JAY H. ROBINSON

JAY H. ROBINSON
September 10, 1946 - January 10, 2013
Jay H. Robinson left the world way too soon. He brought such fun to all of us and there was so much more fun to be enjoyed. He was larger than life, and did everything in a big way, whether it was building a boat, a house at the lake or litigating a case. He had so much more to accomplish.
Jay was born on September 10, 1946 to Frank and Frances Robinson, who spearheaded the effort to save the Back Bay in Newport Beach as a natural preserve, despite efforts by developers. Jay initiated their efforts while biking along the bay and discovering a sign that presented the beach area as a private area, which Jay knew was wrong. Jay was proud of his parents and helped in the effort to build a memorial to his parents on what has remained a natural preserve.
Jay left us on January 10, 2013 after enduring a brief, but devastating illness. He grew up in La Canada and Newport Beach where he taught tennis while attending college. He graduated from UCLA Law School, was admitted to the California State Bar in 1972 and had a successful career as a trial attorney and Senior Partner at Marrone, Robinson, Frederick and Foster. This law firm became his extended family and he was excited every Christmas to be a part of the planning for the firm's holiday event. Jay had a soft spot in his heart for people who had been wronged but could not defend themselves. He frequently did pro-bono work on their behalf, never asking for anything in return. He was passionate about everything he did and wanted to make the world a better place.
Jay spent most of his adult life in Toluca Lake and Lake Arrowhead, enjoying boating and everything the lake had to offer. He served as the President of the Lake Arrowhead Water Ski Club, where the kids called him "Uncle Jay." He was a consummate storyteller and would light up any room he entered.
Jay is survived by his sister Dana Prince, her two children, and his loving partner Denise Loxton, who spent many years with him boating, skiing, woodworking, playing the drums, telling jokes, and enjoying photography and movies. There were never more than six degrees of separation between Jay and anyone he entered into a discussion with.
Jay was a loving, kind and giving man. He was always willing to help someone in need and thought about others before himself. He will be missed and remembered always.
A celebration of Jay's life is pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Newport Bay Conservancy, P.O. Box 10804, Newport Beach, CA 92658, www.newportbay.org, (949) 640-1751.