Robyn Nelson

Robyn was one of those rare creative forces who changed the world through her dedication, artistic intuition and friendship. I was so fortunate to have been her friend and serve on the IFEA Board together. She has had a lasting impact on my life and career. The world lost a special light on March 1, 2013. But she shines on in all the lives she touched and the impact she made on untold numbers of people. Thank you to Sharon and other loved ones for sharing her with us.

Sharon, I am just reading this - from today's Tribune... "Notable Utah Deathjs of 2013".
I am so sorry for your loss, and my sympathies still and wishes to Grant and all Robyn's many, many friends and other family. What a "force" Robyn was in this life and I can only imagine the "force and "fun" she is having on the other side. Her Spirit flies free.
I love you, Sharon and am dearly sad at this news.

I just learned of Robyn's much too early passing, and wanted to say I knew her, and Sharon way back in the 80s. We had some great times while I lived in Salt Lake. I have very fond memories of Mimosa's on the golf courses. lol 24 years is more than many marriages. I am so sorry, and a big hug to Sharon.
Claire Richardson(Lynnwood Washington)

Robyn brought a "force" to any meeting, discussion, and event! Her energy was inspiring and entertaining! I looked forward to IFEA meetings and the honest insights she shared with us all-- her goal was to always make us better than we were. She will be missed-- but her memory and life celebrated by all who know her. Karen Scherberger

'On behalf of the Utah Humanities Council, I wish to inform you that Cynthia Buckingham has made a generous donation in memory of your mutual friend, Robyn Nelson. Cynthia has asked that you share this message with Sharon and Robyn's family members. Sincerely, Kathleen Harmon Gardner" Just got that in the mail today. Babs

I was very sad to hear about Robyn passing, my best memories will be from the Derby Festival. Sharon : in Robyn's memory, I will cherish the beautiful black hat that you both gave me.

I always looked for Robyn at the IFEA gatherings. It was fun hearing her slant on trends and her passion for the arts. May love and light touch her family and partner, and may you remember the good times you had together with exquisite clarity.

I was shocked and saddened to hear about Robyn's passing. She and I were active together years back in the International Festivals & Events Association, and I appreciated her dedication, her passion and her sense of humor. She was far too young (younger than I am!) to leave this world, but she left her mark on it. Best wishes and condolences to her family and loved ones.

I am so very sad to hear about Robyn's passing. I will always remember her wonderful, wacky sense of humor and passion for life. Rest in Peace.

I was sadden to hear of Robyn's passing. I knew her professionally when I worked for the Downtown Alliance in the early 90s. She impressed me with her fire, her enthusiasm and 'can do' attitude. The success the Utah Arts Festival enjoys today is due in part to her ingenuity and vision. RIP Robyn.

Sharon, Grant, Ben and Sara -

There really are few words. Some of them are: fierce! fabulous!funny!delivery room!

Robyn has been and will continue to be a huge part of my adulthood (she would argue that in no way could I make such a claim of maturity). She made me laugh, made me cry (she was relentless), made a mean sausage dressing (NEVER call it stuffing!) and was very, very good at zeroing in on attitudes, agendas and schemes. She could work a room like nobody's business, or be a fly on the wall and stir the pot from the shadows. Oh to be that awesome!

In a moment of weakness thirteen years ago, I agreed to have her in the delivery room to witness the miracle of birth and the appearance of Matthew. She bossed the doctor around, as I am sure she is taking charge this very moment in heaven. Outstanding birth coach. Outstanding human being....

Our girl was one of a kind, and loved by many. I will celebrate her everyday.

Always,

Kelly

Sharon,
Sorry to hear about Robyn, she will be missed.

rest in peace, robyn. you were one of the first people i met when i moved to salt lake city, through kelly and paul, and kel had kept me informed over the years as to your welfare. i fact, at sundance she told me she and many, many other friends of yours would give every cent if they won the lottery before you did! sharon, may you be buoyed by your memories and your long and loving relationship with robyn. how i wish i could be at the memorial service to pay my respects. alas, my son's 4th birthday party is at the same time. as we celebrate his life, we celebrate robyn's, too.

I will miss the laughter and support we shared in our festival careers. I still have the Gang of Bears (though now they are part of my Christmas "Grr-land" -- I wish you peace -- and send love to you, Sharon, and the rest of your "faimily".

