Richard Deane Robinson, PGA Professional, World Traveler, Army Reservist, Brother, Father, and Friend, passed away on Thursday, August 13th, 2020 at the age of 75.
Richard was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 7th, 1945. He was the youngest of four, and the only boy in the family. Always curious and with a penchant to learn, Richard graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and English. After some time in the U.S. Military, he went on to join the Professional Golf Association in their Graduate Class A. These passions of writing and golf stuck with him throughout his life, and came together when he co-authored Undercover Golf which was published in 2004.
After becoming a PGA Member, Richard spent his years imparting his knowledge of the game to children and adults alike. He was an impassioned teacher, one who believed that the game of golf presented many important life lessons, including proper etiquette, patience, and good sportsmanship. He started his golf professional career at Kiahuna Golf Course in Kauai, Hawaii, quickly rising to Head Golf Pro. Soon after, he moved back to Utah, where he worked at Mick Riley and Nibley golf courses, and became the Cottonwood Country Club Director of Golf. Invigorated by his love of the game and his desire to give back to his community, Richard also became the Executive Director of Project GAIN in Salt Lake City, a national research and development program, designed to maximize opportunities for the inclusion of people with disabilities through the game of golf.
While many knew him for his sportsmanship on the golf course, his family will remember him for his quirky and colorful sense of humor, his infectious zest for good food, good wine, and travel, and his taste for the finer things in life. He could make friends anywhere, and will be sorely missed by many worldwide. He is succeeded by his children, Ginger, Patrick, Schaffor, and Amanda; his three sisters, Gloria, Janice, and Patricia; and his long-time partner, Joni and her daughter, Alyssa. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Mae and Dean Robinson. May he rest in peace, keep his eye on the ball, and shoot straight.
A graveside service will be held in his honor in Salt Lake City this Friday, August 21st at 10:00am, at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South). Guests will be distanced and masks required. VIEWING UPDATE: Please note the Salt Lake City Tribune online website had incorrect information. There will be no public viewing for Richard Deane Robinson.
For a full photo gallery and to leave condolences or messages please see the website at: www.doublerprogolf.com
Many special memories of times spent out at Nana and Grandpa Robinson’s when we were young. My love to you Gloria, Janice and Pat at this time. Jan - Uncle Grant’s Daughter
One of a kind who lived, and died, on his terms. A good and true friend who epitomized the the very definition of "Renaissance Man"
He was loved, respected, and will be missed.
Jeff Waters
PGA Master Professional
We are saddened at the passing of Richard. He has been a good neighbor for many years. We are sure he has already enjoyed he first 18 on the other side. We want to express to all his family our condolences and hope good memories will bring all of you peace and comfort!
With Love,
Jim and Tori KIng
Surprise of all surprises to see Richard is gone. Knew him from the time my family moved into the neighborhood up the Street on 11th East in 1954. We were friends but really not best friends even though our birthdays are like two months apart. I went to parochial school downtown and he went to Douglas close by. Yet upon reading the notice I remember constant interaction with him and his family until we both grew up and moved into our own places. The Robinsons and his sisters were welcoming and warm to little Tim from up the street. They as much as much as Richard were a warm and safe place to visit something I appreciate to this day. As adults we kept bumping into each other over many decades. Those encounters, when we had time to chat, were always pleasant and interesting. I especially loved to hear about his mom and his care for her.
One encounter revealed more about the man than anything else. I bumped into him at the golf course driving range. Someone said "Funk get you rear end out of the way we got lessons to give here."
Obviously it was Mr. Richard. He had a herd of disabled kids and adults and service dogs trooping on to the range for group golfing lessons. He told me it was a summer project he had been key in organizing
and it was one of the best things he had ever done for the participants and "himself" he whispered.
Certainly there is more to say, there always is. Pretty clear he left us here knowing he did what he wanted to and was pleased with it all. When I move on I am pretty sure we will meet up again. Just where and under what conditions remains to be seen.
With deepest sympathy.
Tee it up with Douglas. I'm sure he's got a tee time for you two.
He had faith in you to carry on the golf program at the Cottonwood Club after he left.
Happy memories.
I am very saddened at the news of Richard's passing. And so very glad to have known him, even briefly - as Patricia's brother. His inviting nature and love of life was so very appreciated.
My heartfelt sympathy to Patricia and Richard's entire family.