Dr Richard L. Robinson, DVM

SIOUX CITY -- Dr. Richard L. Robinson, 65, of Sioux City passed away Monday, Aug. 30, 2010, at his home following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Morningside Lutheran Church in Sioux City, with the Rev. Kevin Lee officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery, with military honors by the Iowa Army National Guard. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with a time of sharing at 7 p.m., and the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Richard was born Oct. 14, 1944, in Beloit, Kan., the son of William Chester and Maxine Ethel (Inskeep) Robinson. He was raised on the family farm near Downs, Kan., where he graduated from Downs High School in 1962. He attended Fort Hayes (KS) State College then graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Kansas State University. In 1969 he received his D.V.M. degree from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of captain. After relocating in Sioux City he held the position of officer in charge of the Army Veterinary Food Inspection Unit. He was assigned the additional duty of making notification to next-of-kin of Siouxland soldiers who were killed in Vietnam. He continued to keep in touch with many of the families that he met during this time.

In 1972 he joined the practice of Dr. Ken Roach at Roach Animal Hospital. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association. For 15 consecutive years he was elected as secretary of the Interstate Veterinary Medical Association. He was a member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association. He also served three years on the advisory committee for Siouxland Animal Control.

Dr. Robinson was a longtime supporter of the Siouxland Humane Society and served on the board of directors from 1995 through 2001. In 2007 he was name an honorary lifetime board member. His passion for helping animals was a gift that he extended to unlimited homeless animals throughout the years, always responding to the shelter's need for help with sick or injured animals or by assisting with the ongoing need for spay/neuter or veterinary work for animals going to rescue groups. He served on many board committees through the years. One of his greatest contributions to the Siouxland Humane Society was his active involvement in the building of a new shelter in 1999, adding particular expertise to the design, layout and landscaping of the building.

His involvement in the various fund raisers was unlimited. While he spent many hours behind the scenes at the annual Valentine Apple Project, his favorite fundraiser was the Christmas Paws N Claus project each fall. For entire days and evenings he volunteered at this event. With his gentle touch he posed many animals for the photos. No one will forget his enthusiasm for making sure the pictures were perfect. The Siouxland Humane Society is a better organization today because of Dr. Robinson and he will be sorely missed. Dr. Robinson retired from Roach Animal Hospital in October of 2007 after 35 years of practice.

Richard was a principle in the RPR Farming partnership and engaged in general farming and cattle feeding for many years. Rich was passionate about his yard and loved mowing on his John Deere rider.

He was a member of Tyrian Lodge 507, the Sioux City York Rite Bodies and the Abu Bekr Shrine. At the Siouxland Blood Bank he donated 295 units of blood which is 1 unit less than 37 gallons.

Rich was a longtime member of Morningside Lutheran Church where he married LeeAnn (Garden) Graack on Dec. 24, 2008. After being acquainted with LeeAnn for many years, this was his first marriage at age 64, when he discovered his true soul mate and love of his life. Even though they were married only a short time, it was filled with more joy and happiness than some experience in a lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, LeeAnn and her son, Eric Graack of Sioux City; three siblings and their spouses, Marlene and Gary Quillin of Clay Center, Kan., Larry and Lilas Robinson of Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Beverly Jo and Bill Ballard of Alton, Kan.; and five nieces, one nephew and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Ken Roach, Bob Weatherly, Jerry Dominicak, Dan Hartley, Gilbert Meyeres and Gene Salmon. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Robinson, Gary Quillin, Bill Ballard, Eric Graack and Denny Rasmussen.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Siouxland Humane Society or Hospice of Siouxland.