In the early morning hours of September 9, 2024, Gary Leo Robinson passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Ramsay, Montana. Gary was 65 years young.
Gary was born July 8, 1959 in Wise County, Virginia, to Edward Leo Robinson and Nona Lee Robinson. Gary always liked to remind people he was “the middle child” born after older sister, Zondra, and before younger brother, Jeffrey.
Gary was raised in Burgundy Village, Alexandria, Virginia. During his childhood, Gary enjoyed playing baseball, football, basketball, and wrestling with his Burgundy Village buddies. Several of those friendships lasted a lifetime. Gary graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1977. After high school, Gary went to work in the printing industry which turned out to be his life-long career path.
In September 1979, on a blind date, Gary met the love of his life, Sheryl Lee Jursnick. From that point on, they were known as “Gary and Sherri”. On October 2, 1982, Gary and Sherri became Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. For nearly the next 42 years, Gary and Sherri were by each other’s side, through the good, bad, and the ugly!
In March 1985, Gary and Sherri welcomed their first son, Joshua Edward Robinson. Following in March 1987, they welcomed their “middle child”, second son Brandon James Robinson. We always thought it was pretty cool that Gary’s boys were born in Virginia just like he was.
One of Gary’s interests outside of his family was music. Along with his younger brother, Jeffrey, and his life-long Burgundy Village friends Dale and Duke Robertson, they formed the garage band Outrage. In May 1987, along with the help of 2-year-old Josh, Outrage sported their spandex pants and won the Edison High School Talent Contest.
After several visits to Sherri’s place of birth, Butte, America, and many friendly “how she goes”, Gary and Sherri decided it was time for their family to leave the fast-paced life of Northern Virginia. In June 1988, Gary and Sherri quit their jobs, sold their house, loaded up the boys in a U-Haul truck, and pioneered west to Butte.
Then in December 1989, along came Daddy’s little girl, Rebecca Lee Robinson. This addition completed the Robinson 5. We thought it was special Gary’s girls were both born in Butte. The Robinson 5 eventually planted their roots in Ramsay, Montana, which will always be known as Robinson5Ramsay.
On September 9, 1991, after brief stints with Thriftway and The Montana Standard, Gary began his 33-year career with the Montana Power Company, now known as Northwestern Energy, when he was hired by Tom Carroll who ended up being one of Gary’s dearest friends. Gary’s retirement from Northwestern Energy was official on August 6, 2024, a mere 33 days prior to his untimely passing. At the time of his retirement, Gary was the Lead Print Equipment Operator, where he got to work alongside his pal, Joanie Powers, who coincidentally retired at the same time as Gary.
Gary’s love for music continued after moving to Butte, and the most recent version of Gary’s music career was F.O.G., or as Gary would like to say, “Friends of Gary”, with Mark James, Toby Schelin, and Dennis Weis. The time spent with these guys were some of the happiest times of Gary’s life. He thoroughly enjoyed his time playing music with them, and he loved these guys like brothers. In a tribute written by Tommy O (Tom O’Neill of 95.5 KMBR and Bass Player for the High Ore Road band), he referred to Gary as a musician, and some people referred to Gary as a great vocalist. Gary would be so honored by these references as he only thought of himself as a guy who liked to play the drums and sing.
Gary’s fondness for sports was evident in all three of his kids. Whether it was on a field or in a gym, Gary could be seen (and more than likely heard) in the stands enthusiastically cheering on his kids. Most of Gary and Sherri’s social life was time spent following their kids’ sporting events. The friendships made during these years have lasted to the present and are cherished by the Robinson 5.
For those who might not be aware (we cannot imagine there are very many), Gary was a family man. After his kids grew up and had families of their own, Gary’s true passion became his grandbabies. To his grandbabies, he was known as Papa. Papa enjoyed his time with the grandbabies whether it be sitting around the table playing his favorite board game Princess Candy Land, card games such as Cribbage, Garbage, and 31, or playing hide and seek. Each and every moment Papa spent with his grandbabies was precious. The grandbabies loved having Papa watch from the deck as they played whiffle ball, jumped on the tramp, or played catch. As the grandbabies got older, and it became evident the love for sports was passed down to them, you could see and hear their Papa cheering them on. Papa would bring his enthusiasm anywhere he went, whether he was coaching from the stands or giving them a gentle reminder of what they were doing wrong, just like he did for his own kids. Gary and Sherri could be seen traveling across the state following their grandkiddos’ sporting activities just as they did for their kids.
Gary’s latest hobby was bowling. This hobby became a family hobby where all 13 members of the Robinson family attempted to hit their marks and bowl strikes. Gary looked forward to his Monday night league with Josh and Brandon, and was happy to add son-in-law, Nate, to the team this year. After his Saturday morning breakfasts with Bill and Dan, Papa would head to the bowling alley to spend the next several hours watching (but mostly coaching) his grandkiddos bowl in their respective leagues.
