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Paul Robbins Obituary

Dr. Paul C. Robbins

June 9, 1937 - April 13, 2011

Resident of San Jose, CA

Born June 9, 1937 in Chicago, IL, Paul spent his childhood years in Evanston, IL. He later attended University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana for both undergraduate studies and medical school. He completed his internship, residency and research fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center. Paul came to Northern California in 1969 and fell in the love with the climate and the opportunity to explore outdoor adventures in the mountains and ocean. A dedicated physician, Paul practiced Endocrinology at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Santa Clara, specializing in the care and prevention of diabetes for 39 years. He particularly enjoyed leading the problem pregnancy clinic for women with or at risk of diabetes. He was known at Kaiser for his dedication to his often unique personal exercise routines and firm conviction of "everything in moderation" with respect to lifestyle. Over the years, he developed close relationships with many of his patients and his exhaustive commitment to them was both inspiring and remarkable.

Paul enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies including cooking, photography, even playing the harmonica, however his passion was to be in the great outdoors exercising. After years of long distance running, he also took on handball, cross-country skiing, hiking and backpacking, but was most happy either on his mountain bike or in his surf kayak. Although Paul was a fairly reserved and modest person, those who knew him adored him for his strength of character, wisdom, open-mindedness and appreciation for a good joke. He was most happy in the presence of his family, most recently in the company of his grandchildren who love him dearly and his close friends.

Paul is predeceased by his parents Ted and Jean Robbins, as well as his brother Howard Robbins. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Patricia, his daughters Dana, Rachel and Shanelle, son-in-laws Michael and Patxi and adoring grandchildren Paige, Amaya and Cayman Paul. He died in the comfort of his home on April 13, 2011, surrounded by his loving family after a brief and difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. He will forever be missed by those who love him.

A Celebration of Paul's Life will be held on Saturday April 30th at Antonella's Ristorante at 1701 Park Avenue in San Jose, CA from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome to stop by and share their fond memories or a few good stories of their time with our beloved Paul.

Because of his lifelong fight against diabetes, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association in his memory at: http://tinyurl.com/3w5q9ta (this link has been condensed due to its length but will take you directly to the American Diabetes Association for either an online or by mail donation).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Apr. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Robbins

Sponsored by Rachel & Dana Robbins.

56 Entries

Paris & Eve Saizan

April 13, 2025

Well Dear Friend,

The world is racing by. We have all aged. And we all have wished you would have time to spend with your grandchildren. Still, those of us that knew you got to enjoy you and have our own lives richer. So, here we are, thinking of you... again.

Love to your family and love for you.

Paris & Eve Saizan

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Santa Barbara tid bits - 2023

Paris Saizan

April 13, 2024

To My Beloved Endo & Friend,

Thank you for your love and patience and your regard for my life parter, now 39+ years, Eve. I know you love your family and being outdoors on your bike... wind in your face and new territory in your eyes. You fly now. We love you.

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2024

Paris Saizan

April 27, 2023

No Paul. Not at all. We have not forgotten your sweetness and love of life. And you live still. Not just in our hearts. You are in spirit form and guide things as requested - and comfort when requested. We love you and you love us!

Bud and Cheri Miller

April 16, 2022

Rachel, we remember your dad so often also. He is unforgettable! That's so cool to hear how Cayman is progressing with his life story! Pat , you are in our thoughts always. Our friendship with you and Paul has so many fun and lasting memories. Our love as always, Bud and Cheri

Paris Saizan

April 16, 2022

I am 61 years old going on 62. I was seeing and being thoughtfully cared for by Paul when I was in my late twenties. When we moved to Oregon almost a dozen years later, whom did we feel compelled to tell? Paul Robbins, my beloved endocrinologist. He expressed a desire to go riding in the Willamette Valley real soon. As it turned out, I don't think he ever did. I know he now travels the globe and perhaps some he has created.

