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Jack ROBINSON Obituary
Professor Emeritis at University of South Florida, where he was long associated with the astronomy program, died March 21, 2016 after a short illness. Jack's expertise was in archaeoastronomy, which aims to uncover how past civilizations understood celestial phenomena. His research led him to examine ancient structures known as Medicine Wheels. He traveled to Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming and Moose Mountain Medicine Wheel in Saskatchewan, among others, refining theories regarding their use in ancient astronomy. Inevitably his interest took him to Stonehenge, which he studied for nearly 20 years, reviewing and expanding on earlier work by other astronomers. Jack collaborated with artist Nancy Holt to create the sculpture 'Solar Rotary' at USF campus, which emits a circle of sunlight once a year to mark the Summer Solstice. Jack shared his knowledge with others by volunteering as a teacher at the University of South Florida's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where he developed and taught a number of classes. He was a charter member of the Center for Inquiry, a member of the Tampa Humanist Association, and a past board member of the Tampa ACLU. Jack earned a baccalaureate from Yale, a masters degree from Stanford, and a doctorate from Harvard. He was married to Barbara (Bobbie) Oak for many years, until her death in 2009. He is survived by daughter, Susan Conte; granddaughter, Maggie Conte; grandsons, Tommy Conte and Jack Oak Robinson. A son, Charles Robinson, predeceased him.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jack ROBINSON
Sponsored by Ivy Merriot and Robert F. Bargatze.
5 Entries
Jack Robinson
January 30, 2017
Robinson's revision of Eddy's alignments at the Big Horn Medicine Wheel
Dr. Ivy Merriot
January 30, 2017
I knew Jack as the archaeoastronomy researcher of the stone circle medicine wheels in Montana and Wyoming. His contributions to the field continue as two of his research papers are yet to come out, one on predicting eclipses at Stonehenge (another stone circle medicine wheel) and one on the significance of the star Capella at the Big Horn Medicine Wheel. I did not meet Jack until he was in his eighties and he was so sharp, I was in awe. He taught the first archaeoastronomy course in the world. He worked out the math necessary for the elegant Solar Rotary at the University of Southern Florida to be astronomically accurate. He joined in my research expeditions to the Big Horn Medicine Wheel between 2009 and 2016 via email instructions and advice and cell phone communication while our team was on site. I hope his earlier research has been archived at the USF. I have papers he wrote and gave talks on but were never published. Please contact me if you would like a copy. He gave me permission to disseminate them. I miss you Jack. Please join me again in spirit at the Wheel.
I think a star should be added to the cement near the Solar Rotary to catch the Sun on the date of Jack's birth. He was a blazing star of inspiration.
Glenda Hubbard
May 14, 2016
Jack was so kind to me when I arrived at University Village. He introduced me to a group he thought I would like, took me to the Solar Rotary, and took me to meetings of the Democratic Women's Club. He did many things to help to be integrated into life here. I will miss him!
Betty Cohen
May 12, 2016
Jack was a brilliant, fascinating man...always interesting and friendly when he and Bobbie were with us.
judy ellis
May 12, 2016
Dear Susan and grandchildren: So sad to read about Jack's passing. My husband, Bill Goldhurst, and I were good friends with Jack & Bobbie in Puerto Rico in the early 1960's. Our children, Barney and Rex played with Susan and Charles. We used to have such fun together as couples and also Bobbie and I and the kids spent lots of time together. We remained friends after we both moved to Florida but I have lost contact since Bobbie died. Jack was such a handsome, brilliant, man. He was also loads of fun when he let his hair down. I am sorry to see him go but I know that he had a wonderful life, loved his wife and children, and will be much missed by all.
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