C. Richard “Dick” Robins

C. Richard (Dick) Robins was born 25 November, 1928, in Harrisburg, PA, the third and last child of Helen Ayers Robins and Claude Revere Robins. He died peacefully on 12 November 2020 of natural causes, secure in the knowledge of loving family and friends. He had been baptized as an infant by his maternal grandfather, a circuit riding pastor for the EUB. His siblings, Marguerite Brice and Robert L. Robins predeceased him.

Dick lived a long, productive, successful life with many accomplishments and awards in the field of ichthyology, the study of fishes. He received his PhD from Cornell University in 1954. A properly raised lad, he often pointed out that his later accumulation of colorful language began when he encountered as classmates returning veterans of the Korean War. His doctoral dissertation concerned North American freshwater fishes of the genus Cottus.

He entered the US Army as a private after receiving his doctorate, assigned with a group of other ichthyologists, to Ft. Detrick, MD, the biological warfare laboratory. While forming significant professional relationships there, he also, as he said, “received a lot of shots.”

He arrived at the then young University of Miami Marine Laboratory (UM) in 1956. During his career there he delineated the fish fauna of the tropical Atlantic. He authored or coauthored more than 200 research papers while mentoring 31 PhD students and 14 Master of Science students, many of whom became notable in their own careers. In addition to oceanographic expeditions to Africa and the deep ocean near the Bahamas, he participated in numerous submarine surveys, including one to Cuba. He coauthored with Carleton Ray, The Peterson Guide to Atlantic Coast Fishes. He voluntarily taught undergraduate courses in environmental issues, an outgrowth of serving on Environmental Protection Agency panels.

After retirement from UM, he moved to Lawrence, KS where he was graciously received as Professor Emeritus, serving as an active member of the ichthyology program at the University of Kansas for several years. Dick loved animals of all types and showed great devotion to the many dogs and cats that populated his life.

As news of his death spread, the most frequent comments his family of three children and two grandsons received were those of love for his generosity and kindness. He was also scientifically generous, sharing coauthorship of many papers with others in his field.

Dick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine Hale Robins and his children, Catherine Elaine (Lane) Robins, Robert Hale Robins (wife, Mary Brown) and Colin Richard Robins (wife, Caroline Sauvage).

The family wishes to thank Elaine Kennedy MD, Nurses Carrie Enick and Tara Lewis for their dedicated care. Special thanks to the staff of BridgeHaven for their exceptional kindnesses.

Gifts in his name to the Lawrence Humane Society or Just Food, sent in care of the funeral home.

Service and inurnment at Trinity Episcopal delayed until a Covid vaccine is available.

Messages & Condolences

From Frank J Norman...

Cathy,

I am sorry for your loss. I felt fortunate to get to know him when I came by to do prairie burns so long ago. I send you love and condolences in this hard time.
Frank

From Austin H. Turney...

My sincere condolences, Cathy, to you and your family. You have lost a fascinating personality. Although it has been some time since I have seen him I have a distinct mental picture of Dick.

From Marilyn Green...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of sorrow. He was a great person. I thought a lot of him.

From Bill Richards...

Dear Cathy and children – so sorry to learn if Dick’s passing. He was a great friend, colleague e and fellowship w Cornellian. He helped us greatly when we moved to Miami and I was honored to replace him on your dissertation committee.
Best wishes, Bill & Carol Richards

From Bob Jenkins...

Cathy,
My condolences please accepted. Robby’s studies of suckers and sculpins strongly inspired my efforts on those fishes. I often thought of, and much wanted to visit him.

From Grace Cooper...

Cathy: Your loving care for Dick is an example to. be emulated. How fortunate you and your children were to share Dick’s life and interests. You and your family have memories and stories to sustain you through this difficult time and thereafter.

From Alexis Chambers...

Cathy,
We are so sorry. You’re in our prayers, and we hope you find peace and comfort through your memories and loving animals.
Alexis and Dean Chambers

From David Edds...

Cathy,
We are all greatly saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. A great man, and he is greatly missed.
David Edds

From Peter and Pamela Casagrande...

Cathy,
We send our condolences to you at this sad time. You gave Dick good care and much love as he faded away. Now take time to rest and care for yourself, as well as your animal brood.
Pam

Messages are closed.