John Leonard Robson
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John Leonard Robson passed from this world on May 25, 2021. He was 86 years old. John was born March 23, 1935 to Homer Louis Robson and Margaret Edith (Daly) Robson in Niagara Falls, NY. His childhood home was on the U.S. bank of the Niagara River. (He liked to point out that he was one of the few children who got to go to another country to play). John and his brother, Art, came to know intimately the pre-flood-control, wild river in the area around their home. Combined with their many (and occasionally death-defying) antics, it is fair to say they were the Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn of the lower Niagara River. In later life, John took pleasure in researching the history of Lewiston and in preserving in written form his memories of growing up there, including many of the aforementioned antics. In fact, and to the delight of his family, John took advantage of his retirement to record and consolidate many stories from his past. While attending U.C. Berkeley, John met his first wife, Linda. After getting his bachelor's degree, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he was a correspondent with the 1st Marine Division Information Section, Camp Pendleton. Three children, two master's degrees, and a number of moves later, John finally settled down in Chapel Hill, NC and started his career at the EPA. John was passionate about environmental conservation and his job allowed him to pursue this passion both personally and professionally. He remained with the EPA until he retired in 1995. While at Berkeley, John had acquired a love of international folk dancing and Chapel Hill soon provided him with the opportunity to shine in the dance world. He became an early member of the performing group The Apple Chill Cloggers. His love of the vigorous dance and his physical stamina kept him performing far past the age at which most would have retired. John's focus on fitness paid off in other ways. At the "ancient" age of 39 he hiked the Grand Canyon - from rim to rim and back again - with his 3 children, carrying the brunt of their gear on his back. (His daily chin-up routine must have enabled him to break some kind of record!) It was during his clogging years that John met his second wife, Peggy Fullwood. After his retirement and move to Hickory, NC. John and Peggy continued to indulge in his love of travel (and of travel planning), taking trips throughout the United States and Europe whenever they could.
After too few years together, John's health began to decline. With Peggy by his side, John was able to retain his inquisitiveness, unique sense of humor, and identity. Surviving John are his wife, Peggy Fullwood, his children Elena Robson (John Morgan), Leslie Gompf (Bob) and Forrest Robson (Susan). Step-children Andrew Fullwood (Glynis), Jeff Fullwood (Dawn), Patrick Fullwood and Linda Fullwood, grandchildren Michael, Anna, Liam, Peter, Neill, Jennifer and step-grandchildren Kellen, Rebecca and Ben. Predeceasing John are his first wife, Linda Keenan, his parents, his brother Art, and his sister Marilynn. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Hickory officiated by the Rev. Paul Christy. In lieu of flowers, John would appreciate a tree being planted, or a contribution to the Arbor Day Foundation. Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the Robson family.