MAX NEWTON ROBINSON

1943 - 2008

Max Robinson died at Home Place on January 18, 2008 with his wife Anne by his side.

He was born to Nina and Willis Robinson in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska on December 21, 1943. Max attended Seattle Pacific University, and after receiving a B.S. in English Literature served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda in the late 1960's.

He returned to Seattle and earned his M.A. in Social Work. Max worked as a social worker in Seattle in the Juvenile Courts for several years before joining the diplomatic corps. His years as a social worker provided Max with many fond memories and good friends. Max entered the Foreign Service in 1974, and was posted to Dakar (Senegal), London (England), Moscow (Russia), Washington D.C., and Helsinki (Finland). He received several awards during his diplomatic years, and is remembered by many friends and colleagues around the world. Max retired from the U.S. State Department in 1998.

Max is survived by his wife Anne, beloved children Daniel and Natalie at the family home in Mt. Vernon, Washington, and by two children from his first marriage, Lisa and Joel. Lisa and her husband Lee live in Newton, Massachusetts with their two daughters, and Joel and his wife Beth live in London with their daughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Elaine and Audrey.

Max was a man who loved life and he lived it to the fullest. His talents included stained glass, framing art, and home remodeling projects. He was known for his patience with children and his uncanny ability in calming fussy babies. Max had a reputation as a dog whisperer because of his knack with border collies; their Frisbee antics would draw crowds. He loved books, flea markets, long-distance bike rides, saltwater boating, and chopping wood.

Most of all, Max loved his family. We were blessed to have him with us as long as we did. Max's idea of a perfect evening was sitting around with friends and family telling stories and telling jokes. Max was very special to many people, and stories about him will live on.

Max's family would like to thank the staff of Home Place for the years of loving care they gave him. They cared for Max with such compassion and affection. They lightened our load considerably. Thank you for always being there for Max, and for us.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the Hospice staff. Your kindness and understanding during the hard times was greatly appreciated.

There will be a private inturment graveside at a later date.

One of Max's traditions was to end the workweek, and begin the weekend, with a beverage and a game of cribbage. In remembrance of Max, his family is hosting a public reception at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8 in the upstairs room of The Skagit River Brewery in Mt. Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, Max requested that donations be sent to Skagit Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 2565, 325 Pine St., Mt. Vernon, WA 98274.

You may sign the guest register and share memories at www.kernfuneralhome.com.

Max, you filled our hearts with gladness and took away our sadness. You will be missed.

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.