Richard Mike Robinson

Richard Michael Robinson passed away at home on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. He was 74 years old. "Mike" was born to Gaskell and Jessie Robinson on January 8, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the oldest of four children. In 1942 the family moved to Downey, California. Mike loved the outdoors and riding his horse and was known for skipping school so he could go horseback riding.
When Mike was 14 years old he met the love of his life, Roberta Claudine Bottoms. While dating they would ride their horses through the orange groves of Los Angeles. They were married on April 1, 1956, on Easter Sunday. He and Claudine raised six children: Steve, Cindy, Mary, Bobby, Frank and David.
Mike was a carpenter by trade; a member of the Carpenter's Union and worked on various projects throughout California. In 1975 the family relocated to Corvallis, Montana to raise their family in the peace and beauty of Bitterroot Valley. Mike continued to work as a carpenter in Montana and also had a house moving business, "Mike's Enterprise" for ten years.
In 2000 Mike had two life changing experiences. He lost both of his legs to diabetes and gave his life to Jesus. Mike later told his Pastor, Bill Peddie: "If I still had legs I would kick myself in the butt for not turning to Jesus sooner in my life!" From that point on Mike and Claudine were regulars attendees of Riverside Christian Center in Hamilton, where they loved to worship and fellowship with their church family. They were baptized at their daughter and son in law's pond, an experience that Cindy and Jim Nilles will always remember.
Mike will be remembered for his kindness, bear hugs, peaceful disposition, warm smile, faith and love for his Savior and his love for his family and friends. At Riverside he will be remembered for his "flag worship" during the worship service. Mike was an inspiration to many, both in his faith and in his "I can do it" attitude; yes, he is the guy that you would see mowing and watering the lawn in his wheelchair at his residence on the corner of State and S. 7th Street!
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Claudine; his brother, Bill Robinson of California. He is survived by his brother, Jim (Claudia)Robinson of California; sister Carol (Mike) Lacey of California; children Steve (Michelle) Robinson of Hamilton; Cindy (Jim) Nilles of Corvallis; Mary Robinson of Hamilton; Bobby Robinson of Hamilton; Frank Robinson of Deer Lodge; and David Robinson of Hamilton. Grandchildren Michael (Shelley) Robinson of Georgia; David (Charity) Robinson of Florida; Robert Robinson of Hamilton; Sarah (John) Snyder of Oklahoma; David Robinson of California; Christina Robinson of North Dakota; Keisha Clark of Idaho; Matthew Robinson of Hamilton and Jessica Robinson of Hamilton; great grandchildren Michael, Neveah, Curtis, Matthew Jr, Kayden, Julius and Cassius.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to Riverside Christian Center for the love and support they have given our parents the last years of their lives.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution in Mike's memory to Riverside Christian Center.