Jerry Robinson

Jerry Hugh Robinson, 78, passed away peacefully in his home of 50 years on Aug. 7. A beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather and husband, Jerry spent his life in the Gila Valley, graduating from the old Thatcher High School in 1952. He married his high school sweet heart, Alberta Faye Shurtz, in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 8, 1954. In the same year he married, Jerry graduated from Eastern Arizona College and headed off to attend Arizona State University. He soon returned to his hometown to start a family and raise six children (including a set of twin boys). Just before his passing, Jerry and Alberta celebrated 58 years of marriage. Jerry spent more than 40 years as an auto mechanic. He loved to build and repair things, such as tote gotes or other recreational vehicles. Jerry had an even deeper love for the great outdoors, always on fishing and hunting adventures with his little brother, Joe. He had a close relationship with his older sister, Donna Robinson Nicolls, who took an active part in raising her little brothers when their father, Isaac Hugh Robinson, died of cancer. Jerry was only 13 years old when he lost his father. Their mother, Olive Palmer Robinson, later remarried Grover Hoopes, brother of Nat Hoopes. Grover and Nat were both active members of the Thatcher Fire Department and likely inspired Jerrys extensive service as a fireman and later, fire chief. He spent several years assisting the department on fires before he finally joined the crew. Jerry served on the department for more than 40 years and was chief for more than 30. He literally watched the methods, equipment and engines improve dramatically over four decades and operated from a shed until the present structure was erected in 1992. After retiring as chief, Jerry continued to provide expertise to new recruits and chiefs. He enjoyed photography and documented fires and structural damage for several years, keeping a scanner nearby to pick up on calls. During his service, he was named Fireman of the Year by the Elks Lodge. Some of Jerrys history as chief, along with one of his many fire helmets, was donated for display at the Graham County Historical Society and Museum in the same building where he attended high school. In addition to his service and tremendous impact as a firefighter and leader, Jerry was also Thatchers planning and zoning director and building inspector. He served in the Boy Scouts and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jerry had a special place in his heart for his 34 grandchildren (when including their spouses) and his 7 great-grandchildren. While he often held and played with his grandchildren in their infancy, he was known to repair bikes and scooters for them as they grew. Jerrys grandchildren grew used to his surprise bear attacks from behind and the array of other animal noises he made. He was always concerned for their safety, and was especially protective of his precious granddaughters. Several dogs were Jerrys loyal companions throughout his life. Whether Dalmatians, beagles or mutts, he treated his dogs like royalty with desserts from Dairy Queen or extra helpings of supper. Boots, Smokey, Heidi, Susie and Bandit were very much a part of the family. Rather than vacationing in far-away places and fancy hotels, Jerry most loved taking his family on camping trips atop Mt. Graham or to Cedar Springs. Songs, stories, jokes and legends were a regular tradition around the campfire whenever Jerry was near. He was also known to break out the harmonica and croon his favorite tune with a dog howling in the background. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Olive and Isaac; his sister, Donna; his oldest son, Owen; and his infant daughter, Mary Jo. He is survived by his brother, Joe Robinson (Julia) of Williams and his children: Diane Herbert (Brent) of Thatcher; Darrel Robinson of Fort Grant; Steve Robinson of Apache Jct.; Larry Robinson (Stephany) of Safford; and Gary Robinson (Sheri) or Central. He also leaves behind 23 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jerrys viewing will be Friday, Aug. 10 at 6:00 p.m. at McDougals Caldwell Funeral Chapel and his funeral will be at the L.D.S. Church Street Chapel in Thatcher on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. A burial service will follow at the Thatcher cemetery.