David Joseph Robbins

ROBBINS, David Joseph - Passed away peacefully at his daughter's home, surrounded by the warmth and love of family and friends on March 18, 2007. It was cancer that took him from us prematurely, but this is not about his death but his life. Family and friends all feel so fortunate to have spent the last few weeks of his life on earth with him, joking, laughing, living, loving and sharing. David was surrounded by life along with dogs in his lap and rides in his wheel chair to feed carrots to the horses...some of the simple pleasures that he so enjoyed. No one knows for sure what is beyond life on earth but we all feel assured that David's spirit is soaring, full of life and energy. It gives us all comfort to know David lives on in all of us and is probably watching over us now. David Joseph Robbins was born on February 12, 1922 to Betty and Max Robbins of Springfield, Mass. He served in the Navy prior to coming to California. David met and married Muriel Shainsky, daughter of Sam and Helen Shainsky, in 1944. They made their life in Sonoma where their three children, Pam, Jeff and Stephanie, were born and raised. David graduated from Chico State University in 1950 and pursued his career in education in Sonoma. His first teaching job was at El Verano School. Later he taught at Prestwood School. David acted as principal at both Sassarini and Prestwood schools in Sonoma. One of the highlights of his career was when the family horses got loose and were grazing upon the Prestwood School lawn. Bob Lynch, owner and editor of the Sonoma Index Tribune, who happened to live across the street, summed it up in a front page news story along with a photo, "So This Is Where the Boss Works!" Later, David worked in the Petaluma School District as principal at McNear School and also served as Director of Special Services. He was a fair man who earned the trust and respect of everyone he worked with. Often past students and teachers who had worked with David commented on how much they appreciated him as a person. He and Muriel both worked in the public school system and passed on their fervor for education to their daughters, Pam and Stephanie. Pam went on to earn her doctorate in education, lecturing across the country and writing numerous books. Stephanie was employed in both the Vallejo and Sonoma school districts as an elementary teacher. David's love for animals was contagious, sometimes to the dismay of Muriel. He frequently brought home puppies, kittens and even horses. He passed on this wonderful disease to all three of his children. His son Jeff attended U.C. Davis, achieving a degree of doctor of veterinary medicine. Pam loved her dogs as children and Stephanie began to import and raise Gypsy horses. Not many were as generous and giving as David. He donated to many charities and organizations, too numerous to even mention. He always supported family members in all their endeavors. David was predeceased by his mother and father, Betty and Max Robbins, and his brothers, Norman and Allan. He is survived by his brother, Eugene Robbins and his son Mark, his children and their spouses: Pam and Ray Robbins Cubbage, Jeff and Carla Robbins, Stephanie and Steve Burlington, the mother of his children, Muriel Robbins, and his grandchildren: Rachel, Blake and Anya Burlington and Stetson and Holley Robbins. David is also survived by his beloved companion, Helen Fernandez, with whom he spent 16 wonderful years. David will be remembered as an honest, generous, and gentle man with a sense of humor, who loved animals, music and his family. Funeral services will be held at Sons of Israel Cemetery, Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 22, 2007. A celebration of David's life will be held in Sonoma sometime in mid April. Donations in his name may be made to the following non profit organizations: Pet's Life Line, PO Box 341, Sonoma 95476, Sonoma Boy's and Girl's Club, PO Box 218, El Verano, CA 95433, Vintage House, 264 1st St. East, Sonoma CA 95476, or to FISH, PO Box 507, Sonoma 95476. DUGGANS MISSION CHAPEL SONOMA