"I?ve experienced a lot of sadness, heartbreak, and ugliness in animal welfare and rescue throughout the years?but Cary always reminded me that there can be profound good and kindness in people. Cary exemplified this incredible good in every word that he spoke, every video he meticulously took to network shelter dogs to help get them safe from euthanasia, and his incredibly generous/giving heart. So many people pretend to do good or go through the motions just for a photo op, public praise and social recognition?Cary wasn?t one of them. Cary gave from the purest intentions, the most heartfelt actions, and genuine tireless efforts because that?s the type of man that he was?a man with a heart of gold, a relentless passion to save as many dogs as possible and to create a more humane Houston for all. Cary?s actions kept hearts beating and his Superman efforts were the difference between life and death for so many shelter animals, including saving the lives of many of my former foster pups. I've never known anyone who cared more or did more for animals in our Houston community. Cary did all the tough things, things I couldn?t gather the strength to do (he bravely stood on the front line for shelter animals, fighting tirelessly to save so many deserving dogs from euthanasia). I admired him and my admiration of him will continue in my actions moving forward. Cary and I were recently exchanging messages because I had a little ?thank you? gift for him to thank him for supporting Emancipet and for always being such an incredible advocate for the voiceless. His last message to me a couple days ago was ?You do great stuff. Thank you? when in fact, he was the one deserving of my thanks and appreciation. My heart truly aches with this loss. Losing Cary is a tragic loss and we must honor his memory by honoring and fighting relentlessly for animals in need?I will do everything possible to continue his fight for good. ???"
In loving memory of
Cary Robinson
September 22, 1960 - July 17, 2021
The world's light is shining a little dimmer with the sudden passing of Cary Robinson on Saturday, the 17th of July, 2021, at his home in Houston, Texas with his beloved dogs L.E. and Medina by his side.
Cary was born in Houston, Texas on September 22, 1960 to Sonnie Schepps and Jerry Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents Manet and A.I. Schepps and Rose and Ben Robinson; his older brother Dale Robinson; and his youngest brother Gerald Robinson. Cary is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Karen Goldberg Robinson; his sons and their spouses Seth and Rachel Silton-Robinson and Jake Robinson and Marlene Montelongo; the most recent light of his life, his cherished granddaughter and best friend Libby Hannah Robinson; his younger brother Ross Robinson and sister-in-law Laurie Segal Robinson; his sister Robin Robinson, as well as his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and close extended family and friends.
After growing up in Houston, Cary graduated from Tulane University, returned to Houston, and together with his brother Ross by his side daily, built a successful business, Robinson Pipe and Supply. Years later, he felt enormous pride when his son Jake joined the family business. Cary devoted much of his energy involved in the business but always had time for his other passions. These included a long stint as a BBYO advisor for Loeb AZA which he continued to serve as mentor to many boys for years after his own sons' participation as members. He loved spending time with these youth even outside of chapter activities. He was often referred to as a "second dad" to others...Seth and Jake were lucky to call him their own, as he was their "number one fun, active dad." Cary's passions extended to printmaking, photography, vegetable gardening, baking, and writing. He published four books all devoted to dogs and children written in his witty, humorous Texas style. He drew inspiration for his publications at his favorite spot on the Medina River, with a cigar and whiskey in hand, looking out at a vision of his books' namesake dog, Dudley, etched in the rock formation on the hill. The area of Medina, Texas was a second home to Cary and held a special place in his heart of treasured times at Echo Hill Ranch as a camper, counselor, parent, and volunteer. Cary was widely known as "Used Dog Salesman of the Year," a well-deserved title earned as he photographed shelter dogs at BARC, showing their best side in hopes they would find their forever homes, a task that helped place hundreds of dogs into loving adoptive families.
Cary was the consummate mensch, not only to his family and friends through his supporting love, but also through his philanthropic efforts throughout the community. His name Cary describes him best - he was a caretaker with an overflowing heart of gold.
Most of all, Cary's favorite role of late was as "Pops Racer" to baby "Liberty." She was the light of his life, and the times they spent together filled him with the greatest of joy. Cary left this world feeling blessed to have spent the morning volunteering with his furry friends, and the evening enthralled by Libby. This brings comfort to all who loved him and will miss him dearly.
Contributions in Cary's memory may be made to any dog rescue organization or a charity of choice.
Please use the following link to view the graveside service: https://vimeo.com/577214858
Tributes
"Cary will be missed. He joined my Tai Chi class a couple of years ago. He fit right in to the laid back style of the class and quickly became one of the people you looked forward to seeing on those evenings. All of us from the class will miss him. Greg Watson"
"I have just found out the terribly sad news about larger than life Cary Robinson?s passing and am heartbroken. He was a mensch and the world is a sadder place without this devoted animal lover and rescuer who tirelessly fought for the underdogs days in and days out. RIP, Cary and thank you for helping me save one of the BARC pooches I had found and networked. I will forever be grateful to you. Your huge spirit lives on and you are so missed already. My heartfelt sympathy to your family, many two-legged & four-legged friends whose lives you brightened with your incredible optimism & can do attitude. It was such a privilege to know you."
"We were so sad to learn today of Cary's passing. We shared many good times at Echo Hill Ranch. He always had to be present for the fourth of July fireworks. He was very generous in donating not only his time but items that were needed to the summer camp he loved. He always called me his "favorite cousin". Our hearts go out to Caren, Seth and Jake and all of the family. Green Trees, Jan and "Chuck the Wrangler""
"We are heartbroken to have learned that our friend of over thirty years suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. We met Cary when we were all living in Houston. Our youngest son Nathan became good friends with his sons Seth and Jake, and thus began a friendship that long endured. Together with his wife Caren, Cary was a mentor to our son Nathan, like he was to so many others. He took Nathan to golf lessons at a young age , a game which Nathan still enjoys today. Cary had a heart of gold. He volunteered his time for so many worthy causes. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of my husband Jacob, Our children Nathan and Claire, George and Crystal and my mom Shirley we offer our heartfelt condolences to Caren, Seth and Jake and their families and the entire Robinson family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion in Jerusalem. Marilyn Mitzner"
"Although we had never met, I felt great love for my BFF, whom I had first met through Tammy Bruce's Radio Show online- we were TAMS, Tammy Army Members in her Chat Room, goofing off and giggling about topics other than what Tammy was discussing. (That always got me in trouble.) Who was always there for me, when I freaked out about absolutely everything in my life and would calm me down; Who sent me signed copies of his fabulous books about Dudley and Eagle; who, when I expressed sadness that my sterling silver Hollowware pieces that I had made in College would be found in a yard sale after my death, instantly offered to take them, to pass down to his family members, as watching Antiques Roadshow always killed me when people paid $10 for treasures they had found. The most generous and peaceful soul I have ever met, who shared my passion for dogs, and always called me "Doggie" ( my TAM name was Dogbite), who knew I was a bit crazy but loved me anyway; whom I miss now more than any other person I have lost in my life because It was so sudden. I know he is with Dudley, and Eagle, as he always knew he would be "called home" and even wrote about it in his books. I send my condolences to Karen and the boys, and to Liberty who will miss her Pops Racer very much, so blessed to know him and to be loved by him. Rest easy, my very best friend, and please give Dudley and Eagle a smooch for me. Love you always, Barb."