Yesterday was a very difficult day. I tried hard to remain focused on work as I watched law enforcement attempt to stop rioters who overtook the Capitol for only the second time in history (the first being in the War of 1812). As I arrived home, I continued to watch the events on television and then the Congress as the members restarted the debate on accepting the Electoral College votes.
My heart broke as I saw this horrible violence directed at our nation’s house of democracy and the people we all elected to represent us. As concerned as I was about the state of our nation and the deep divisions in our country, things got even harder when I received a note that my friend John Robbins had just passed away from COVID-19 complications.
John Robbins loved Bay County. He generously devoted his time and resources to help make Bay County a great place to work and live. He and his wife, Gail, shared a commitment to this community, to each other, and to their family that was exceptional. I cannot think of a stronger bond than one shared by John and Gail.
John and Gail loved Florida State University Panama City. John served on the Dean’s Council and previously chaired the Development Board. Gail led the Advancement Office at FSU PC for more than 20 years. John was not flashy. He loved to tell people that he was a “telephone man” since he actually started as a technician working on the lines. One of his co-workers was former Panama City Beach Mayor Philip Griffitts who passed away from COVID before Christmas. John worked his way up through Southern Bell and AT&T, ultimately leading governmental relations in northwest Florida.
John was also an elected official, having served on the Bay County Board of County Commissioners. He never met a stranger. He treated everyone he met with the same level of respect. He gave of his time to Habitat for Humanity, Bay County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and numerous organizational and community boards. He was a faithful worshiper at Forest Park United Methodist Church.
John wanted to help others succeed. When I first came to Florida State University Panama City, he was one of the first people I met. After peppering me for 90 minutes at lunch with questions about my plans for FSU PC, I was able to grab a few bites to eat. John Robbins cared about people. He cared about our students. Together, Gail and John helped fund the Robbins Center on campus where students could gather to work on innovative projects, to receive tutoring, and meet with advisers and faculty members. This gift was a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. He and Gail did this because they wanted to help others succeed.
There may never be a road or a big building named after John Robbins. (It was hard enough to convince him to let us put his name on the Robbins Center on campus). His legacy will be the impact he had on the lives of so many and the community he loved. He truly helped change lives.
John had been in the hospital for several weeks. I received daily updates. Even though the reports had not been positive the last few days, I never expected John to pass. As they say in Alabama where John was raised, he had too much “spit and vinegar.”
In the spirit of following John’s leadership and not being afraid to offer advice, please be safe.
Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Stay six feet apart. This virus is real. No matter how healthy you are, it can kill you.
Over the last year many lives have been lost, Americans have struggled, and all of us have been changed forever. We all have a lot of work and a lot of healing to do. Here at FSU PC, we know we have an obligation to help more students in this area receive a postsecondary degree and reach their dreams. We will work hard to play our role in both areas.
We sure do need John Robbins right now. However, he led by example and helped show us the way forward. May he rest in peace. May his family find comfort in God’s love and care.