Ralph T. Robinson, 82, known as Robbie, passed away Aug. 29 at the Life Care Center in Cheyenne. He was born in Lancaster, S.C., on Sept. 10, 1921, to Richard Baxter Robinson and Daisy Bennett Robinson. He graduated from the Citadel College of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., and began his career in the military at Fort Francis E. Warren. He rose to the rank of captain and served during World War II in Calcutta, India, as the liaison with the India Army for Feshford. He was discharged as a major from the U.S. State Department. He owned and operated Sweetbriar shoe shops in Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Casper, Logan, Utah, Greeley, Colo., and Rapid City, S.D. He also owned and operated a children’s store in Cheyenne, known as Robbie’s Zoo. He sold out in 1982 and retired. He was very active in Cheyenne community causes and civic organizations. He served as First Presbyterian Church Treasurer, on the church Board of Trustees, as moderator for the Wyoming Presbytery and Synod of Montana and Wyoming. He was active in the local and state Republican Party. He was a member of the Korein Shrine and Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce and served a term as vice president. He was active for over 50 years in Kiwanis, joining in 1949. He served in all the local offices in Cheyenne and in the state. He also served as the Rocky Mountain governor. He was honored by Kiwanis as the Bonham Fellow and Lusche Fellow and received the Life Time Member Award. He believed in giving back to the community he loved. He served as chairman of the United Fund and American Red Cross. He was a sponsor of the United Medical Foundation Denim and Diamonds, and he also provided financial sponsorship to the Laramie County Library, and the Cheyenne Depot Museum. He was a long-term supporter of the University of Wyoming Cowboys. He was a member of UW President’s Society and the Cowboy Joe Club. He loved going to UW sporting events. He was married for almost 40 years to Elinor Sevison, who preceded him in death. He married Shirley Garrett on Dec. 5, 1987. During retirement, he and Shirley spent six months a year in Cheyenne and six months in Mesa, Ariz. He enjoyed travel, golf and bridge during his retirement years. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Richard Baxter and Daisy Bennett Robinson; a sister, Elizabeth Freeze; a brother, R.B. Robinson; his first wife, Elinor Robinson; and a son-in-law, Mike Ingram. His surviving family includes Shirley Garrett Robinson; two daughters, Jane Ingram of Douglas and Julia Robinson Kozisek of Boise, Idaho; two stepsons, Glen and Larry Garrett of Cheyenne; a stepdaughter, Susan Garrett of Cheyenne; and seven grandchildren, Bethany Garrett, Daisy Ingram, Kayla Kozisek, Margaret Elizabeth Garrett, Scott Kozisek, Thomas Ingram and Tyler John Garrett. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Cheyenne with the Rev. Bob Garrard and Dr. Robert G. Walkley officiating. Contributions in Robbie’s name may be given to the United Medical Center Hospice and Meals on Wheels.
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