April 14, 1932 - Nov. 18, 2008
No public services are planned for E. John Robinson, 76, of Mendocino, Calif.
E. John was born April 14, 1932, in Grants Pass. He died Nov. 18, 2008, in Mendocino, surrounded by his family.
E. John, acknowledged as one of the world's finest seascape artist, was a 40-year resident of Mendocino. He grew up in Oregon and earned his bachelor's degree in education from the California College of arts and Crafts in Oakland, Calif., and his master's degree from San Francisco State College.
He was told no one could ever make a living as an artist, so E. John entered education and taught in the public school system for 12 years before becoming a full-time artist. During his art career, he painted more than 4,000 seascapes and had his work featured in four "Reader's Digest" covers. He wrote many instructional books and produced a series of best-selling videos, sharing his painting expertise with students around the world.
E. John was a 40-year member of the Rotary Club of Mendocino, where he founded the Annual Art Auction. He enjoyed gardening, became a master gardener and volunteered his gardening and design talents to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Later in life, he became an avid wildflower photographer and creative short story fiction writer. In giving back to the community, E. John donated many works to area fundraising auctions and painted an ocean mural behind the alter at St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
His sly wit, generous nature and independent spirit will be missed by his family and wide circle of friends, but even more memorable is all he gave to others.
E. John is survived by his wife of 55 years, June Robinson; children, Kathy McDonald and husband, Michael of Mendocino and Karen Wilson and husband, Tom of Portland; and grandchildren, Ashley Schwab and husband, Matt and T.J. Wilson, all of Portland.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Mendocino Coast District Hospital Hospice, 700 River Drive, Fort Bragg, Ca 95437, or the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden, 18220 North Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
Sign the guestbook at http://www.theworldlink.com.
This obituary was originally published in The World.
Dear E. John,
You were a treat to learn from. I hope you are enjoying the magnificent waves of heaven...I bet they are amazing!
The Peace of Christ, Who is the Lord of Sea and Sky, to you and yours,
Love in Him,
Jason Emrich
January 14, 2009 | Goleta, CA
Dear E. John and family and friends, I too am so saddened to know of your passing from this world to the next. My sister gave me your videos, and the two of you have resurrected my spirit to paint so that the past 4 days I have painted with your spirits in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Much love, Therese
Therese Duncan
January 13, 2009 | Oak View, CA
Dear E. John, I read of your passing just today, January 4, 2009. I give thanks to God for the great talent that He gave to you. You were my teacher of seascape painting by book and video. Your works so numerous and beautiful!! May the joy of God's heart fill your heart and your family's hearts forever!!
Claudia-Marie Person
January 04, 2009 | Sacramento, CA
You were my favorite Artist of all time. I have many of your books and DVD's. You will be greatly missed by many. Your family will be in my prayers.
Margaret Yates
December 13, 2008 | Ponca City, OK
Thanks for the memories,classes,& paintings. you will be missed.
Sincerly, Bob & Lois Olds
Fort Bragg Ca.& Coquille Or.
Bob & Lois Olds
December 12, 2008 | Coquille, OR
