H. Robinson

H. Byron Robinson, age 93 of St. Paul Park, was greeted in heaven by many beloved pets on May 26, 2016.

Memorial service will be 3 pm, Wednesday, June 1st at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park with a reception following. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033, and that you sneak your pets an extra treat under the table tonight.

Byron was born in the East Side of St. Paul to Harrison and Helen (Hart) Robinson. As a youth, he worked in the rail yards along with his father, then enlisted in 1942 to join US troops in WWII. He served in the Philippines and volunteered for another tour as a mail clerk in Japan. Upon his honorable discharge, he went to Macalester College on the GI Bill, where he majored in Political Science and Broadcasting. After graduating, he shared a house with several other Mac grads and began working for the federal government. One of his housemates worked at the Historical Society with Alice Beskar, and Byron and Alice were soon introduced, enjoying lunch dates in the state capitol cafeteria. They married in 1951, soon adding dogs and children to the family. Byron worked for the Social Security Administration until 1978. He retired to a life of community volunteerism. He believed in responsibility to family and society, and gave his time to schools, conservation causes, and his favorite political candidates. He was a good dad – he loved to make car and bird models and play games with his children and their friends.

Byron is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Catherine. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Alice (Beskar); five children: Mark (Adele), Hugh (Carolyn), Holly, and Joy Robinson, Angela (Kurtis) Scaletta; grandchildren Adam and Matthew Robinson and Byron Scaletta.