This morning, it occurred to me that, in my entire life, there are very few people that made an indelible mark on me. There was my father's fellow worker who walked with us in the Santa Cruz mountains in a rainy mist. He was so positive that I think about what he told me so many decades ago. He really cared. There was the best mechanic I ever knew that was a dear friend. We laughed and I learned. He really cared. And then there is Paul Robbins. I loved him. His sincerity was unmistakable and I could hug him for caring for my wife, Eve, so much. No, she was not his patient. Paul had a loving life and I look forward to hooking up with him when we pack it all up. My love and compassion to his family. Paul, you taught me that caring is the best part of this life.

Rachel Lynn Robbins

April 14, 2022

So here we are eleven years after my dad passed away and I certainly miss him more than I could ever have imagined. I appreciate those of you (dear friends, patients and colleagues) who have stuck with this site and kept him alive in memory for myself and others. There are so many things that I would like to do with my dad, including share a great meal after a long bike ride with his grandson Cayman - who officially became a teenager last week. Let the crazy hormones begin and who could help me/him navigate this better than my dad? I am resigned to just tell Cayman when he asks questions about being his age that "everyone in junior high is freaking out and their bodies are going crazy" as my really not technical way of explaining what little I know. Daddy, I miss you so much. I know you would love the young man that Cayman is becoming and wish you could help motivate him a bit with studying his school work but he is a lot happier than I was at his age and I did not even realize how short a time you would be in my life or I would have not been such a cry baby / wallower in my own issues as I was. We are alive and well and have managed to not get Covid so we are grateful and fortunate. Life in Santa Barbara is good but would be better if you were here to visit. I love you dad. I will always love you. love, Racho

Eve Saizan

April 13, 2022

11 yrs. since Dr. Robbins left us all, always remember him with the fondest of memories because he truly was a genuine and authentic person who certainly touched my life greatly. Oh how I wish I could get his expertise advice on my health today, sigh. They just don't make them like Dr. Paul Robbins any more -- always loved, always remembered fondly and forever will be missed. Thank you to the family for keeping this page all these years. Sincerely, Eve M. Saizan, Reno, NV

Bud and Cheri Miller

April 14, 2021

Rachel, what you said is just so beautiful! We're sure Paul would have been so happy to read your loving tribute.

We can't believe it's been a decade. He is still so fresh in our memories. That first hail from Bud while he was surfing at Del Monte Beach and Paul was watching - "Come on in, the water's fine". And Paul's response to Bud, a perfect stranger, "I'll be right there". Then he took his boat off the car and joined Bud in the waves! He and Pat have been friends with us ever since. And what a rollicking bunch of good times we had. Paul was always so funny and kind and sure enjoyed good food.

We love and miss him and send our best and finest memories to Pat, Shanelle, Rachel, Dana, and all the grandkids.

Bud and Cheri Miller
Monterey

Tina Medeiros

April 13, 2021

It has been 10 years now, and I still miss him every time I go to see my PCP at Kaiser. Every time I see anything argyle I think of him as well, as he often had argyle socks on. I hope this finds the Robbins family well! Happy Heavenly day, Dr. Robbins!!

Rachel Robbins

April 13, 2021

For anyone that visits this site anytime soon, my eyes are filled with tears to think that today marks 10 years since my wonderful father's life ended way too soon. I appreciate those of you who have come to pay your respects and share memories of my very modest and humble dad. It is heart warming to learn how he touched so many people's lives and yet would not ever speak about himself in a way to suggest that he did/would. To say I miss him is beyond a fraction of how I feel. His grandson, Cayman Paul is now twelve and we are about to face some headwinds with regard to puberty, teenage years and several medical challenges that would be so much easier to experience if my dad could provide us with his amazing insights and guidance. His ability to speak to non-medical people about what matters and what does not was truly an incredible gift that I do not think he gave himself nearly enough credit for.

After this incredible year that we have all endured I have often felt a bit relieved that my dad was not here to experience it, but I know we would have all benefited from hearing his perspectives. When friends have doubted the safety of the vaccine, I paused a little and then thought about my dad and his dedication to continually learn everything he could about medicine and his specialty area of endocrinology. When I then translate this commitment to the medical professionals involved in creating the vaccinations that we have now in use, my trust is confirmed as I have the utmost respect for the profession. I realize it is a personal choice but I thought I would share my feelings as the comfort that I gained when I added my dad to the equation made things much more clear and easy for me to decide.

