Obituary: Clarence Franklin Robison

Clarence Franklin Robison 1923 ~ 2006 Clarence Franklin Robison passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, September 26, at his home in Provo, Utah. Robbie, as he was known by his friends and loved ones, was born June 18, 1923 in Fillmore, Utah to Archie and Lottie Robison. He married Monita Turley on March 31, 1950 in the Manti Temple. Robbie served valiantly in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to July 1946 and was known for his integrity and leadership. Following the war he returned to Brigham Young University and resumed his place on the track team. The highlight of Robbie's athletic career came in 1948 when he was selected as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team to compete in London. The following year he toured Europe as a member of the U.S. National Track and Field team. Following his stellar track career, Robbie realized his love for coaching and became the head track coach at Brigham Young University, a position he would hold for the next 40 years. He served as a father figure and friend to hundreds of athletes during that time and was loved by all. In 1970, Robbie coached the team to a NCAA co-championship, the first national championship reached by any BYU athletic team. When Robbie retired in 1988 he left a powerful legacy behind. He had coached 26 Olympians and 118 All-Americans. More importantly, he has been a spiritual guide for so many of his beloved track "sons". In 2002, he was inducted into the U.S. Track Coaches Hall of Fame, and in 2004 BYU honored him by naming the outdoor track and field facility after him. Robbie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found great joy in serving the Lord. In 1989, he was called to be mission president of the England Leeds Mission and served side by side with his dear wife, Monita. Robbie and Monita served in several other capacities together, including a mission to Istanbul, Turkey, and also directing the Missionary Training Center in Preston, England. Robbie and Monita's missionaries always looked to them not only as spiritual leaders but as friends. The father of nine children, Robbie treasured the times that he spent with his family. He has 41 grandchildren and 12 great-grand-children, who lovingly call him "Pappy". He was known by all of them as a good man who truly loved his family and would do anything for them. Robbie is survived by his wife Monita, sister Jene Bradfield, and his children: Ron (Ria), Steve (Carolyn), Sandy Olsen (Orrin), Mark (Jaye Lynn), Scott (Tina), Natalie Tanner (David), Jeff (Crystal), Camille Chipman (Steve), and Bart (Kori). He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rolf. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 2, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Provo Grandview South Stake Center, 1122 North Grand Avenue, Provo. Friends may call Sunday evening at Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center Street, Provo from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also Monday morning at the stake center, prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment in Provo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in honor of Coach Clarence Robison to the BYU Men's Track Account c/o LDS Philanthropies at BYU, 1501 North Canyon Road, Provo UT 84604-1607. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.