Gary beamed with pride when it came to his kids, not only their accomplishments but the fact they grew into good humans. He was thrilled when Josh became a police officer after learning Josh wanted to be a police officer since he was six years old and was doing his part to keep the Butte community safe. He loved watching Uncle J coach, interact, and hang out with Chy, Ryder, Greyson, Brae, and Bentlee. He was so proud of Brandon, accomplishing seven years of sobriety on his continuing journey in recovery and helping/mentoring/counseling others on their paths to recovery, while being a completely involved Dad in Chyanne Paige, Ryder Edward, and Greyson Leo’s lives just as Gary was in his life. When Daddy’s little girl, Rebecca, graduated college and became a teacher in the Butte School District, Gary’s heart was full. He loved the fact Rebecca was having a positive impact on and a sincere desire to educate the kids of Butte, along with being the greatest Mom to Braelynn Lee and Bentlee Michael Leo.
In 2017, Gary started the task of becoming heart healthy and working on getting his Diabetes in check. He had four stents inserted after having a heart issue at work. Then in 2019, he had open heart surgery for an artificial aortic heart valve replacement and received a pacemaker. During this time, the entire Robinson family stayed at the St. Patrick House in Missoula, so we were all there to love and support our guy. In 2021, the leads in his pacemaker were not working properly. A procedure was scheduled in Spokane so the Robinson 5 took a trip to Spokane so we could be together to love and support our guy.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nona Robinson; his sister, Zondra Bible; his father-in-law, James Jursnick; and his brother-in-law, Mark Jursnick.
Gary is survived by the Love of his Life and Wife, Sherri (or Sheryl as Gary would like to call her); Son Joshua (Kristen) Robinson; Son Brandon (Lara) Robinson, and Daughter Rebecca (Nathan) Schwartzmiller. Papa is survived by his pride and joys, his five Grandbabies, Chyanne, Ryder, and Greyson Robinson and Braelynn and Bentlee Schwartzmiller.
Survivors also include Gary’s Mother-in-Law Gayle (James) Nicholls-Favero of Butte; Uncle-in-Law Bill Nicholls (Diane McLaughlin) of Butte; Nieces Ashleigh and Nicole Jursnick of Denver, Colorado; Nieces Kim, Melanie, and Angie Kersey of Virginia; Brother Jeffrey Robinson of Virginia; and Nephew Corey Robinson of Virginia.
Gary is also survived by special friends that we consider family. You will forever be in our hearts. We thank you for the love, support, and advice during the most difficult time in our lives. We will be eternally grateful for you all!
Due to his family history as well as his own history, Gary worked hard the last few years to keep his heart healthy and his sugar level in check. We think he enjoyed hearing people tell him how good he looked! Gary would be so humbled by the outpouring of love and heartfelt sympathy we have received since his passing. He would find it hard to believe that a guy from Virginia (not West Virginia) was so loved and respected in Butte, America!
Special thanks to Mark, Toby, and Dennis, for giving our guy the best last weekend he could have had. He truly loved every gig, especially when it included his grandbabies in the audience.
To Billy and Big Dan, thank you for making our guy part of the Saturday morning breakfast club.
We are so very thankful, grateful, and blessed for the lifetime of memories we have with our guy, and his legacy will live on through all of us!
Don’t worry Pop, we will always kiss those babies for you!
We love you yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever and always!
Memorials may be sent in the name of Gary Robinson to St. Patrick House, c/o Providence Montana Health Foundation, 502 West Spruce Street, Missoula, Montana 59802.
Gary’s Celebration of Life will be held October 3, 2024, at Front Street Station, 800 East Front Street, Butte, Montana. Visitation to start at 1:00pm, service at 2:00pm, and reception to follow. Gary will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery at a later date.
Visit below to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Gary.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation services is privileged to care for Gary and his family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 3, 2024
Front Street Station
800 East Front Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of Life
2:00 P.M.
Thursday October 3, 2024
Front Street Station
800 E Front Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following Service
Thursday October 3, 2024
Front Street Station
800 E Front St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 3, 2024
Front Street Station
800 East Front Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of Life
2:00 P.M.
Thursday October 3, 2024
Front Street Station
800 E Front Street
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following Service
Thursday October 3, 2024
Front Street Station
800 E Front St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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John Cooney says
I am a Friend of Gary’s for many Years.Got to set in with Gary’s Band a few times, Gary was one of the nicest Guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Always a Gentleman, very upbeat warming Smile. Always made Me feel relaxed jamming with Him. Just told Me to have fun with it. Gary will be missed.
Cheryl says
So very sorry for your loss Gary was a great guy. Love and hugs to all of the family.