For anyone who contributes I want to thank you. In prior years, I have not always had a chance to share my gratitude to the amazing people that have helped keep my dad alive in our thoughts and memories. I wish he was here to read your words. My look-back on the past decade has included a lot of what I describe in job interview type situations as "well, life happened." And while I have not shared this publicly on this memorial page, I have created this post on legacy.com to be in perpetuity and anyone interested will always have a chance to share their thoughts and memories. When Paul's grandson is 18 years old, I am going to have a book published from this site that will capture all of the postings in a nice leather bound book. I will be sure to locate some additional photos that I will post later this evening for any of the kind people that stop by to check out. For now, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love and appreciation, Rachel

Paris & Eve Saizan

April 13, 2021

Isn't it amazing that the spirit and character and personality and love of a person lives on in us? Almost every single time we saw Dr. Robbins, after the appointment, we would gather our things and there he was in his office, door open, on the phone with his Mom. I was always impressed how loyal he was. He used his memory to remember people... and what they needed. I was seeing him due to a pituitary tumor I had. He cared so much for my wife, Eve. Who would have guessed that 30 years after I was diagnosed with a prolactinoma, Eve was diagnosed with Acromegaly - another type of pituitary tumor. Don't live in the pain of losing this man but, rather, in the joy of knowing him. He truly made a difference in our lives. We sure could used his medicinal expertise and gentle friendship today! Love, Paris & Eve Saizan

Martha Dominguez

May 4, 2020

Dr. Robbins was in the room when I was born and was my MD most of my life. Will forever be grateful for his care.

Tina Medeiros

April 16, 2020

Wow, is all I can say! I can't tell you how many times I think of him and remember him fondly. Timing is everything, as he has especially been on my mind lately. I am not sure how many times I have looked for this guestbook some time after he had passed and had not been able to find it, but today here it is! It's no coincidence that a message appeared in my inbox this morning about new messages being posted! I wanted to find it because I wanted to know that his family was doing ok and if they needed anything. I am grateful to be able to write this today. It has been so long and yet, I still do not have the heart to delete his last message to me as a patient at Kaiser. I hope this finds the Robbins family well and thriving with him looking over you all! Hugs and Thanks for sharing him with the world! God Bless!

Cheri and Bud Miller

April 15, 2020

We think of Paul often - every time Bud goes surfing, whenever we go to one of Paul's fav Monterey restaurants, when we look at Ansel Adams photos, when we walk Carmel in the evenings and look at the artwork in the windows. We still remember his laugh and quirky sense of humor. Greetings to Pat and family! We love you.

Paris Saizan

April 15, 2020

I shall always remember when I told Paul Robbins that Eve and I were moving to Oregon to Yamhill Valley, he thought for a few seconds and then said, "I would like to ride that valley. I hear it's beautiful". Well, thinking of this gentle spirit of a man, I would say he was beautiful... and loving and kind and empathetic... my soul shall never forget walking into the exam room and being greeted with gentle love. That was Dr. Paul Robbins to me. And it makes me tear up that he mastered so many of the lessons in life that I still am working on.

Paris Saizan

April 15, 2019

Thinking again about my friend, Paul Robbins. I knew him as Dr. Robbins but he was, first of all, a friend. He was my beloved endocrinologist who always greeted me in the same way: "How's Eve?". Eve was the part of our marriage that was taking care of me, the sick one. Now, she too has a pituitary tumor and we try to take care of one another. Still, Paul knew that Eve was carrying the lion's share of the load. You could see it in her eyes and her shoulders. Well, Dr. Robbins could and did. It was like I didn't exist until Paul got his 'Eve Update'.

They say the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Not true. It is through his spouse. I remember how happy he was for us to be moving to Yamhill County, Oregon. "I've been planning to ride up there. I'll say hello when I do."

