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Robin Palmer Obituary
The sea is calling and I am coming; out from my past the tide is rising. Paintings on the wall haunt my sleep, fill my nights with waves of emotion; catch my eye as I pass in the hall, as I pack my duffle for another trip, another voyage
on the endless ocean… -Robin Palmer "He was born into this world noncompliant, yet he's steel here- dead, he ain't ", were the words on his cake when hundreds of his friends and family celebrated his 80th birthday in April. Not wanting a funeral, he called it his "I ain't dead yet party." In true Robin form, the party celebrated his 6 years as a teacher in Harlem, 12 years as a diver with the International Underwater Contractors, a weatherman in the 60's and 70's, a tree surgeon for most of his life and a local television host and producer for over 20 years.
Robin enjoyed being a Kiwanian for almost 20 years, a member of the Tompkins County Veteran's Committee, a member of the Gay Men's Chorus and a die hard Pittsburgh Steeler fan-atic.
For over 20 years, Robin embraced his cancer with courage, inspiring all of us to love life to the fullest and fight for what we believe. He walked the talk.
Robin was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Ephraim Lawrence Palmer, Dr. Katherine Van Winkle Hilton Palmer and his brother Lawrence Palmer. He is survived by his wife Mimi Melegrito Palmer, his children Christopher, Tina and her husband Gus Harris III and daughter Shaun, Cindy and her husband Frank Geier and daughter Marissa. He also leaves a "granddog", Rajah.
In his memory, friends can donate to The Cancer Resource Center of the Fingerlakes, The Museum of the Earth, Kiwanis Club of Ithaca-Cayuga and the Ithaca Dog Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 3, 2010
We are very happy that we knew Robin. We will miss his smile and cheerful attitude forever. His birthday party was exactly what he wanted and the only way he understood for saying good bye. Thank you, Mimi, for including us in his life for such a long time.
Josie and Hector Velez
Birdie McGruder
September 1, 2010
I will miss you Robin and your great spirit. Mimi you are a great woman who will stand strong as you did for Robin.
So happy I didn't miss Robin's party.
Birdie
Lisa Sundquist
August 29, 2010
Dear Mimi,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing on of your husband. May you be surrounded by loved ones and may you feel the presence and comforting love of the Holy Spirit.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sundquist
August 26, 2010
Today, Jim took us, (his parents), to Stewart Park to look at 2 huge trees, of the many in the county, that he & Robin had documented yrs. ago. Jim learned his tree climbing/working/cautionary skills from Robin. They had worked together at the TV studio, had many memorable times together. He, & we, will long cherish memories of times with Robin as well as with his parents.
Mimi, may God's peace & the warmth of friends & loved ones surround you.
Most sincerely,
Fritzie & John Blizzard
Union Springs, NY
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Gloria Baldo
August 26, 2010
Dear Mimi and family, we knew Robin more than 15 years ago, when he and Mimi welcome our family just arrived from Spain at their house. We always felt that Oak hill road was like our second house and was always great to find Robin, curious, active, smiling... We are very sorry for that lost. Love from Spain.
Gloria, Ferran, Teresa, Biel and Jan.
Aline Bernstein
August 25, 2010
I remember Robin handing me his card that read "Robin Wood, Tree Surgeon" - a play on Robin Hood from this champion of the underdog. If you told a stranger all the things he had been and done in his life, they would never believe it. What an amazing personality he was.
August 25, 2010
I met Robin through many a phone call and a mutual dedication to uncovering the national loss of President Kennedy. Like peeling an onion, we perserved over the last seven years and shared several moments of an emotional understanding. Robin continued his efforts and I was fortunate to visit with him in those final days, to the end sharing what we knew was essential to doing the right thing. I will miss him as I never forget him. Barr McClellan, NYC and Gulfport.
Jim & Shirley Herson
August 25, 2010
Words cannot express our sadness over Robin's passing. He was a fine man and a dear friend. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
Randy Sterling
August 25, 2010
Mimi and family: it is with pride that I send along my condolences in your loss, yet graduation for Robin. I really treasured my time with each of you as an Ithaca patrolman. Robin was candid yet kind,loved his country yet held our leaders accountable at all levels of authority. You let God be close and lean on HIM during this time of loss.
Iwill keep you in my thoughts Mimi.
Randy Sterling-Dryden,NY
Carola Solomonoff
August 25, 2010
Though I signed the earlier guest book, guess I'll do this one too. Who can say enough about Robin? The world seems duller without him. Lovely obituary...
Gay Huddle
August 25, 2010
Robin was a crooner, a proud American, well-spoken, smart, and not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with Mimi and all of Robin's family.
Most sincerely,
Michael Angley
August 25, 2010
We are having a proper send off for Robin in two weeks live on television on channel 13! I would like to invite anyone with a nice "Robin" story to come share it with us. The tribute will be live at 8PM September 8th 2010. Contact me Michael Angley [email protected]
John Miller
August 25, 2010
Dear Mimi,
We are sorry for your loss. We all will miss Robin and all he did for all of us. The kids were really sad and remembered all the nights we cooked hotdogs with him and the fun they had together. You and your family are in our prayers.
Love,
John Miller and Family.
Josephine Cohen
August 25, 2010
Mimi, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts. May your heart find peace and comfort.
August 25, 2010
mimi-robin was a special person. you are a special person also. may your grief be tempered by the type of man robin was! he cared about everyone. rt morrison (skip) an ihs classmate.
Melissa Holland
August 25, 2010
Mimi, Chris, Tina & Cindy: You are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Melissa Holland and Patricia Dean
Jeff & Terrie White
August 25, 2010
Mimi, So sad to hear of your loss as well as the loss of a great and contributing member of our community. Be good to yourself and draw strength on those around you.
scott brown
August 25, 2010
Robin will always be here in heart and mind
Walk on and keep fighting.I have a lot of great memories of Robin when I worked on his tv show as a camera man.He always was free with his mind and took charge
Valerie Evans
August 25, 2010
Mimi,
We are sorry for your loss. We believe Robin is busy speaking out in heaven with friends gone before. He was a man of great confiction and honor. God Bless. Valerie and Gabriela
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