James Arthur Robbin, 84

Part-time Yellow Bay resident, James A. Robbin, passed away in Bellevue, Wash., on April 19, 2009. The son of Hector and Harriet Robbin, James continued to operate the Hector Robbin orchard until the time of his death, and to do so in the longtime tradition of his father and five uncles who pioneered both the Flathead Lake sweet cherry industry, and its association of growers.

Robbin was born May 28, 1924, in Kalispell. He attended school in Bigfork and Kalispell, graduating from Flathead County High School in 1942. That fall he enrolled at the University of Chicago, not anticipating that his tenure would be interrupted by World War II. But duty called. Enlisting in the United States Army and serving in the 16th Armored Division under the command of General George S. Patton, his tank unit was among those liberating Czechoslovakia and serving in Europe until 1945.

As a 1946 enrollee at the University of Montana, James majored in business administration and was a 67-year member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in 1950, he joined Prudential Insurance Company as a real-estate appraiser in Missoula and Salt Lake City. Later Robbin managed offices in Idaho Falls, Boise and Spokane.

With a 1975 promotion to investment manager at the regional office in Seattle, James purchased a home overlooking Lake Sammamish and took up residence in Bellevue. He retired from the Prudential Insurance Company in 1984, having served the company 34 years.

Forever mindful of his Lutheran faith and Scandinavian ancestry, his respect for others in regard to their spiritual preference, station in life and human condition was steadfast. Given to a quick wit cloaked in subtleness, James Robbin is best described as the honorable gentleman, kind, quiet and caring. His enduring knowledge of the Norwegian language reminded the family of who they are and from where they came, and was often crafted to bless meals, give humor to moments and bathe darkness with light. And likewise, his love of family was inherent to his being, overwhelmingly in favor of his wife of 52 years, Elaine Samargis Robbin, his daughter Kirsten Robbin Houk, husband Greg, and granddaughters, Alexa and Isabelle, all of whom survive him.

Equally important was older brother, John Robbin, whose tragic and premature death was the result of a hunting accident near Bozeman in 1966.

Whether in the field or dreaming of wild places, James favored wildlife and all things outdoors. He saw himself as the outdoorsman, from the cutthroat, salmon and lake trout caught offshore from his Yellow Bay cabin, to the geese, ducks and pheasants hunted in stubble fields of Idaho and Washington. And most memorable among these excursions was the partnering-up, fishing with special Kalispell friend, Bob Ford, and bird hunting with Hollywood friends and actors, Ben Johnson and Dub Taylor.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John; and first cousins, Alexandra Robbin, Charles Robbin and Robbin Hough.

He is survived by his immediate family previously mentioned; his sister-in-law, Lily Robbin; nephew, Peter Robbin; niece, Rondi Robbin Hayward; and first cousins, Norma Happ, James Edmiston, Sharon Herron, Robert Robbin and Rand Robbin, whom he affectionately referred to as "Little Bro." Also surviving are three grand-nieces, three grand-nephews, second cousins and their families for whom his caring was undiminished, but are too numerous to mention.

Services will be announced at a later date. For those wishing to do so, it is suggested memorials be directed to Central School Museum, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901.