You can't buy kindness or genuine care or a listening ear. And don't you know, when we left the exam room after him and picked up our lab paperwork, there he was, in his office at his desk, checking in with his Mama. He loved his family. Correction: He loves his family!

In our life, it is our fondest hope that we positively impact other people. If possible, hundreds. Paul touched everyone he met. Every single one. And that amounted to thousands. Kindness is free and he knew it. We think about him, talk about him and remember him all the time. Please know, you, the children and grandchildren of Paul Robbins, have some wonderful DNA!

Rachel Robbins

April 14, 2019

Eight years has taken me through many ups and downs. I would have managed them better and been less stressed about the choices I made if I could have had one of our consultation type conversations that I have identified as one of the many things we did in terms of my pricesss for making decisions. I miss you terribly daddy.

My heart grew yesterday upon reading the amazing messages from Eve (2011 & 2019) and Paris (2017), which for some reason I had not seen before. Sometimes I can only read so much because I get so emotional. Thank you for remembering my dad. It is amazing how modest he was as a person and yet he had such an amazing impact on others. I will have this guest book published as a book for Cayman Paul Crawford when he is a little older so he can fully comprehend.

Eve Saizan

April 13, 2019

Here we are 2019 marking 8 yrs. since Dr. Robbins passing, sigh. He was my husband's Endocrinologist for many years and when we moved to Oregon we knew things would never be the same. He was the best of the best. Two years ago in July 2017, I myself was diagnosed with my own Pituitary tumor, imagine that! I was diagnosed w/ Acromegaly. I often wonder what Dr. Robbins would of said to me about that! I wish I could talk to him because he always put my mind and heart at ease w/ his encouraging words. Love U and Miss U Dr. Robbins... but I know you are enjoying your bike rides and watching over us all. Thank you, always, for everything.

Paris Saizan

September 5, 2017

Here we are... years later and I swear to you, I think of this man's kindness and compassion toward myself and my lovely wife, Eve, still. I'll be making the bed and think of him. I'll be sitting down to eat and think of him. Isn't it amazing how significant and lasting a person's thoughtful words and kindness stays with you all of your life? I do believe that we are here to be kind and giving and loving in our bubble of existence. Even good intentions are enough. Paul had these in all suits. I remember, with great fondness and contemplative joy when I walked by his office leaving the building and hearing him at his desk calling his mother. He evoked so much tenderness and care. I wonder what he thought about as he coursed his bicycle through the byways. I am certain he thought of his family, his children. Somewhere along the way, he made the decision to love himself and others. This is our mission. He taught us by example. And I haven't seen him since the mid-90's! All my love to his family who miss him in ways I cannot contemplate!

Linda

September 4, 2017

I am so sorry to read about the passing of Dr. Robbins. I looked him up tonight as I was searching for a new endocrinologist and told my husband about the best one I ever knew. Thank you Dr Robbin's for always making me feel heard, telling me what I needed to hear and truly caring. You left an indelible mark on all that were lucky enough to meet you. Blessings to your family.

April 13, 2016

Hello amazing people who have shared their experiences with my dad - I have sat down tonight - as it marks five years too many that he is not with us.

People say times heals but my experience is that this train of thought - albeit super positive - is more on the hopeful side as I miss my dad now more than ever.

To my dad: here are my thoughts tonight:

I miss you
I adore you (which is also what I tell your grandson each day)
I would never have the strength of character without you

I love you daddy.

lana lum-medeiros

July 2, 2011

Our love and aloha goes out to Dr. Paul Robbins' wife and family. He helped through my pregnancy and birth of my son. He cared enough to stay with me, my husband and baby while I was at Kaiser. He was the best doctor I ever had. He had a long and vibrant life! Aloha No Kakou ia oe, Dr. Paul Robbins, till we meet again! Lana Lum-Medeiros.

