Donald John Robbins, 87

Donald John Robbins, 87, died from lymphoma after a long struggle with leukemia on March 26, 2015, in his home in Pico Rivera, Calif.

All family members will be attending a memorial and spreading of his ashes in Bonner’s Ferry, at a future date which has not been determined.

He was born on Dec. 15, 1927, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Edward Robbins (deceased) and Mildred Young Robbins (deceased). He was the youngest child and had two sisters, Edna (deceased) and May (deceased).

At age 4, he showed an interest in playing the piano and was determined to be a naturally gifted musician by his piano teacher.

Throughout his life he received much pleasure in playing the piano for friends and family. He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School, where he participated in all sports, played the tuba in the high school band and was class president.

He told many stories about his adventures with his two best friends, Donnie Mercer (deceased) and Corwin “Corky” Brant.

While in high school, during WW II, he spent his summers in a watch tower working for the U.S. Forest Service in the “middle of nowhere.”

It was at this time that he saw a Sasquatch drinking water across the river from him. Don Robbins was such an honest person no one doubted his story.

After graduating from high school in 1946 he joined the Marines and was stationed in Camp Pendlelton, San Diego, Calif.

He played tuba in the Marine Band and was classified as a sharpshooter. It was during his time in the military that he met his wife, Betty Jean Robbins (Churchill).

He and Betty were married in 1948 in the Churchill family back yard in Pico Rivera, Calif., where he lived until his death.

Don worked for Eastman Kodak in Hollywood from the 1950s through 1970s.

After taking early retirement he became a real estate investor and found much pleasure in building and fixing properties which lasted for the rest of his life.

He spent time with his children who adored him, in the swimming pool, playing basketball and shooting pool. He had a great sense of humor and was adored by his friends and children. He will be dearly missed.

Don is survived by his wife; his two daughters, Vicki Lynn Robbins Van Der Hoek of Morrow, Ga., and Cynthia Lee Robbins Copeland of McDonough, Ga.; son Robert Young Robbins of Pico Rivera, Calif.; granddaughter Casey Copeland Wilkie of Del Mar, Calif.; half-brother Duane Robbins in Richland, Wash.; nephew Phillip French in Seattle, Wash.; and niece Janyce McLucas Keeling of Spokane, Wash.