MICHAEL ROBBINS

ROBBINS, Michael Lifelong Bostonian and Adventurer Michael Robbins passed away, at the grand old age of 99, in the Brookline house, where he was born, raised, and lived most of his life. He attended Brookline High School and graduated from Williams College with the class of 1949. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Evangeline Warren Robbins and Elliott Beebe Robbins; his elder brother, Elliott Warren (Bobby) Robbins; and his nephew, Elliott Petrie Robbins. Michael was a life-long adventurer. His journeys began with a fateful ride while hitchhiking, which led to his signing on for the summer of 1948 as an ordinary seaman on a tramp steamer. The voyage took him to pre-Castro Cuba, where the crew packed a cargo of raw sugar and brought it to a Europe, still recovering from World War II. Working in the galley of the Nortanda, Michael mastered the art of breaking an egg into a frying pan one-handed without breaking the yolk; it was about the only culinary expertise he would admit to having. Thereafter, his kitchen exploits were strictly limited to boiling his daily porridge. Further travels ensued over the years – many trips to Europe, a long trek in the Himalayas (where he reached 20,000'), a hiking trip to Sikkim, and travels in Australia, South Africa, Saipan, the Philippines, Russia, and Finland. In 1953, Michael was drafted into the army and served in La Rochelle, France, where he formed close friendships with some local Huguenot families that would last for the rest of his life (thus keeping his French au courant). Returning to Brookline (with an MG convertible, which he had used to travel through Russian-occupied Austria), Michael continued his career as a stockbroker, working for various firms, including Putnam, Coffin and Burr, Advest, and Mayflower Advisors. He was fascinated by the market, and he worked until he was 94. Regardless of the weather, he could be seen biking all around Brookline and Boston to do his errands and visit friends; he commuted by bike every day until he retired, as it was the "quickest way to get from here to there." During the Blizzard of '78, the evening news showed a clip of a man in a bright red hat skiing over cars to get to the office. Needless to say, it was Michael. As much as he enjoyed working, living, and socializing in and around Boston, at least half of Michael's heart lay in Chocorua, NH, where he summered virtually every year of his life. He was a keen hiker (completing his last ascent of Mount Chocorua at the age of 88), and spent many hours sharing his love of the mountains with his family, godchildren, and friends. In addition to hiking, he was an avid tennis player and skater, as well as a cross-country and downhill skier. Michael was a gregarious person and known to be one of the best waltzers in Boston. In 1956, Life Magazine ran an article featuring Boston's social life, including a photograph of Michael dancing with his partner. Waltz Evenings continued into the 1980s, with Michael as a regular participant. He also loved going to square dances in Tamworth, NH, once losing both shirtsleeves after a particularly energetic maneuver. He participated in many plays and had a fondness for Gilbert and Sullivan, including the role of the Modern Major General. He relished being an active member of numerous clubs and organizations, including the Boston Athenaeum, the St. Botolph Club, The Country Club, The Brookline Thursday Club, and The Colonial Warriors of Massachusetts, and developed many lasting friendships at each of them. Well known for (and not shy about) his political views and intensive engagement in politics, he served as a Town Meeting Member in Brookline for 50 years. He also headed the Young Republicans of Massachusetts during the candidacy of Barry Goldwater and served as a delegate in the Chicago and San Francisco conventions. He was a devoted life-long parishioner at the Church of our Saviour in Brookline, starting as a paid chorister, and serving on the vestry and as the head usher for many years. Michael was both a loyal friend and devoted to his family. He leaves two daughters, Letitia McIlwraith (Andrew) and Helen Alexandra Ridgely Robbins; a grandson, Isaac Arya Robbins; a niece, Virginia Raynor-Smith; two nephews, Christopher and John Robbins; and many beloved great-nephews and nieces and their children, as well as six godchildren. His family would like to extend their thanks to the Good Shepherd Hospice for their support in Michael's final days, as well as his wonderful caregivers: Maria Jerez, Jose De Azarius Neto, Paul Cormier, Paul Finnegan and Michael Naughton. A Memorial Service will be held at the Church of Our Saviour, Brookline, on Saturday, February 28, at 1:30 pm. We would ask that men wear bow ties to honor Michael's preferred dress code. Another reception will be held this summer, in Chocorua. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one his favorite charities: The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, (www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give), The Bearcamp Valley School of New Hampshire, 27 Durrell Road, Tamworth, NH 03886, (www.tamworthpreschool.org), The Chocorua Lake Conservancy, P.O. Box 105, Chocorua, NH 03817, (www.chocorualake.org/home), or the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 411814, Boston, MA 02241, (www.afedj.org/about/overview/). Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home www.bellodeafuneralhome.com