June 3, 2011

To Dr. Robins' Family: He was my doctor for many years. He was very professional, knowledgeable , committed, caring, and most importantly for me, readily accessible in a health care system that often distances doctors from their patients. My condolences to you all. I am sad that he is no longer here. Jo-Ann Ash Fairbanks, Campbell, California

May 13, 2011

My husband & I had the privilege of having Dr. Robbins as our primary care physician for 37 years - ever since I was a teenager & first moved to San Jose in 1969. We became friends, and chatted about our lives at each appointment, over those 37 years. I was at Kaiser today, and brought up his name, and found out he had passed away. He was truly a remarkable man, and was very highly respected & loved by the entire Kaiser staff, who were priveleged to work with him. Although I haven't had any contact with him since he retired, we are deeply saddened by the news. Our love to his family & friends;
Terri & Rick Balandra, San Jose, Ca

Anita Chow

May 1, 2011

My Mother Kathleen Malovos died on the same day as Dr. Robbins--he was so young--comapired to our mother. My mother just loved Dr. Robbins. It's safe to say-- the sun rose and set with Dr. Robbins--a great sports enthusiast and doctor. Kay just loved to look forward to seeing Dr. Robbins at every visit. The only pitty was, that mother was too healthy to see him more often than she did. Kay was amazed (almost total disbelief) when he was no longer her doctor. Luckily, we found our wonderful Dr. Kathleen Ferris who was so lovingly and scientifically interested in gerontology and the best care for my mother.
I almost got to the memorial for Dr. Robbins but, life got in the way. I just wanted a photo of him when he was a decade or two younger. Who was this pilar of goodness? Anita Chow

Jim and Viveca Lohr

May 1, 2011

Dear Pat, Rachel, Dana, Shanelle and families...please know our hearts are with you during this difficult time of loss and we send you thoughts of peace and ease. Paul was a remarkable man and we will miss him. Jim and I are comforted by our memories of many many great times we spent together with Paul...his spirit will live in our minds forever! Our arme are around you!

martha dominguez

April 29, 2011

prayers to the family of Dr. Robbins. I've missed him the last 10 years. He was at my birth and was my doctor while I was pregnant with my son. He was my endocrinologist from day 1 since i was born with no thyroid. I remember him telling me that people with diabetes in their families have big babies when i was worries that my synthroid was making my son too big. but He always called me back and made me feel better. Or scolded me for not taking my meds when I was a kid. I'll miss him and never find a doc at great as he was. my deepest condolences to his family.

Ron and Kris Myers

April 28, 2011

Dr. Robbins was my husband's doctor for about 27+ years. He loved him...his dry sense of humor and his straight forward approach. My husband became a cyclist so they enjoyed talking about their biking adventures. He became my doctor and I felt the same way. Selfishly, we did not like him retiring...we missed his care and his approach. He was practical and not full of medical jargon we did not understand. When I had appointments, he would always say to me at the end of each one..."tell the old man hello!" Our sympathies to his family. He was a wonderful person!

Stan & Mara Zlotoff

April 27, 2011

We were saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was such an interesting and inspiring guy. We will be forever grateful to him for the many times he went above and beyond the call of duty for both us and our sons.