Barb Nickliss says
I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Cheryl and with the kids. May God help you through this difficult time. 🙏❤️
Mara Luper says
My thoughts and prayers with all Gary’s family and friends!❤️
Anita Mullins says
I’m a first cousin and had not seen Gary in many many years. My deepest sympathy for the family. ❤️
Tom O'Neill says
I am shocked and saddened. Gary was a brother. My sincere condolences to his family and much love.
John Willard says
My Sincere Condolences , so sudden.
Brandy Powers says
Gary’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication made a significant impact on everyone who had the privilege to know him. He always spoke with great pride and love about his family, and it was evident to all of us how much he cherished you. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and his legacy will live on in the stories and hearts of those he touched!
Claudia Rapkoch says
I am so saddened to read this. Gary was a gem and will be missed. Sending condolences and love to Sherri and family.
Colleen McDonald says
My heart is broken. I’m not sure Gary ever met a stranger. He was one on the most genuine, kind, and funniest guys I had the privilege of knowing and calling him a friend. The world is a sadder place without him in it but I know he is playing those drums up there for all the heavens to hears. Rest easy my friend. You will be missed!!
Charlene Sholey says
We are so sorry to hear about Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Gary was a wonderful neighbor.
Jim and Kim Salmonsen says
Oh Sherri and family. We just now found out about Gary. Our hearts are broken. He was such a great guy. We have such fond memories of him. We are sending our sincere condolences to all of you. Much love. Jim and Kim Salmonsen.
Patricia Brusati says
Sherri and family. Sending my deepest condolences, prayers and love. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
Josh Peck says
Gary was truly one of a kind. Kind, funny, smart, and dedicated—he brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. He loved his family deeply, especially his sons, daughter, and those incredible grandkids, and he absolutely adored his wife.
Always quick with a joke, Gary had a way of lifting everyone’s spirits and offering support when it was needed most. His heart was larger than life, and I’ve never known anyone quite like him.
I’ll never forget the time we were checking into a hotel, and the clerk called us brothers. We laughed about that for years.
My family and I are heartbroken by this news. We love you, Gar. Sending love and prayers to your entire family. You will be missed more than words can express.
Dori Harrington says
Such a kind & warm hearted man. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathies
Bill Rundle says
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless and Godspeed.
Frank mcnabb says
So many great memories. One of the all time great guys. RiP. Our condolences 🙏 to the family frank and joan
Michelle Hall says
We are heartbroken to read this news. All of our love and sympathy is extended to your beautiful family. What a joy and blessing to have known Gary. It was so nice seeing him several months ago. ♥️
May the angels surround you ♥️🙏
Bill, Michelle, Zach and Jess
JOHN SORICH says
Condolences to Garys family. I worked with Gary for many years at the MPC/NWE , he was a good person that always treated others as he wanted to be treated. Gary and I always had good storys to swap. He was a good family man and will be missed by many. God Speed Gary
Susan Hankinson says
Small community that we live in knowing Gary & his family prayers for everyone who knew Gary especially his family
Susan Kramer says
Gary was the most genuine person ever. He will be missed by all that knew him. We will all miss him. Kramer Family.
Michele Shaffer says
I was so saddened when I heard of Gary’s passing. This world will never be the same without him in it. Love & prayers to Sherri, your kids & their spouses & your wonderful grandchildren. Such an honor to know such an incredible man. His legacy will live on. Love & prayers to all of you💕
Brenda Cortese says
I’m so saddened to hear about Gary, he truly was a good man and very kind. He loved talking about his family. He will be so missed, he made the world a better place. Prayers to his beautiful wife and family.
Lisa Shea says
Sheri and family, I am so sad and sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, your best friend and amazing father to your children . May Gary’s memory be eternal. Much 💙💙💙 to all of you. 💞💞
Charlene Warren says
Sherri – I am so sorry to read of your husband’s passing. The two of you were always so cute together. Life is not always fair. Just know you may not have him physically with you but I am most certain he will always be near. There are always signs my friend. Again I am so sorry – lean family and friends during this difficult time.
💜💜Char Warren💜💜
Lori Paull says
To Gary’s family: One of the nicest guys I ever met! Always a smile and happy to see you. God Bless.
Sally Neal says
Gary had a smile that never quit! Kind, caring, and so funny; he made us laugh everyday. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Pam Moore says
From my earliest memories of my “cuz” I remember how he always loved to make people laugh and how much he loved his music and friends. We didn’t keep in touch over the years but I do know he loved his family and kids more than anything. Rest well Gary. We love you.
Josnie Powers says
I will miss my PAL so much. Thank god I have a lot of working memories!!
Cindy Dahlman says
Josh and family so very sorry for your loss Gary was a wonderful kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rob Neal says
We were heart broken to hear of Gary’s sudden death. We have fond .memories of Gary and his smile was contagious. He was such a wonderful and kind family oriented man. Musically talented with a heart of gold! Our loss is Heavens gain as a new angel has arrived. Our love and prayers of comfort to Sherri and the family.
