Robinson, Scott

Scott Richardson Robinson, born December 19, 1950, passed away May 11, 2021. Scott was a native of Lowville, New York, adored by his family and those who met him throughout all walks of his very full life.

He attended Lowville Academy and Central School, Lowville, N.Y., was an active member of Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout), Lowville musicals, swim, diving and cross-country teams, Snow Ridge Ski Club and loved every second he spent at nearby Crystal Lake. In addition, Scott was an accomplished roofer at the age of 13, tarring and maintaining our otherwise leaky house roof as well as supervising the “Starling Resettlement Project” (aka “Time for Unwelcome Starlings under the Eaves of our House to Move Out”).

Scott was a lifelong learner and humble about his vast knowledge, and had a keen eye for problem-solving. He graduated from SUNY Geneseo, N.Y. with a Master of Science degree in Education and went on to receive a Master of Arts degree at Gallaudet College (now Gallaudet University) in Washington, D.C. He made lifelong friends both at Geneseo where he was active in theater and musicals, and at Gallaudet College where he immersed himself in his studies and American Sign Language. He always had an easy ability for helping, inspiring, and teaching others as demonstrated by his dedication to his careers; first as a teacher, and later as a guidance counselor while also liasing as an interpreter between students, family members and psychologists.

For over thirty years, Scott taught at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, Ct. and worked at Camp Isola Bella, a camp for Deaf/Hard of Hearing children in Salisbury, Ct. In addition to his capacity as a teacher, he co-founded the drama group called CRIDDERS, which performed in American Sign Language locally and on tour.

He made such an impression as the Camp Isola Bella waterfront director, bus driver, and groundskeeper that those at camp designated the boathouse as “Robinson Shed” in Scott's honor. He continued to steward the grounds at Camp Isola Bella during his retirement. As recently as the weekend before Scott breathed his last breath, he drove to Camp Isola Bella, stayed overnight, and mowed all the grass on Saturday and Sunday. He returned home exhausted and happy, as so many times before.

Throughout Scott's life, he loved doing whatever he could do to be a good and loyal friend, and to be of service to his family, friends and local communities in which he was involved. Scott believed in leaving a place, real or otherwise, better than he found it.

Scott was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2018. During his cancer treatment, a procedure on a brain aneurysm was successful, and despite his compromised health issues, he continued to be lifeaffirming and positive, always looking forward with his infectious smile.

His dear friends and those in a position to help him were wonderful in their efforts to comfort, assist, provide delicious meals, and drive him to appointments. Due to the pandemic, family members living far away (Colorado, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Switzerland, among other places) stayed connected via texts or daily phone calls. Invaluable expertise from Scott's doctors, the care he received from the staff at both The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, and Cancer Institute at the Hospital of Central Connecticut were immeasurably appreciated by both Scott and his family. To Scott's oldest nephew, John F. Parker, M.D., who he nicknamed “Bud” and forever adored, and relied on for medical consultations, advice and “whatnot” – our deepest thanks to you from your Uncle Peter, Aunt Amy and Aunt Molly. When we asked John if he had something to add about his uncle, he said, “Scott always dressed for Thanksgiving dinner. I think it says a great deal about him.”

Scott's love of nature; his daily ritual of bird and wildlife watching soothed him and lifted his spirits during the course of his disease. As always, the birds and bears alike competed for his attention; so much so that on the day Scott died, sister Amy spotted a mother bear sitting on a fairly thin branch just outside the front door with her cub on the treetop. This was as uncanny as nature could possibly be; either the bear climbed high to see Scott or knew something was amiss. We like to think she was looking over Scott on the early morning hours when Scott died, but maybe she was just being a bear.

In loving memory:

Peter (brother) and Marilyn Robinson (Colorado)

Eric, Reetu and Yojan Robinson (New Mexico)

Peter Robinson (Colorado)

David and Mikako Robinson (Pennsylvania)

Maya Robinson and Michael Truong (Washington)

Sofia and Danny Kent (Colorado)

Lucy Robinson (Colorado)

Amy (sister) and Howard Steinmetz (Massachusetts) Elisabeth Steinmetz and Fernando Defaria (Washington, D.C.)

Molly (sister) and Andreas Gygli (Switzerland)

Samuel Gygli and Patrizia Koepfli (Switzerland)

Dustin and Lauren Gygli (Switzerland)

John and Sheila Parker (New York)

Matt Parker (New York)

Meg Parker (Texas)

Our sister Suzie, with whom Scott spent the best of times, died in 2018. Our parents have been gone a long time.

Rest in peace, Scott. We love you.

Donations in Scott's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

A celebration of Scott's life is being planned. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Those we love don't go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear.