Mark B. Robinson Obituary (1945 - 2019)

Mark B. Robinson, beloved husband of Sandra Robinson nee Orlovick. Loving father of Joli (Ruben) Fridman and Brian (Christa) Robinson, Cherished grandfather of Nina Fridman, Maya Fridman and Adeline Robinson. Dear brother of Dale (Mary Ann) Robinson and the late Susan (Kenneth) Reicheneker. Mark was born July 18, 1945 in Kansas City to Charles and Ann Robinson. Early in his life he worked for his family business, Robinson’s Restaurant and Catering. Mark graduated from University of Missouri and married his wife Sandy in 1968. Mark spent his 40-year career as a well-respected manager in the voice and data technology industry. He began his career with Allstate and while employed with Allstate, moved to the Chicago area in 1984 and then finished his career at IBM, retiring in 2005. During his long work history, Mark was more than a manager, he was a true leader who focused on developing and empowering his team with passion, integrity and large doses of humor. In fact, while working at Allstate, Mark’s larger than life personality landed him in an Allstate commercial in 1979. Mark was also an avid photographer and had his own photography business in the 1970s and 1980s. However, his most favorite photographic subject was capturing his children and grandchildren. Mark had many interests. From his early restaurant days, he enjoyed cooking his famous French toast, he could fix just about anything, and he was the ultimate problem solver, always there to help friends, family and co-workers. Mark was also an accomplished musician and played the piano, guitar and harmonica. In retirement Mark played in a band, Back Porch Moon, and performed often in the Long Grove music community. Mark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008, however he did not let that stop him and released his first CD, “Imperfect But Still Me” in 2009. Mark’s single, “It Tells You No Lies” was released on iTunes and Spotify and has been enjoyed by fans all over the world. Mark’s tenacity as a musician despite his physical limitations due to Parkinson’s was an inspiration to many and earlier this year his story was featured on the Michael J Fox Foundation website. For all that he accomplished in life, Mark was happiest when surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who always put his family first. As the patriarch of the family, Mark set an amazing example for his children and grandchildren and even in his darkest hours, he never lost his optimism and sense of humor. Mark will be dearly missed, but never forgotten, for he most definitely made an indelible mark on this world. Funeral services and interment will be 12:30pm Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery Chapel, 1901 Blue Ridge Blvd, Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.