Paul Thomas Robinson

June 2, 1945 - May 5, 2019

Paul Thomas Robinson passed away on May 5, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Riverview, Florida. Paul was predeceased by his sister, Patricia (Pat) Ellis Mathis and leaves behind his wife, Annette; son, Brett; aunt, Doris; and other dear friends and family. Paul was born in 1945 at Harper Hospital, Detroit, Michigan to father Ellis Moreland Robinson and mother Evelyn Lucille Robinson (née Jones). His early years were spent in Hollywood, Florida where he first learned to love the water and boats and, as he liked to recall, became blood brothers with a Seminole Indian friend. When he was a teenager, his family moved back to Michigan to manage the Horton Bay General Store. It was there that Paul believed he met Ernest Hemingway and, perhaps, began to develop an appreciation for literature (especially Hemingway) and writing. Paul and Pat followed their parents to Van Nuys, California and shortly afterwards Paul entered the Air Force, serving at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico as an Administrative Specialist for the 6th Strategic Aerospace Wing (SAC). Back in Van Nuys, he got into cars and surfing and developed lifelong friendships. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cal State University, Northridge (1973), and Master of Arts in Area Studies (China) (1975) from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. As well as holding several lecturer positions, Paul demonstrated an ability to turn his hand to just about anything, from real estate to the oil business to investment banking. He could get along with anyone, from roughnecks on the Bakersfield oil fields to executives in the ‘C’ suite; valued innovative thinking; enjoyed making a deal, big or small; and refused to allow himself to be put ‘in a box’. Paul was baptized as a Christian on June 10, 2001. He appreciated in-depth, expository Bible teaching, especially that of the Calvary Chapel movement, while he also enjoyed the pithy sermons of T. D. Jakes. Slow to anger, quick to forgive, generous, always there to help; he was a true gentleman. A memorial service will be held in the next few months, followed by scattering of the ashes at sea. Notification of the date will be sent to family and friends, or please contact [email protected] for further details. Paul was proud of being a SOAS graduate and wanted to be remembered in this context, so a memorial fund for SOAS students is being set up in his name. Please visit https://www.paulthomasrobinson.com/soas-memorial if you wish to donate.