Diane Catalano-Burgos

April 27, 2011

I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I met Dr. Paul Robbins when I was 18. I was diagnosed with Diabetes @ age 11. When I turned 17 my pediatrician suggested that I meet with Dr. Robbins since I was getting older. I was extremely nervous since I had been with my pediatrician (Dr. Pakula) since I was 7.
Dr. Robbins I feel is the reason why I am so healthy. He always made time to call me just to see how I was doing he would always say “hello kiddo how’s it going” and he would always write little notes on my Hemoglobin A1C results letter he would say “congratulations kiddo or good job kiddo keep it up” with a smiley face next to his signature. Dr. Robbins was with me through both pregnancies my husband Frank and I met with Dr. Robbins every Tuesday for my well baby check-up appointments. My Dad would sometimes show up for the appointments and ask Dr. Robbins questions about my care and want to know how things were going. My Dad and Dr. Robbins became very close my Dad always appreciated how much Dr. Robbins managed my diabetes and truly cared for me and his soon to be 1st grandchild Lauren. At first my Dad wasn’t so sure about my easy going doctor but once I became pregnant Dr. Robbins was no longer easy going he became super strict my dad really like that!!! After the birth of both babies I remember Dr. Robbins coming in to meet first Lauren and then when we had Brooke he came in to visit Brooke. I spoke with Dr. Robbins after the girls were born often he asked me to come in and speak with some of the pregnant diabetic moms about losing weight and caring for their new babies. I was back with him almost every Tuesday I always explained to the ladies to listen to Dr. Robbins he has great advise. Dr. Robbins used to call me just to see how I was doing he always called me kiddo. When I met with him for my appointments he always spoke about his daughters and how proud he was of them. Through the years he got to know my family he watched my daughters grow up I cried when I received the letter stating that he was retiring. I have had diabetes now for 32 years I am healthy, thin and in great shape I was able to have 2 healthy children and I manage my diabetes pretty well I can only thank Dr. Paul Robbins for his great care and The last conversation I had with Dr. Robbins he said to me while I cried “I’m going to miss you kiddo”
Dr. Robbins was an amazing doctor and friend to me he will always hold a place in my heart.

Diane Catalano-Burgos

Bruno Bodnar

April 25, 2011

Paul was a good friend. We mountain biked many trails together. He helped me get through some of the darkest times in my life. Because of his is support, his insight, his experience, his understanding, his wit, and his friendship I am a better person.
No words can express the sadness I feel.
He will be missed.

My dad and I long before we knew Paul

Dana Wilcox

April 25, 2011

Paul was like family to my father, Lenny Powell, and me. He was always therer for us to give advice, medical care, or just be our friend. When I watned to take time off from college to travel, Paul encouraged my dad to let me go, saying he wished he had taken some time off between his school. Paul will forever be in my heart.

Joseph D'Amico M.D.

April 25, 2011

Paul was a colleague for over 20years.When I(64yrs old) asked about him retiring, he said he loved his job and would keep on working as long as he could. I hope he finally retired in good health and got to enjoy his grandkids for the time he had left. A life well lived and he was obviously much loved. My sympathy for the sorrow of those left behind. Goodbye Paul.

April 24, 2011

Dear Family Of Dr. Robbins,

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Dr. Robbins. Such a fine and caring person and doctor.

My husband was diagnosed in early 1987 with a pituitary brain tumor and we came upon Dr. Robbins when we had Kaiser insurance and after going to other doctors. We felt VERY comfortable with Dr. Robbins right away. He was quick with his wit and put my troubled mind at ease many times when my husband went through tests, MRI's, etc. He'd call right away to give us results and was always available if we needed to talk to him. When my husband had an appointment, he would ask first thing "How's Eve?" He cared as much about me, the spouse, as he did about my husband, the patient.

My husband had an 'injection site infection' in 1991 as a result from an injection for treatment he was receiving, he had to have surgery to remove an abscess. While my husband was recuperating, Dr. Robbins took the time to stop by and visit. It meant the world to us that he cared and took the time to do this.

One of the saddest days for us was when we had to leave the bay area and moved to Oregon. We stopped by to see Dr. Robbins to say 'goodbye', he was wonderful and he told us "One day I may just bike on over to Oregon to visit you".

Truly, Dr. Robbins was one of the finest human beings on this planet and he will truly be missed. I hope that his family will find comfort in knowing that he was so loved by so many, a real caring and true friend to all.

We love you Dr. Robbins, thank you for ALL the good you did in this world.

Peace,

Eve & Paris Saizan

Bill Goodelle

April 24, 2011

My deepest condolences to Paul's family - I was surprised and saddened to hear of his passing.

I knew Paul as a handball player first - we played many games over the years. He was also our Doctor when we had Kaiser coverage.

I will miss him - and wish we could have just one more game together.

Paul's Monterey Kayak Buddies (Paul in the middle in the back)

Bud and Cheri Miller

April 22, 2011

Our deepest condolences to Pat, Rachel, Michael, Dana, Shanelle, Patxi and grandkids! We love you all and loved Paul!

