Gus Robinson

Gus Robinson Retired Alaska Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer died peacefully of pneumonia on March 29, 2011. Born in Poteau, Oklahoma on September 14, 1922 and raised in San Jose, CA, he attended Brigham Young University before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1944. He became a decorated pilot in WW II and the Korean War, serving with Marine Fighter Squadron 214, made famous as the "Black Sheep" squadron commanded by legendary Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. He retired from the Marine Corps and joined Alaska Airlines as Asst. VP of Maintenance in 1967, after serving as Commanding Officer of the Marine squadron at Sandpoint NAS in Seattle, WA. He rose through the ranks at Alaska Airlines, retiring as President and COO in 1986. After retirement, Gus and his wife, "Benny" built a home in La Conner, WA, from where they pursued their love of fishing and boating, cruising to Alaska each summer. They moved to Tucson, AZ in 2003, where their four children now reside. Gus is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elayne "Benny" Robinson and his children, Linda Lou (Mike) Duddeck, Laurie Robinson, Karen Pedroza and Marc (Linda) Robinson; grandchildren, Rhia Robinson and David Siegle. A private family service has already been held. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME.