Barbara Robison
June 5, 1936 - May 23, 2015
Barbara June Child Robison
Barbara went to join her Eternal Family on Saturday May 23rd. She had been hospitalized for the past two months at the University of Utah Medical Center after suffering a heart attack. She is survived by her four children: Liana (Don), Brook, Jennifer (Aaron) and Jodi (Jeff); her grandchildren Sean, Devi, Meena, Anna Marie, Ben, Eastlin, Megan, Joshua, Caitlin, Adam, Jacob; and great-grandchildren James, Christina, Lilly, Willow, as well as her two sisters, Joyce Frazier and Mary Beth (Jack) Lauritzen.
Barbara was born at home in Bountiful, Utah on Friday, June 5th, 1936 to Hazel Marie Adams and Harry Child. Mother was given a blessing of health at birth by her father which held her until this past Saturday. She was raised on their family farm until her marriage to Edward Lee Robison on November 22nd, 1957. She worked by his side in the family business. Their first endeavor was the 8th Street Market which they sold in 1968 to buy their first restaurant, Big Ed’s, which is still in business today. She retired from the restaurant business in 1985 and went to work for the University of Utah Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology for 20 years running the Residency Program. With her guidance, the program became one of the very best in the nation. She was very proud of all her residents and felt like a mother to them. Retirement did not last long. She loved her work and was asked to come back with the Fellow program for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Utah, which is where she worked at the time of her hospitalization. Barbara was considered “indispensable” by all that worked with her.
Barbara’s education was always important to her and she always encouraged her children to seek a higher education. She graduated from Davis High School in 1954 and went on to attend Utah State University and the University of Utah. Mom loved orchids, Chihuahuas, music (The Statler Brothers, Johnny Cash, Peter Paul and Mary) and hated anything hotter than ketchup.
Mom made sure her children were her priority, sacrificing many personal comforts. She made endless meals, class treats, sewed incredible Halloween costumes and went all out for Christmas dragging out that ginormous flocked Christmas tree which she spent hours decorating. No matter how stressed she was, she never showed it. She was always polite and calm in the midst of many storms.
Mom could do practically anything—except live forever. She said at the end she still had more she wanted to do, but her body gave out. Your children will carry on your legacy. May you now finally have the so overdue rest you deserve, Mom. We will see you again. We love you!
A celebration of her life will be held on her birthday Friday, June 5th from 6-8PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. All who wish to join in celebrating the life of our mother are welcome. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com
In Loving Memory
Brook, I just got back from my trip to see my grandson's high school graduation when I learned of your mother's passing. What a wonderful son you are. I knew when I saw how you loved her what a good mom she had been. I will be there Friday. I am always here if you need to talk. Love to your family.
Barbara A Mellen
Salt Lake City, UT
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
Jodi Bingham
Salt Lake City, UT
As a former anesthesiology resident at the University of Utah, I remember with great fondness the care Barbara took of all in the program. Meticulous in her work, she never let the bureaucracy dominate - she did everything with a great humanity and humor. She has been missed since her retirement, and will now truly be missed by all.
Mark Harris
Salt Lake City, Ut
I remember Barbara very well when she was working at the U of U Department of Anesthesiology. She was a lovely person, who made everyone feel comfortable and well-cared for. She truly was a mother to our department, keeping it running smoothly, always with a smile and a kind word. I also will always think of her whenever I go by Big Ed's.
Jeffrey Lu
Salt Lake City, UT
God could see how tired you were, and now He has you in his care. Your work here is done.
Liana Kealohilani Martinez
Santa Cruz, NM
Barbara was a truly great person who exhibited the purest moral fiber that one could have. She was instrumental in running our residency program and taking care of all of our residents. As a new program director for our program, I learned most of what became my core knowledge from Ms. Robison. She guaranteed our success in review after review as we scored the highest rating without any glitches. She went above her call of duty to care for every resident and fellow. Her personal style was filled with kindness and affection for all of our departmental members. It was obvious that her heart was full of love and always in the right place. I can only imagine she was a wonderful mother and fantastic grandmother to her family. She will always be missed and has a special place in our hearts.
Lazarre Ogden
Salt Lake City, UT