Kathleen Tanner Robinson

Robinson Kathleen Tanner, Aug. 13, 1925 to July 1, 2002. Kathleen, 76, passed away among family July 1, 2002. Kathy was raised and educated in Arlington, VA until the start of WWII when she began working in the Navy Bureau of Ordnance in Washington, DC. There, she met John Robinson, a Naval officer who was also in the Navy Dept. Bldg. Kathy and John fell in love and subsequently married on Feb. 6, 1943. The couple began their family in Mpls., MN where Kathy tended to their newborn son, John Jr. (Skip), while her husband was at war in the Pacific. The conclusion of WWII found the young couple in Mpls. where Kathy's husband completed law school at the University of MN. Shortly thereafter, Kathy and John's second of three sons, Dave, was born. With the start of the Korean War, Kathy, John and their two boys were back in the Navy, in San Diego, CA. Kathy discovered the beach community of La Jolla where she and John rented three homes before purchasing the home in 1952 that they shared for fifty years. Kathy gave birth to their third son, Bruce, in 1954 and continued with her role as the ever loving, always happy mom. Kathy cheerfully made the meals, packed the lunches, did the laundry, bought the groceries, cleaned the house and presided over the day to day operations of the home. Kathy was an active mom and grandma, a terrific athlete, a baker, a seamstress, a gardener, and a cook, but always made time to be both a participant and supporter of her boys' activities. Kathy managed to accomplish all of this despite the fact that she never drove a car. One could usually find Kathy playing ping pong, a game of catch, twirl-a-round, cards, croquet or even throwing batting practice with her three baseball playing boys (two played in the major leagues and the other was a college player). When Kathy's husband retired in 1982, the couple began travels to all parts of the world. Kathy especially enjoyed cruising to exotic locations with her husband. Kathy brought unending joy and love to her family and to those fortunate enough to know her. Kathy's husband, 3 boys and 7 grandchildren will be forever blessed by her life. Kathy is survived by her husband of 59 years, John; her three sons, John ``Skip'' Robinson & wife Carol of Sonoma; Dave Robinson & wife Connie of San Diego; Bruce Robinson of San Diego; 7 grandchildren, David Robinson Jr. & wife Robin of Salt Lake City; John Robinson III of San Bruno; Patty Robinson of Brentwood; Eric Robinson of Sonoma, and Scott, Kelly & Tommy Robinson of San Diego. Services will be held at 10 AM on Sat., July 6, 2002 at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, 7715 Draper Ave., La Jolla, CA. A private burial will follow.

Published on July 4, 2002