Obituary of Michael Joseph Robinson

Michael J. Robinson, 72, passed away unexpectedly on February 11th, 2022. Mike was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 14th 1949, to William and Betty Robinson.  He was the third of eight children. Mike moved to Tucson when he was a young child, graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School in 1968 and moved to California shortly after. He didn’t stay long before finding his way back to Tucson where he would get married and raise his two children. Mike worked at the University of Arizona, as an auto mechanic, from 1983-2011.

Mike was a simple man, known for his hard work, loyalty, and great dance moves to country western music. After his retirement, he enjoyed welding, bird watching, and tinkering in his garage with his four legged friend, Louie. His artwork is showcased at many of his friends’ and family members’ homes. Mike loved finding unique gifts that really made the recipient feel loved and appreciated. He loved his ice cream, Folgers coffee, and made some of the best waldorf salad around. Those old tin cans by Folgers would be welded together to make the shape of a Christmas tree strung with lights for the holidays. You’ll find many of those cans in his yard today with old nuts and bolts. He repurposed things and was proud to showcase them.

Mike is survived by his two children, Ella Smith (husband, Garrett) and Shane Robinson, his grandchildren, Taliyah, Presley, and Dylan, and his siblings Pat, Susie, Kathy, Mary Lou, Bill, and Kelly. Mike was preceded in death by his younger sister, Bridget. The family will be holding a small memorial at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch (notification to follow).  Contributions in his name can be made to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona or the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.