Paul Douglas Robinson

Paul Douglas Robinson, sunrise, 10-21-60, to sunset, 2-23-25, cherished family, friends, and faith in 12-step recovery programs.
Formerly of Mount Vernon, Iowa, Paul was blessed to be in this life because of his biological father, Jack Lawrence Robinson, and mother, Ruthann Griffin Hughes. He was doubly blessed to be raised and loved by his mother and dad, Lloyd Marvin Hughes, who adopted him. Paul Robinson was known as Paul Hughes in his early years, prior to joining the United States Navy. Paul often said of his dad Lloyd, that 'he never knew how strong a man I became' because of his dad's discipline.
He was married to Laura Federici, then Dana Yanda. Those marriages ended in divorce. He then married Abigail (Abbi) Swanson, on 10-10-10, at 10 in the morning.
Paul was a loving dad to Brenda, Jessica and Christopher. He was an influential father figure in the lives of Erin Yanda, and Katie, Nate and Grant Freeman.
Paul was raised with sisters Carolyn (Joseph Owens) and Patti (Bill Stewart). He was Uncle Paul to Michael, Rachel, Joe, and Garrison.
Later in life, Paul discovered an extended family of half-siblings, who shared Jack Robinson as their father. These included Brenda, Linda, Jack Jr., Billy, twins John and Sheryl McGary, Janelle, Dawn, Glenn, Larry, and Wally.
Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country from 1978-1983 on the USS Ranger (CV-61).
At age 25, Paul joined the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, celebrating his one-day-at-a-time recovery for almost 40 years. He exemplified what a life of healthy sobriety was like, helping countless others in 12-step programs. In addition to AA, Paul joined the program of GA, Gamblers Anonymous, and was active in recovery for nearly 14 years in that fellowship.
Paul always said, 'If I stay humble, and I stay grateful, I'll stay sober.'
Moving with Abbi to the city of Apache Junction, AZ, and a breathtaking view of the Superstition Mountains, Paul became a well-loved certified service-dog trainer. He adopted Opie, a black lab mix, and Rusty, a standard poodle, training them to be his own excellent service dogs. Due to back and neck injuries, and a doctor's comment that one day, Paul 'might just lean over to pick up a dime when scar tissue could break and cause paralysis,' Paul taught Opie to literally pick up a dime.
Paul worked for individuals and organizations whose purpose is to train disabled veterans and their dogs together.
Paul suffered through many years of pain and chronic conditions, including cancers, diabetes, PTSD, and others.
Though his health declined, he never complained and never gave up hope.
Paul is survived by his mother, his wife Abbi, and his children, several siblings, and many extended family members.
Please consider a donation in Paul's honor for P.A.W.S.S. (Pups and Warriors Side by Side)
c/o Janna and Ryan Newman 18078 E. La Posada Ct. Gold Canyon, AZ 85118, or The Gary Sinise Foundation,
garysinisefoundation.org, or the charity of your choice.
Services are being planned at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ, for Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., and will include military rites and a reception. The entire service will be live streamed for those who wish to attend from a distance. Please check for information and any updates at nationalcremationsociety.com, under the obituary for Paul Douglas Robinson.
Livestreaming Services- Click link to watch services- https://evt.live/paul-douglas-robinson-service
Arrangements were cared for by Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery 7900 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85207 (480) 613-9152