ROBINSON — William, 86; born Jan. 10, 1934, Fairburn, South Dakota; died Aug. 22, 2020, Selah, Washington. Surviving: sons, Brett, Salem, Oregon; Greg, Gresham, Oregon; Lisa Robinson, Wenatchee, Washington; brother, Tom, Meridian, Idaho; and 7 grandchildren.

William Robinson

1934–2020

William Robinson was born in Fairburn, South Dakota, on Jan. 10, 1934, and died of cancer at his home on Aug. 22, 2020. He grew up on a farm and went to a one-room school before attending Plainview Academy, Union College and the College of Medical Evangelists (now Loma Linda University), where he met his wife VelmaJean Knauss. After working to pay off loans, they accepted a call to serve for four years in a mission clinic on Guam.

After returning, they eventually settled on a small ranch in Selah, Washington. Robinson, with his wife as office manager, served the Yakima community in his solo family practice for 43 years until his retirement in 2015.

A fourth-generation Adventist, Bill loved his church and served for many years in leadership positions at the school and church, where he enjoyed singing in the Men's Ensemble. Since their time living on Guam, he had enjoyed raising orchids. His flower arrangements consistently graced the front of his church. He also enjoyed art and painted the 48-foot mural at the local Adventist school.

Bill was preceded in death by VelmaJean. He is survived by his brother, Tom; his children, Brett, Greg and Lisa; and 7 grandchildren.