William Robinson papers, 1913-2005

William ("Robbie") Robinson was born in 1917 in Lonerock, Oregon. He spent much of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he worked as a gardener for the Portland Park Bureau, serving as head gardener for 25 years. Robinson was a charter member of the American Rhododendron Society. He also played a significant role in the construction of the Japanese Garden of Portland, and worked as a volunteer for that garden. Among the honors that Robinson received were the Portland Beautification medal and a medal presented by Japanese emperor Hirohito. The Robbie Robinson rhododendron, which he cultivated in the 1940s, is named for him. He and his wife, Lena Fossati Robinson, had three daughters: Joanne Robinson, Martha White, and Nancy Izatt. Robinson died in May 2011 in Portland, Oregon.