Rupert H. Robinson

0

Rupert H. Robinson of Oak Bluffs died on May 8, 2013, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He would have celebrated his 88 birthday on May 22.

Born in Worcester, Rupert was the son of Rupert W. Robinson and Marion F. Robinson. He attended Classical High School and Worcester Junior College.

After enlisting In the Navy in 1942, he was stationed in Newfoundland during WW II. Upon returning home, Rupert was employed by the family business of Jenkins & Robinson Automotive Distributors of Worcester. He later became a sales representative for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Massachusetts, retiring in 1988 after 25 years.

Eileen W. Sibley of Edgartown and Rupert were married in 1948. They lived off Island for many years in Holden, before calling a cottage in Oak Bluffs MVCMA home in 1995.

A Mason for 66 years and a Past Master of Quinsigamond Lodge of Worcester, Rupert also enjoyed being a member of Worcester Sales Executive Club, Tatnick Island Club (pres), Holden Nimrod Sportsman’s Club (pres) and Holden Congregational Church. On the Island he belonged to the Rod & Gun Club, Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Lodge (Masons), Mink Meadows Golf Club, and United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard.

Rupert loved the outdoors. His favorite activities were camping (with the Masonic National Camping Travellers), fishing, shellfishing, hunting, skiing, sailing, and golfing. He was a National Ski Patrolman for 25 years. He was especially proud of the hole-in-ones he scored twice in his life.

Rupert loved to travel. He and Eileen camped throughout the U.S. and had three wonderful trips abroad, making lasting friendships wherever he went.

Rupert was a handyman, always with a project at home or for his children. He loved playing cards or board games with family and friends, sometimes a stickler for “his” rules.

Rupert loved people. He was happy at any social event where he could mingle or sitting on his porch talking with everyone who strolled by. He wasn’t always good with a name, but he knew a face, recalling the connection. Rupert loved life, and he had an active, happy, and loving journey.

Rupert was predeceased by his brother, Rollins Robinson of Shrewsbury, his sisters, Jane Joudrey of Auburn and Martha Hein of Concord, N.H. He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Eileen, his son, R. Dana Robinson (wife Eunice) of Madisonville, Tenn.; and his daughters, Jennifer Robinson (husband Ashow) of St. John, USVI, Betsy Wagoner of Hopkinton, and Anne Bena (husband Tom) of Clifton Park, N.Y. There are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Interment will be at the West Side Cemetery in Edgartown at 11 am on Saturday, June 29. At 2 pm there will be a Celebration of Life at Trinity Methodist Church in The Campground, with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rupert may be made to United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard, the Tabernacle Restoration Fund of the MVCMA or the Edgartown Anchors Supportive Day Care Program.