Obituary of Melvin W. Robbins

Melvin Wilson Robbins passed away in his home September 24, 2023. The last two months of his life were spent creating memories with his two daughters and their families from Colorado and spending time with his friends.
    Melvin (Mel) was born to Kendal and Helen Robbins in Malad, Idaho.  He was the 10th of 12 children, three boys and nine girls.  He grew up primarily in Fielding, Utah but moved to Snohomish, Washington to live with his sister Lucille and her husband Elden and attended Snohomish high school.
    In 1968 Mel joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam war as a machine gun team leader. He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his superior leadership. After he was honorably released from active duty he moved to Arlington, Washington and met Robin Jones whom he later married on October 9, 1971.
Together they had two daughters, Shawna and Jennifer. They later divorced and  in the years that followed, Mel had a long-term partner, Robert Andrews, until Robert (Bob) passed away October 16, 2020.
    Mel worked as an auto mechanic for many years and then worked for Boeing Company for 15 years. He and Bob enjoyed traveling in Europe, camping with friends, vacationing in Palm Springs, owning race horses, and spending time with those they loved, both family and friends. Mel was also an avid flower gardener and created a beautiful oasis in their backyard. But he was most proud of his daughters, Shawna and Jennifer; their spouses, Paul and Partha; his grandchildren:  Abigail (David) Scott, Josiah Pedersen, Austin Coke, Elaina (Kyle) Richards, Nadia Coke, Johanna (Isaiah) Baldwin, and Priya Bhowmik; and his great grandchildren:  Mason, Sawyer and Shepherd Scott and Fallon Richards.
    Mel will be remembered for his courage in the midst of hardship and his love for his family and friends shown in big and small ways.
    Mel was predeceased by his parents, Kendal and Helen Robbins; his brothers, Vernal and Larry Robbins; and his sisters, Betty Robbins , Lucille Hurst and Carolyn Peterson.  He is survived by his daughters, Shawna (Paul) Pedersen  and Jennifer (Partha) Bhowmik, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters:  Alice Robbins, Patricia White, Janet Marble, Dorothy Myhre, Vi (Art) Camirie, and Genevie (Lewie) Allen; many nieces and nephews,  and friends who were like family to him.
        A celebration of life will be held in his honor at Skyway VFW Post 9430 on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 1 PM.    The address is 7421 South 126th St., Seattle, WA 98178.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the VFW.