Things we loved about Paul - His dedication to family and friends and to his patients and profession; his love of Frank Sinatra's music, kayak surfing, good food, and photography; his great stories; and his competitive spirit in the card games of hearts and spades. We will remember him forever and are lost without him.

My favorite Paul story - Paul and Pat were standing on the wharf in Monterey watching kayak surfers. One surfer (a total stranger) called out to him "You're next! Come on down" - and he did! He went and pulled his kayak off the top of his car right then and there and started surfing. As far as we know, he'd never surfed in his kayak before. This was the beginning of his passion for kayak surfing (one of his many passions over the years!) and this was also the beginning of a friendship for many years between Paul and Pat and the whole Monterey kayak surfing group (picture of crazy surfing buddies attached!)

All our love, Bud and Cheri

Rose Freeberg

April 22, 2011

I cried when I received the letter Dr. Robbins sent telling all his patients he was going to retire. I was genuinely happy for him but sad at my losing the best doctor I have had or will ever have. At Kaiser, there’s so many patients. And yet, whenever Dr. Robbins saw me, whether or not I was seeing him that day or not, he always recognized me, said hello, and asked, everything ok? Dr. Robbins always took as much time as I needed with each appointment. I never, ever, made any decision about my health without first consulting Dr. Robbins.

I cried again when I saw his obituary and I was shocked and saddened. He worked so hard and cared so much. I was hoping, after he retired, he would live to be a healthy 103.

I first met Dr. Robbins in the Fall of 1980. He walked into the exam room, shook my hand, and said “Hello, I’m Paul Robbins”. And that’s the way it was. He made me feel he was my friend. A very smart friend who was really, really, intelligent, and took the very best care of me. Sometimes doctors think, there is God, and then, next to God, there is Me. Not Dr. Robbins. He was just as normal and down to earth as can be. I met Dr. Robbins when my son was 18 months old. Through the years, he always asked me how my son was doing. Up until the time he retired.

He was no nonsense, and yet, he was funny. After I had a brain scan, he told me “the lab results show good news and bad news. The good news, you don’t have a brain tumor. The bad news is, (and he paused for effect), there’s nothing up there but jello. But, that’s not unusual for a mom raising a 16 year old. Don’t worry. You’ll get your brain back when he leaves for college”.

I had a hysterectomy in 2007. When I was in the hospital, Dr. Robbins walked into my room. It was after 5:00 at night. I was surprised to see him and honored he took the time. Really, really honored. He sat down in the chair in my room. Not the surgeon who just performed my surgery, mind you. He quietly said, you’re going to be ok kid. He always called me kid. And he wasn’t there just to see me. After he left my room, he went into other patient’s rooms.

To his wife, Patricia, and his daughters, thank you. I know the time Dr. Robbins took with me, and his other patients, may have meant time away from you. But, I, and obviously from other patient’s notes on this web site, want you to know he touched many, many lives. I will be forever grateful for him and to him.

John (Joe) Hoffmann

April 22, 2011

Wow. What a shock. I met Paul Robbins at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara early in 1968. My diabetic, expectant wife had been transferred from her physician in Sunnyvale to Dr. Robbins at Santa Clara. She always told the story of her being on her stomach one day in her hospital bed, due to back issues, and hearing his deep voice tell her, "Hello Mrs. Hoffmann, I'm Dr. Robbins." She looked over the side of the bed to see what she described as the "dirtiest pair of tennis shoes I've ever seen." Paul was doing his rounds of patients in the hospital on a Saturday morning. And he had just returned from some athletic endeavor, perhaps tennis, or running, or whatever outdoor sports he undertook. After I was divorced from my wife, he agreed to be my Primary Care Physician at Kaiser. We maintained an outstanding relationship for a total of 38 years! We shared a strong interest in photography. He was a jewel. I frequently encountered him at Supreme Court in Sunnyvale, where I played racquetball and he played handball.