Kelly Esquibel says
Sherri and family, so very sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers for all your family.
We had so much fun traveling across the state following our kids. We have a lot of great memories.
Gary will be dearly missed.
Kelly and Melanie Esquibel
Dee Scalabrin says
Sherri and family, so very sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers for all your family.
Enjoyed working with him at The Montana Standard.
Dee Scalabrin
BARRY J O'LEARY says
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. He truly was one of a kind, in the best positive way. Quick witted, but always positive about people and life in general. Very protective of his family, loyal to his friends and co-workers, and generally just a very special person … a person we can all aspire to be a little more like.
My thoughts and prayers to Sherri and the family. Gary will continue to watch over you!
Barry O’Leary
Tom Glanzer says
Gary was a required visit for me every time I visited Butte from South Dakota. He was an “I can do it guy” and always helped me out.
We were both drummers so we shared that love with stories and pictures of our drums and latest gigs.
I have a photo of him playing in uptown Butte somewhere in my files. I said he was way more talented than me being able to sing and play drums! G-Rob the Heartthrob will be missed.
Our prayers and condolences to the family.
Bob and Laurie Stagnoli says
Deepest condolences to Sherri and family. Gary was a special guy who had such a positive outlook on life. Prayers that your beautiful memories will stay close to your hearts as Gary continues to watch over all of you.
Michelle &Mike LeVeaux says
So very sorry for your loss. We did not know Gary well but we loved watching him play the drums in the band F.O.G. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find peace knowing he is your guardian angel watching over you and your family always.
Catelyn Allen says
Aww Gary you will be missed. You were such an amazing and kind soul that people just gravitated towards you. You will forever be in our hearts.
Dave says
Condolences to Sherri and all family and friends. He will be missed by so many. Gary fit the Butte guy honor. RIP Sir.
Anonymous says
I will always remember how nice it was that Gary was involved in all our big family moments. From playing at our wedding to helping us announce to Mark and Terri that they were going to be grandparents, Gary was an important extended family member to us. Our condolences to all his family. Love Austin, Rose, and Jack James
Les & Carol Giamona says
We will always cherish the time we spent with Gary and Sheri on basketball road trips. Our hearts go out to the family. Thank you for the memories, and thank you for sharing Gary with us. He will always be shining his light on us. Look to the stars.
God bless. Les and Carol Giamona
Cheri Cusson says
We are devastated to hear about Gary. Such a great man and friend, he was one of our first friend when we were so new to Butte many years ago. So true “Gary & Sherri” our heart goes out to you Sherri. So thankful that your family is with you during this difficult time. Our prayers are with all of you. Lyle and Cheri Cusson
John Cummings says
My favorite stop at work was always the print shop because Gary, Joanie, Tom and Chris did beautiful work with great care and friendliness. We both coached tee ball many years ago and I remember his No Neck license plate which gave us all a taste of his good sense of humor. I am sorry for your loss. His was a life well lived. Peace
Duke and Debbie Robertson says
Dear Sherri and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Gary will be truly missed. Always had a great time with him especially during the Outrage band days. God bless you and your loved ones.
John Burke says
Dear Sherri and Family, I had the pleasure and joy of working with Gary at MPC for many years and I am so saddened by his passing. He was truly a GREAT guy who was always so much help on projects, very professional and never complained no matter what the job was or the unreasonable timeframe I dropped on him. Gary always had a positive attitude, a kind word to say and loved to share stories about his wonderful family of which he was so proud. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and the rest of his family.
Terry & CindyVermeire says
So very sorry for your loss! Even though we lost touch, Terry had fond memories of working with Gary! Thoughts and prayers to all of the Robinson’s.
Keith Atcheson says
Sherri and the entire Robinson family, I’m so sorry about Gary’s sudden passing. All of the Atcheson’s send you our deepest condolence’s. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. It was an honor to know Gary and I’m sure he will be watching over all of you. God bless all of you. Keith and Niki Atcheson
Brad Moore says
What a wonderful tribute for a very special person. I wish i had the opportunity to meet Gary. Best to you Sherri and family.
Fred Rice says
Rest easy Gary. Condolences to family and friends.
Santiago Lloveras says
Sheri, from the family of Southern Lodges Argentina we would like to send you our deepest condolence’s.
This is a beautiful poem that some one sent me the day my mother pass away and I would like to share it with you.
Kind Regards
Santiago Lloveras
You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Jed & Jenni Wayment/J&J Outfitters says
Sherri,
We are saddened by the loss of your wonderful husband, Gary. We hope the many cherished memories together will get you through the tough times. What a beautiful legacy the two of you have created together!