I am deeply saddened to hear of Robyn's passing. Her humor, creativity and willingness to honestly speak her mind positively impacted the festival and event world. She was a mentor and teacher to many special event professionals and a strong supporter of our industry. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on through all of us that you touched and influenced during your life.

Robyn took risks. I was one of them. She wanted to add an International Street component to her Festival, and she found me to do it. We shared the excitement of that project for over a decade. I don't know anyone who would have let me bring in a performer from France to "plant" cabbages in the middle of a major national event, and I don't believe there's an equal to her now. There probably won't be. She was an innovator and inspired folks to break the rules (nicely), and I still do. With her at my side, still. I will truly miss her silly and serious sides, and of course, all night Scrabble games.

Robyn was truly one of the most creative, smart, genuine and funny people I've ever met...in the festival world or in any part of the world. She will be truly missed by all those who knew her.

Robyn's beautiful and funny personality made everyone feel comfortable at the Utah Arts Festival, and she was a joy to work with and know. My condolences to her family and to all of us - it's a great loss.

I will be forever grateful for Robyns' friendship, sense of humor and generosity. I fondly remember all the great times we shared at the "Artstival". You sure could throw one heck of a party.

Robyn was truly one of the great ones! Her humor and incredible creativity was an inspiration to people around the world. Many of my fondest memories of festival and event meetings were the way a room came to life as soon as Robyn walked in. She was a gem who will be greatly missed and truly celebrated for all the joy she brought so many of us.

Thank you, Robyn for all the great times we shared and all you taught me.

Robyn was one of the most creative and fun people that I have ever met. I still have many wonderful Utah Arts items from my visit when she invited me to speak so many years ago and many great memories of IFA conventions. She will be missed.

Sharon,

So sorry to hear about Robyn. She was a great, fun loving person and will be missed around IFEA. It was such a delight to help with hosting the both of you for the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Robyn helped make me the person I am today! She took a shot on a young kid just out of college and we formed a long lasting friendship. I will forever be thankful for what she has done for me and the Utah Arts Festival. We are all better people for having had Robyn in our community and in our hearts. An Innovator, A Mentor, A Friend...RIP

On behalf of all those in the festivals and events industry around the world, I express our deep regret and sympathies at Robyn's passing, but also our deep appreciation for all that she shared with so many of her friends and peers that will continue to live on through those she touched. Robyn kept us all grounded, honest, laughing, and growing. She was a true professional among peers and a true friend to all those fortunate enough to have shared in her life. To her family and loved ones, thank you for sharing her with us.

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE
President & CEO
International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA World)

A great contributor to the life of our city, with intellect and humor. My sympathy to family and friends.

Sharon, and Family Members of Robin,

We express our deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of such a pronounced lady. We are ever so regretful for losing contact with you for so many of years, yet you are still very much printed in our hearts. We know Robin for so many years stating back with her loving Mother Deanne. So many beautiful memories are every so printed in our hearts due to that beautiful Lady and Robin our sister. God Bless you and may his Loving Heart extend to all her family and to you Dear Sharon. Peace.

Jess Trujillo & Edward Tonkin
Cove City, NC

Although Robyn and I had drifted apart over the years, she always held a special place in my heart. Roommates in college, she was my best and dearest friend. I will always love you Robyn. Looking forward to meeting you again. Rest in peace.

RIP Robyn. Heaven is lucky to have you. Know that I will treasure every memory I have of the times we spent together. I could not have loved you more if we were truly blood related.

Your almost niece Terri

Thanks for all you have done for us through the years

Robyn was the coolest lady, she was like an aunt to me and i will miss her bunches, say hi to everyone up there for me

We had so, so much fun with Tri Delta at the U of U! So glad we reconnected last year at this time. We'll get together and have some more fun when we meet once again. Robyn, you transitioned into pure positive energy on March 1 and I know you are now well!

May all the joy, love and many talents Robyn shared with family, friends and community continue to inspire you in all ways, always! Much love and peace to Sharon and the Grant Nelson Family!
Debbie Trople/SLC UT

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

RIP Aunt Robyn. You are loved and will be missed greatly. There was so much left that we had to talk about, too much left unsaid. I will love you always. Your favorite nephew, Ben

Your grace, wit and friendship will be greatly missed. Thoughts of our times together will warm my heart for the rest of my days and may they warm the hearts of all your family and friends.

Our hearts and prayers are with you.