C. H. Robinson

C. H. Robinson, a retired electrician and 50-year member of I.B.E.W., Local 38, died on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the David Simpson Hospice House, E. 185, following a prolonged battle with several chronic health issues that had worsened. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 3:30 p.m., at the Southeast Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, 16602 Tarkington, Cleveland, OH, 44128. He was the beloved husband of Bette (nee Carter) and loving father of son Daryl and stepdaughter Carol Griffin (Gilroye) New York, NY. C. H. and Bette resided at 4719 Brainard Road, Orange Village, OH for 35 years. He was 87.

Following his graduation from Pine Forge Academy, Class of 1946, C. H. attended Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs, Michigan (now Andrews University) and majored in English, with the intent of becoming a teacher. That goal changed, however, the summer he got a job working with a master electrician. He found the work challenging and so personally rewarding that he abandoned his teaching goal to pursue the same level of competency in the electrical trade as his mentor. Throughout his career, he was proud of the work he rendered on the many high-rises, shopping malls, and other commercial complexes in Cleveland and surrounding suburbs, and would proudly brag that he was among the electricians who “lit up” the Terminal Tower. He volunteered his expertise at Ramah Jr. Academy over the years and at Southeast where he served as Chairman of the Building Committee during its construction. Southeast was the first SDA church built by a black congregation in the City of Cleveland. He was a charter member.

A lover of music, C. H. enjoyed singing. His powerful tenor voice and exceptional range made him a desired asset to singing groups and choirs. He often spoke of his enjoyment as a member and soloist in the Glenville Senior Choir, especially under the direction of his sister, Joni Mae Pierre-Louis, as he was immensely proud of her abilities and accomplishments as Director of the Aeolians at Oakwood University.

A family man, C. H. preferred to relax with his family after work hours, nightly and on weekends. He encouraged and supported his wife and children in whatever endeavors they pursued. They, in turn, appreciated his attentiveness and marveled at his keen intellect and exceptional memory. A voracious reader, C. H. acquired a remarkable command of words and when they were young, his children would sometimes bypass the dictionary and simply ask Dad for unknown meanings.

Raised by God-fearing parents, whom he greatly loved, respected, and admired, it pleased him to follow his father’s example of visiting the sick and bereaved to offer words of comfort and encouragement, and he did so faithfully until he was physically unable to continue.

C. H. was the third child born to John and Ann Robinson, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his siblings Willa Powell, Myron Robinson, Joni Mae Pierre-Louis, and his beloved daughter, Dena-Angelique. Besides his wife of 52 years and remaining children, he leaves to mourn his loving nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends.

C. H. Robinson was a good son, sibling, uncle, cousin, husband, father, friend, neighbor, and coworker. In all of his many roles in life, he was a very good man to know. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Ramah Jr. Academy, 4770 Lee Road, Cleveland, OH 44128.