Bruce Robinett

Robinett, Bruce

February 18, 1943 - May 1, 2024

On February 18, 1943, Bruce W. Robinett was born in a farmhouse, with no indoor plumbing, in Garfield County, Oklahoma. Bruce was raised in an iconic rural setting, with his family farming wheat and raising cattle. His parents knew nothing but hard work, an ethic that was instilled in Bruce at an early age and that remained with him throughout his life. In his limited spare time on the family farm, Bruce embarked on his lifelong love for the great outdoors, trapping, shooting guns and fishing. 

After graduating with his 7-member senior class at Pioneer High School, Bruce enrolled at Oklahoma State University, joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and graduated with an Agricultural Economics degree in just 3 years. By doing so, Bruce became the first Robinett in family history to earn a college degree. While in college, Bruce met a cute 19-year-old from Enid by the name of Ruth Ellen Tigner. They were married in 1963 and one year later, Bruce, with one month old Tracy in tow, began law school at the University of Oklahoma. Bruce excelled, graduating third in his class, serving on the Law Journal and being awarded the law school's highest academic honor - Order of the Coif. Thereafter, two established lawyers from Bartlesville, Chester Brewer and Jesse Worten, offered Bruce a job. In a wheat truck, Bruce, Ruth and Tracy were off to their new home with their belongings. Three years later, their second child, Shannon, was born.

When he was not working, one could find Bruce hunting quail with his beloved bird dogs; playing golf; playing tennis; flying his airplanes; spending time on Grand Lake; snow skiing; attending OU football games; and shooting sporting clays. His lifelong passion, however, was fishing. Bruce chased bass and trout in ponds, lakes and rivers all over North America. Nothing excited him more than going on a fly fishing trip with his close friends. 

Professionally, Bruce soon became one of Oklahoma's brightest and most respected lawyers. He enjoyed the practice of law immensely and he embraced his long lasting relationships with clients. Immediately before his passing, he was still very active at the office and had a full work load.

Bruce's greatest talent of all, however, was his remarkable ability to connect with people and make friends. His extended family adored him and he established lifelong relationships with people of all ages and walks of life. He touched countless lives with his intellect, his big personality, his story telling and his great sense of humor.

The fateful cancer diagnosis on January 25 was a shock to everyone, including himself. Until then, he was healthy, active and had so much more to do. While he lived a full life, he certainly was not ready to go. As recently as late April, Bruce was adamant that he would be traveling to Canada in June with his buddies for their annual fishing trip. A trip that he had not missed since 1986. Fishing supplies continue to arrive at his house.

Bruce passed away on May 1, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Wayne and Lela Robinett. Sadly, Bruce leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Ruth Robinett; his sister, Carolyn Hamm of Enid; his son Tracy Robinett, along with his wife Susan, of Tulsa; his daughter Shannon LaDuke of Hot Springs; and his four beautiful granddaughters, Meg Robinett, Addie Robinett, Lucy LaDuke and Ruthie LaDuke.

Bruce Robinett was one of a kind.  He will be greatly missed by his many friends, his immediate and extended family, his colleagues at the Robinett King law firm and his clients. His shoes cannot be filled.

A private family service has been planned.