Billie Dean Robinson was a man who loved life and was never afraid to take risks or reinvent himself. While his love of books and golf was constant, he would often branch out and explore other hobbies or theologies that peaked his interest.
He grew up in Idaho where he loved to fish and hang out with his brothers and sisters. He was viewed by others as wild and it's certainly true he chased trouble down. He was full of energy and frustration.
At seventeen he joined the U.S. Army and it was during his tour in Germany that he fell in love with Marianne Harley. They were married forty-seven years and raised two daughters, Sonia Robinson Wood and Sylvia Robinson LeBlanc. They also have three granddaughters, Megan Rose LeBlanc, Selva Wood, and Kimberly Wood.
In his thirties, while stationed in Okinawa, he loved spending time at the ocean and became a scuba instructor. He also studied Buddhism and the benefits of mediation. He learned about yoga and the power of the mind.
In his forties it was cowboy hats, cowboy boots and video games. He continued his interest in spiritual matters by reading up on Edward Casey. He always had his bible ready and would love to enter into religious discussions and debates.
His fifties brought a move to California, and after retiring from the army, he began a new career as a concrete contractor with his brother Jack B. He also fell in love with computers. He would take them apart, tinker with them, and update them. His fascination with technology never left him.
In his sixties he was diagnosed with Multi Myeloma, an aggressive type of cancer that resulted from his exposure to agent orange during his tour of duty in Vietnam.
For ten years he fought bravely against the cancer. He suffered through radiation, chemo therapy, a stem cell replacement, a triple heart bypass, and the removal of a kidney. He fought not because he feared death but because he loved his life and his family.
Throughout his life he grew in knowledge, patience, and in spirit. For sins he committed against others, he asked for redemption, for sins committed against him he gave forgiveness.
He was liked by many, respected by most, and dearly loved by those who knew him well.