen Gordon

August 15, 2006

My sympathy on your loss of Charlie... I was his neighbor on Saybrook Road in Middletown several years ago... Charlie always had a friendly word, good advice, and a wonderful sense of humor. I came to understand his great appreciation for the woods and animals in it... I'll never forget the day that he was so delighted to have found a spring in the woods... from which he created a pond for the forest animals to have water to drink. We joked together often about his ability to run barefoot... Charlie was perhaps a bit of a minimalist... in everything that is.. except his wonderful warm heartedness... This world's loss... is truly the next one's great gain!

Charles Whynacht

August 14, 2006

I remember running with Charlie at races in Middletown back in the 80's from Snow School. I also remember talking and chatting with Charlie at other local road races over the years. He was a great runner but more importantly he was a wonderful individual who always was friendly and generous in his running advice. My sympathy on your loss.

Dean Yost yost

August 14, 2006

I am sorry to have read about your loss. I am Dean Yost, son of Earl Yost, I know that Charlie and my Dad were very close. I hope and pray that all is well. I am sorry about your loss Dean Yost

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