W W ROBINSONW W ROBINSON
Rear Admiral William W. Robinson, SC, USN (Ret.), 95, (The Commander), passed peacefully on June 8, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he graduated from Northeastern and Harvard Universities and immediately joined the Navy and served his country until his retirement, at which time he and his bride, Joan, decided to make Hawaii their permanent home. Their family grew to include 8 children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
WW's Yankee background prompted him to enter Hawaii's business field, and he first opened WW Distributors, then Kala Iki, Polynesian Follies, award winning Windows of Hawaii, Mongolian Barbeque and his final restaurant, Fresco.
WW was always interested in sports, particularly volleyball and racquetball, which he shared with his children. He formed close relationships with like-minded players at Ft. DeRussy which spanned 50+ years, and where he was dubbed "The Commander". In 1967 WW was named "Sports Father of the Year" by The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
For years open tournaments were held at the Robinson Makaha Beach house hosted by The Commander.
In addition to being a team member, he became President of the DeRussy Athletic Association, Chairman of the Armed Forces Recreational Committee, National Director of the U.S. Volleyball Association, U.S. National Olympic Committee and Hawaii Volleyball Commissioner (7 years).
Affectionately also called "King", he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Anne. Sons; Matthew Kuukahiku, Barnaby Kalikiano, Auguste Kawelolani, Peter Kilohana, Christopher Chase and Cyrus. Daughters; Merriam Leilani Rapisura and Malia Iwalani Christiansen. Grandchildren Renee and Jon Rapisura, Kristina Stewart, Lindsey Jennings, Everett, Andrew, Alexander, Ricky, Spencer, Gabriel, Kate, Sarah, Jodi and Elizabeth Robinson. Great grandchildren Henry Jennings and John Robinson Moore Jr.
WW was a "gentleman before his time", whose greatest pleasure was being faced with new projects to be solved. At the time of his passing he was planning the celebration of his 96th birthday/family reunion and the anticipated arrival of twin
grandchildren and 2 additional great grandchildren.
Memorial services are scheduled for Monday, July 30, 2012 at Ft. DeRussy Army Chapel starting at 10 A.M. followed at 2 P.M. by full Military Honors Interment at Punchbowl National Cemetery Online condolences: borthwickoahu.com
The family wishes to extend their Aloha to the Office of the Garrison Commander, (COL) Peter Mueller, Chaplain Rickie Wambles (CPT), Chaplain Cloyd Colby (LTC) and Chaplain Rick Tiff (LT) for their support.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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W W ROBINSON
Rear Admiral William W. Robinson, SC, USN (Ret.), 95, (The Commander), passed peacefully on June 8, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, he graduated from Northeastern and Harvard Universities and immediately joined the Navy and served his country until his retirement, at which time he and his bride, Joan, decided to make Hawaii their permanent home. Their family grew to include 8 children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
WW's Yankee background prompted him to enter Hawaii's business field, and he first opened WW Distributors, then Kala Iki, Polynesian Follies, award winning Windows of Hawaii, Mongolian Barbeque and his final restaurant, Fresco.
WW was always interested in sports, particularly volleyball and racquetball, which he shared with his children. He formed close relationships with like-minded players at Ft. DeRussy which spanned 50+ years, and where he was dubbed "The Commander". In 1967 WW was named "Sports Father of the Year" by The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
For years open tournaments were held at the Robinson Makaha Beach house hosted by The Commander.
In addition to being a team member, he became President of the DeRussy Athletic Association, Chairman of the Armed Forces Recreational Committee, National Director of the U.S. Volleyball Association, U.S. National Olympic Committee and Hawaii Volleyball Commissioner (7 years).
Affectionately also called "King", he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Anne. Sons; Matthew Kuukahiku, Barnaby Kalikiano, Auguste Kawelolani, Peter Kilohana, Christopher Chase and Cyrus. Daughters; Merriam Leilani Rapisura and Malia Iwalani Christiansen. Grandchildren Renee and Jon Rapisura, Kristina Stewart, Lindsey Jennings, Everett, Andrew, Alexander, Ricky, Spencer, Gabriel, Kate, Sarah, Jodi and Elizabeth Robinson. Great grandchildren Henry Jennings and John Robinson Moore Jr.
WW was a "gentleman before his time", whose greatest pleasure was being faced with new projects to be solved. At the time of his passing he was planning the celebration of his 96th birthday/family reunion and the anticipated arrival of twin
grandchildren and 2 additional great grandchildren.
Memorial services are scheduled for Monday, July 30, 2012 at Ft. DeRussy Army Chapel starting at 10 A.M. followed at 2 P.M. by full Military Honors Interment at Punchbowl National Cemetery Online condolences: borthwickoahu.com
The family wishes to extend their Aloha to the Office of the Garrison Commander, (COL) Peter Mueller, Chaplain Rickie Wambles (CPT), Chaplain Cloyd Colby (LTC) and Chaplain Rick Tiff (LT) for their support.