George B. “Robbie” Robbins, retired Colonel, U.S. Army, died on Tuesday morning Aug. 28 at his home in Oak Harbor.
He was born Oct. 20, 1923 in Lankershum, Calif. He graduated from Point Loma High School in San Diego in January 1942, and afterward he was a junior college cadet at Brown Military Academy in Pacific Beach, Calif. He later received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s of business administration from George Washington University.
Robbie served 30 years in the U.S. Army. He served as an Infantry platoon leader with the 29th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. During the Korea conflict, he served as a rifle company commander in the 2nd Infantry Division. He then served as Senior Advisor to the 25th ARVN Division in Vietnam. He was a Master Parachutist who saw service with the 11th, 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the XVIII Airborne Corps.
His military education included graduation from the Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (War College level) and the U.S. Army Language School (Spanish).
He retired from the Army in 1973 at the age of 49. Subsequently, he was hired by the State of New Mexico to serve as the Commandant of Cadets at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell. He served in that capacity for five years.
For the next 15 years, he was employed by the Airstream Recreation Vehicle Company as a leader, and later, as director of its program for operating RV caravans traveling throughout Mexico, Central America, Canada and Alaska.
Over the years, Robbie enjoyed membership in the Lions, Elks, Rotary and WBCCI.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years Betty Ann; daughter Joy Pearson; grandson Scott Pearson; granddaughter Diana (Matt) Eberhardt; and great-grandsons Luke & James Eberhardt.
Family suggests memorials be made to a memorial fund that has been established in Robbie’s name at the First United Methodist Church, 11050 SE Ireland Street, Oak Harbor, Washington 98277.
A memorial service followed by a reception was held for Robbie at Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, WA on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 at 11 a.m., with Pastor David G. Lura presiding.
Interment will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash. in September.
Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor. Military honors provided under the auspices of JBLM Army Honor Guard.
