David Paul Robinson Sr.
Jan. 22, 1947-Aug. 25, 2015
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Dave Robinson, 68, died Aug. 25, 2015, at his home in Citrus Heights under the care of hospice for one week after courageously fighting an aggressive form of melanoma for four months.
Dave is survived by his wife, Sandy; his son, David Robinson Jr., (Lindsey), and grandchildren, Ryan and Jodie Robinson; his daughter, Cindy Morrison (Guy) and granddaughter, Stephanie; his sister, Sandy Hickman, and nephew, Justin Dutcher; his half-brother, Paul Craig; his son-in-law, Scott Flodin (Kim) and grandchildren Isabella and Simone.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, David George Robinson and Theresa Robinson Craig, longtime former owners of the Sportsman's Harbor (”The Harbor”) in Nice.
Dave attended Upper Lake High School for his junior and senior years, transferring from Oakland. He found his niche as a co-captain of the football team for 1963-64. He also played on the basketball and baseball teams and was active in student government. His natural athletic prowess belied his congenital heart defects for which he had open heart surgery twice as a young child.
He was a loyal alumnus who proudly wore his letter sweater to many events during and after his high school years. He also attended many homecoming games through the years and all of the class reunions for the class of 1965. He had planned to attend the “Big 50” class reunion Sept. 26 with other alumni from the classes of 1965 and 1966.
Dave spent many years working for Del Monte Foods in Oakland, and ended his career working as a contractor with the California National Guard in Sacramento.
In addition to his family, Dave's passions included the San Francisco 49ers and oval dirt track auto racing. For many years, he worked as the pit crew, first for friends and neighbors, and then for his son, David (“Powerfeed”), and most recently for his grandchildren, Ryan and Jodie who are now racing in sprint cars
Dave also had a strong life long affinity for the number “4.” Early race cars in the family often had “4” on them; he was married 24 years to Sandy (having married on July 4 when he was age 44); he was ill for 4 months; and died peacefully, surrounded by family, at 4:44 p.m. on Aug. 25 after a four month illness.
Dave's wife and family will be hosting a celebration of life in Citrus Heights on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 2 to 7 p.m. at 6240 Astronaut Lane, Citrus Heights. Further information can be obtained by contacting Sandy Robinson at 916-212-2056 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave's memory can be made to the Upper Lake Booster Club for the stadium lights project by sending donations to: Upper Lake Booster Club, Upper Lake High School. 675 Clover Valley Road, Upper Lake, CA 95485.