MONSON – William W. Robinson, 77, passed away Sept. 5, 2009, at his home. He was born April 24, 1932, the son of Leslie and Priscilla (Champion) Robinson. Bill attended the neighborhood “Vinton District” school, and was one of the last students to attend this one-room schoolhouse. He graduated from Monson Academy in 1949 and Farmington State Teacher’s College in 1953. He earned his master’s degree in education at the University of Maine, Orono. He was an active member in Dawn of Hope Grange and taught Sunday school for many years at Monson Community Church. After his graduation he served in the Army for two years. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Bill went on to a career in teaching that lasted 37 years. He taught school in Corinna, Belfast and Machias and also served as principal in each. He was on the faculty board at the University of Maine at Machias. He retired from Rose Gaffney School, Machias, in 1993. In 1979 Bill married Fran Plunkett, at Children’s Chapel, Rockland. The pair enjoyed 30 years in the Machias area, most notably at the “camp” on Indian Lake, Whiting. After the two retired, they enjoyed many trips together to his beloved Prince Edward Island. In the last year they returned to his childhood home on Steward Road, Monson. Bill was known for organizing family gatherings with great detail, everything from birthdays to weddings. It was a given that the “family florist” would take care of the flowers at all celebrations. He was an avid reader, bird watcher and gardener extraordinaire. His commitment to his family was deep and far-reaching, beginning with his parents, to whom he was devoted to his entire life, down to every generation since that. Bill had a lifelong passion for nurturing and teaching. He taught so much by example and because of this he touched many lives. He always expected more than most people were willing to accept. He is survived by his wife, Fran; sister, Bunny Knight of Monson; brother, Ben and his wife, Jeanine Robinson, of Bridgton; brother, Peter and his wife, Jan Raymond, of Scarborough; sisters-in-law, Barbara Robinson of Monson and Mary Kalel of Whittenville, Mass.; brother-in-law, Tim and his wife, Kathleen Plunkett, of Mountain Ranch, Calif.; aunt, Velma Richardson of Old Town; uncle, Norman and his wife, Eleanor Robinson, of Bangor; aunt, Barbara Robinson of Guilford; and several cousins. There was a special place in his heart for the nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and three great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Robinson and Linwood Kalel. The family expresses their deep gratitude to his hospice caretakers, Marcia W. and Sophie K. Visiting hours will be held 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Crosby & Neal, 21 Oak St., Guilford, with a memorial service starting 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions for an education scholarship honoring William W. Robinson through Monson Alumni Association may be sent care of W. Scott Knight, 567 Tenney Hill Road, Monson, ME 04464. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.
WILLIAM W. ROBINSON
