Robert Robinson

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kristi; children, Rob (Cindy), Craig (Virginia), Lisa, and Jeff Robinson; grandchildren, Christine, Nicholas, Jennifer, Nathan Alexandra, Victoria, Roberta, Tayler, Emily and Robert; great grandchildren; Jean, Tula Tina, Amelia, Jacob, Jocelyn, and Madilyn; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and their husbands: Margaret (James McNulty), Dorothy (Darrel West), and Pat (Richard Aston); and former wife Myra Burrell Robinson.

Bob attended St Thomas grade school and graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1950. He attended Beloit College after which he served in the US Air Force. As a radar intercept officer, Bob flew in an F94 fighter jet.

Bob established a career in real estate in the 1960’s. Starting in sales management, he was a prominent member of several companies that developed the landscape of Crystal Lake during the 1960’s and 1970’s. His outstanding achievements include; President of Sales and Marketing Council for greater Home Builders of Chicago, Algonquin Township Supervisor, McHenry County Board of Supervisors, President of Crystal Lake Park District and a board member of Crystal Lake Bank and Trust. Teaming with David Ladd, Bob established Brittany Builders, developing several custom home communities in McHenry County. He then began his own custom home building company with his son Rob, Raintree Builders. After retiring from the home building business, Bob sold land and homes with Baird & Warner for 22 years.

Despite his many accomplishments in a career he loved, Bob was perhaps better known for the way he lived his life in the town he loved. His booming voice greeted everyone he met with friendly enthusiasm. On a summer night, you could hear his laughter from Gate 13 when he was at a dinner party across the lake on Woodland Drive. Stories are still told about his annual New Year’s Day parties in the 60’s and early 70’s, and the Turkey Bowls held in the 80’s and 90’s which gained notoriety throughout Chicagoland. He had an indelible ability to fill a room both in stature and spirit. A diehard Cubs fan since he was a child, Cubs fans across the world now have a guarantee the Cubs will win the World Series in 2016 with Bob sealing the deal with the powers that be.

Visitation will be 4-8pm, Wednesday, September 21 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176), Crystal Lake, and from 10am until prayers at 10:30am Thursday, September 22 at the funeral home, followed by a procession to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, for a funeral mass at 11a.m. Inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a veteran’s charity close to your heart.