Peter G. Robbins

Peter G. Robbins, 86
CUMBERLAND --Peter G. Robbins, 86, died peacefully at Maine Medical Center on May 9, 2011. Peter was born in Boston in 1925, the youngest of six children of William and Marion Bennett Robbins. He graduated from Milton Academy and began studies in a five-year U.S. Navy medical program at Harvard University in 1943. After two years of undergraduate work, he entered Harvard Medical School.
While still part of the Naval Reserve when the Korean War began in 1950, Peter volunteered for duty as a battalion surgeon with the United States Marine Corps. Although he rarely spoke about his experiences in Korea, he was extremely proud of the Corps and his service, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star. Peter's family only recently discovered the commendation for the medal, which stated: 'Serving as the battalion surgeon, Lieutenant Robbins displayed exceptional ability, initiative and professional skill in his duties. On numerous occasions, he disregarded his personal safety and unhesitatingly advanced forward of the main line of resistance to administer medical aid to the seriously wounded Marines and to assist in their evacuation. He was frequently subjected to enemy artillery and mortar fire but fearlessly remained for long hours to care for the casualties.'
Upon his return to civilian life, Peter began his career in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Boston. There he met and married his devoted and supportive wife, Merrill Payson, in 1955, with whom he raised four children.
He served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School while in private practice in Boston. After many years in private practice, Peter was recruited by Harvard Community Health Plan for its original panel of physicians. He worked at HCHP until his retirement in 1990. Peter was passionate about the practice of medicine and cherished his relationships with his patients.
Peter was known for his great sense of humor as well as his deep intellectual curiosity. All his life he loved to study. He wasespecially focused on calculus and his family found it amusing to predictably find him immersed in his calculus books and papers. Whenever he traveled, his carry-on luggage was heavy and cumbersome because his math books were mandatory traveling companions. During his many courageous hospital stays over the last couple of years, his one consistent request was that his math books be brought to him while he was there. He also loved astronomy, science, Latin, Shakespeare, music and history, particularly the Civil War.
Sports of all kinds vied for his time; and he ran the Boston Marathon multiple times, as well as the Ocean State and the Casco Bay marathons. He loved playing golf with his friends and family. He was a spirited competitor. He was also an avid, life-long Red Sox fan and closely followed all the other Boston sports teams.
Peter's passion for his work and hobbies was exceeded only by his passion for his family and friends. Since all his children live nearby, they were very fortunate to be able to spend lots of time with Peter during his retirement in Cumberland.
Peter is survived by his wife Merrill, his sister Celina Kellogg of Hanover, N.H.; his two sons, Peter E. and his wife Anne of Cumberland, William and his wife Susan of Freeport, and his two daughters Merrill Woodworth and her husband Charles of Yarmouth, and Jennifer Robbins and Rick Gause of Cumberland. He also leaves five grandchildren, whom he loved dearly; and many nieces and nephews.
Peter's family wishes to thank all the people who took such wonderful care of him both at home and at Maine Medical Center. They would also like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. John Erickson, who so often went way beyond the call of duty while caring for Peter, and who Peter held in the highest regard.
At Peter's request, services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Peter's name to:
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland or to
Doctors Without Borders