I will never forget when Kaiser undertook computer tools in the 1990s(?) and he was learning to use a keyboard. It was interesting to watch him undertake new technology that we all accept as common today.

He was just an unbelievable person, as well as an outstanding doctor. I have missed him tremendously since he retired in 2006, but I will never forget him. His death is a sad event in my personal life. I am sure that you, as family, feel the same way.

Tina Medeiros

April 21, 2011

To the Robbins Family: I want to thank you very much for sharing him with his patients at Kaiser. He was so very good to me as a patient for very many years and I have missed him since he retired and he will forever be in my thoughts are prayers. I want to express my deepest sympathy to you all.

April 20, 2011

I lived next door to the Robbins family in Skokie, Illinois from 1955 to 1958. Cousin Eddie Tefka called with the sad news of Pacy's passing. He will be missed by everybody who knew him. During those long-ago days Pacy enjoyed washing Ted and Jean's cars. He would put a record player in the driveway while doing this and turn up the volume full for all the neighbors to hear. Howie and I became the best of friends and he, along with Pacy, Earl and myself would sometimes drive around Skokie at night listening to music. l will treasure those memories forever. My parents remained friends with Ted and Jean until the end. -- Barry Felcher, Michigan City, Indiana.

Noni Hiller Reynolds

April 20, 2011

Rachel and Dana
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May time bring peace and love bring comfort.

April 20, 2011

Rach and Dana, so very sorry to hear the news of your dad's passing. I have such fun memories of our times in Palo Alto with him. Such a strong man, inside and out. I know how much you are missing him...you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Find the strength with each other during the coming months. Love, Lindy

Shirley Tsakiridis

April 20, 2011

Gone to soon... I have great memories of Dr. Robbins. I worked with him off and on at Kaiser for years. A very dedicated physician to his patients. He always made us laugh and treated his co-workers with the utmost respect. Took us all to wonderful dinners where we enjoyed his many stories. Dr. Robbins you will be missed. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family.

Deana Anders

April 19, 2011

I read the newspaper today and couldn't believe that Dr. Robbins had passed away. I cannot tell you how much admiration and respect my family and I have for him. I am a juvenile diabetic (30 years) and Dr. Robbins came into my life when my son was conceived 15 years ago. He was a no-nonsense man who was filled with compassion and empathy. He is the main reason that I have a very healthy son. He was also very sympathetic when my sister passed away, as he had experienced the same type of event with his brother. I profess to be a doctor hater, but I adored him and probably sent him half a dozen fruit baskets because he was such a positive force in my life. He made us diabetics feel strong and always stressed that we had important things to do in this life ~ with or without diabetes. What a tremendous impact he made in my life. And, the patience that he gave me during my appointments when I would feel overwhelmed was amazing.

The entire family is in my prayers. And, I pray that Dr. Robbins is basking in the comfort and serenity that he so much deserves and earned. He will always be a treasured memory to me.

I am forever in his gratitude.

Bud Miller

April 19, 2011

Paul was my best friend, we enjoyed kayak surfing; going on photographic trips to Death Valley and Mono Lake as well as North Shore Lake Tahoe.
My wife Cheri and I enjoyed having lunch and a movies together also, with Paul and Pat.
I'll miss him so much!
Bud Miller
Monterey, California.

Turners

April 19, 2011

We deeply sadden by the passing of Dr. Paul Robbins. He was my husband's endocrinologist since the age of 12 and later both our internal medicine doctor.

When I first met Dr. Robins 8 years ago, I told him "you look like Einstein" (Einstein was one of my favorite smart and eccentric persons in the world). Dr. Robins have always been kind and considerate and I will always be grateful to him for taking such good care of my husband and his Juvenile Diabetes condition.

Our Heartfelt Condolences to his family.

He will be dearly missed.

Vaskie and Jim

Turners

April 19, 2011

Rachel Robbins

April 19, 2011

Thank you for signing the guest book for my dad. We are so terribly sad about his passing and appreciate your support during this incredibly difficult time.

from Rachel, Paul's daughter

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