Reynold Dean Robinson passed away peacefully on September 15, 2021 of causes incident to age. He was born on March 10, 1929 to Reynold Frank Robinson and Eliza Luthi Robinson of Freedom, ID. His childhood and youth were spent on the family ranch in Star Valley where he learned the value of hard work, discipline, and loyalty to family. As the only son, his parents relied heavily upon him for help on the ranch—a work that he loved. Wherever he lived or traveled, he was always a native son of Star Valley and he loved the noble family from which he descended.
A natural athlete, Dean played basketball in high school and at Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Ramona McClure. They were engaged before he left to serve his mission in France. His mission was a pivotal experience in his life, shaping his love for the Lord and His restored Church, and building a foundation of faith and service that lasted throughout his life. Dean and Ramona were married in the Logan Temple on September 16, 1952 and began a great love story that will last long into the eternities.
Upon graduation from dental school at the University of California San Francisco, Dean and Ramona established their home in San Luis Obispo, California where he practiced dentistry for more than 30 years. These were busy times for their growing family. Their three children; Denee, Mark and Lyman were the greatest blessings of their lives. Denee has been a source of joy and comfort throughout her life. Mark and Lyman, both born with almost insurmountable disabilities were welcomed into the family and cherished for more than 50 years. Dean and Ramona gave them every blessing, comfort and assistance that was humanly possible. While Ramona carried the daily burden of their care, Dean was a remarkable father—creating special times for Denee, and caring for “the boys” as they were called. Though institutionalized during their adolescent years, Dean would pick them up and drive them home for weekend stays, for holidays and birthdays. No father ever loved his children more than he did. Dean diapered, and fed, and played with the boys. They would hang on his neck and sit on his lap. He would drive them in the car with the windows down for they loved the wind on their faces. While the boys never spoke a single word in this life, they did know to come and kneel down with the family for prayers. After any separation, the boys would run to their parents and literally leap into their steady arms. Have you ever seen a 45-year old man clinging to his mother with his legs wrapped around her waist? Theirs was a joyful and cherished relationship which will continue into the eternities. We can only imagine the joy of seeing the boys run once again to their father last week, and in full celestial voice call his name and welcome him home.
Dean served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called as a young bishop, and then served for nine years as President of the San Luis Obispo Stake, prior to serving with Ramona as he presided over the France, Paris Mission. While in Europe, their family grew again as they wove hundreds of young missionaries into the fabric of their lives. The same love and compassion they had for their own children was evident in the ways they treated the missionaries. Obedience was the watchword and love was the key. They had high expectations and had every confidence the missionaries would perform. Their leadership was transformative in that mission, and in the lives of their missionaries—who, with their spouses and families, now number in the thousands. These adopted sons and daughters will forever call their names blessed.
Following their mission, Dean was called as a Regional Representative of the Quorum of the Twelve and traveled the length of California on weekend assignments for almost a decade. He loved the leaders and the Saints of California and was thrilled at the growth of the Church. In 1990, Dean and Ramona moved to Orem where they could be close to their boys. Dean became a fierce advocate for the disabled. He lobbied for legislation that would protect and provide for them. He led capital campaigns, donated his services, resources and time, and with unending effort forged a better life for those who had often been neglected or forgotten by society.
Dean took great delight in his five grandchildren: Sjani, Myra, Eliza, David, and Justin, and in spouses and great grandchildren as the family grew. As Grandparents, Dean and Ramona regularly participated with blessings, baptisms, sporting and musical events, graduations, and weddings. Grandpa Robinson loved to teach correct principles and delighted in supporting their activities and interests. The grandkids enjoyed trips to California and Disneyland, and Grandpa never passed up an opportunity to take them for a treat or surprise them with something he knew was important to them. Time spent together at the Ranch in Star Valley has created many memories and will continue to bless the family for years to come.
Dean served in the mission presidency of the Provo Missionary Training Center and as a Patriarch. He knew the Lord and the Lord knew him. He was truly the embodiment of the Lord’s invitation to serve the “least of these” and to live with faith, be humble, be anxiously engaged and to live faithfully. He lived an exemplary life. Earth lost and heaven won with his passing, and we will be forever grateful that his life touched ours.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021, at the Lakeview Sixth Ward chapel, 2168 South 140 West, Orem, Utah. The services will be streamed at https://youtu.be/GeDbbUr8XCk. Due to Covid concerns, there will not be a public viewing. Burial will be at the Orem City Cemetery following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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