Salt Lake City, UT - Loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully November 3, 2013 surrounded by family. Don was a kind, caring and giving person who always put everyone else's needs before his own. He was born in Salt Lake City, UT on December 31, 1921 to Donaldson Phillip Robbins and Vera Jones Robbins. He attended South High school where he met his first love "Bette" and eloped on November 1, 1941. Don attended the University of Utah and was a cadet colonel in the ROTC. Upon graduation, Don went to Officer Candidate School and during the fall of 1944, he was sent to France and Germany during WW II as a 2nd LT in the field artillery corps. Don received the Silver Star for "gallantry in action and disregard of personal safety displayed in Germany." He also earned the bronze star as a result of his actions during the war. After being discharged from active duty, Don was in the active Army Reserve and obtained the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1982. Don also was awarded with a Meritorious Service Medal during his Reserve duty.
After the war, Don returned home to his wife and first daughter who was born while he was away. Don and Bette raised a family of two daughters and a son, while enjoying all types of outdoor activities, especially snow skiing. Don worked for Amoco Oil in sales and management positions. Upon retirement, he was involved in real estate and built duplexes which he also managed. Don was previously active in the Kiwanis Club and the Fort Douglas Officer's Club.
After Don's first wife Bette passed away in 2007, Thelma Duncan Jacobsen came into Don's life saving him from despair and loneliness. Thelma had also lost her lifelong partner and together, they provided each other with comfort, companionship and love. Both acting like teenagers again, they found happiness and were married on July 3, 2009. During Don's final year, Thelma's never ending energy of love and care for Don shined like the angel she was for him.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elizabeth June "Bette" Burroughs Robbins; sister Lois Watts; grandson Donald Scott Rowberry and great granddaughter Caitlyn Dawn Evans.
Don is survived by his wife Thelma Duncan Jacobsen Robbins; his sister, Gloria Rebholz; his children Sandra (Paul) Jackson; Judy (Larry) Skinner; Brent (Terri) Robbins; his step children Dennis (Marianne) Jacobsen; Lana (Rodney) Swearingen, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don, in altruistic fashion, donated his body to the University of Utah Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy. Memorial donations may be made to University of Utah Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy.
A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, Veteran's Day (November 11, 2013) at 2 pm at the Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East and1300 South.
