Charles Thomas Robinson

Charles "Tough" Robinson was born to Charles T. and Bessie M. Robinson on November 22, 1926 in San Diego, California. After graduating from San Diego High School in 1945, Charles served in the United States Army. In 1947, on his 21st birthday, he married Edna B. Terry. This day marked the beginning of a 72 year union. Charles and Edna raised two beautiful daughters named Lori and Leah. In February of 1999, Leah blessed the family with the only grandchild, named Ahmad. Ahmad, in turn, blessed his grandparents with an adorable great-granddaughter, named Ahmaya. Ahmad and Ahmaya brought joy and added sunshine to the Robinson Garden. The vaunted Robinson garden of South East San Diego was cultivated by Charles after retiring from his 30 year career with the City of San Diego Fire Department as a Captain Deputy Fire Marshal in 1980. Charles was a fearless disciple of God and an unconditional contributor to his community. He had a devout spirituality and unwavering faith as a member of the San Diego 31st Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He was baptized confidently in May of 1963 by Pastor E.C. Ward and Associate Pastor David Taylor. This confidence he exuded when challenged wit...[more]

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aintaining reverence to God's Holy Sabbath, sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday. As he was required to work on the Sabbath, Charles contemplated quitting the fire department. However, through great devotion, prayer, and communion with Edna and Pastor Ward, Charles went before the fire chief and city officials testifying to his honor of God and upholding the law of the fourth commandment through the keeping of God's Holy Sabbath. The fire department had never granted such a request until Charles made his with God by his side and in his heart. Although Charles served the City of San Diego for thirty faithful years, with a fire department he helped to integrate, his primary calling was giving and surrendering his life to God. Charles found beauty, divinity, and solace in plants, which became his greatest passion and past time. He held a wealth of knowledge and new every botanical name for plants. He was the first African American accepted into, and to graduate from, the Master Gardener program at the University of California Agricultural Division of San Diego, California. His God given gift of a green thumb could be seen in his work as San Diego County's largest sweet potato grower. His expertise on Stagehorn Ferns made him the top, sought after, lecturer and demonstrator on ferns in the country. He conducted demonstrations from the Del Mar County Fairgrounds, to his personal garden at his home and beyond. As one of three original Master Gardeners, Charles's contributions to San Diego's gardening and growers' societies is vast. He held memberships in, and worked with the California Fern Society, California Rare Fruit Growers, the Master Gardeners, and the People Product Project. His two acre Robinson Garden, and his passion were selected and written about in Carol Olwell's book, Gardening from the Heart. Fine Gardening Magazine featured him in the article, "Harvesting Pleasure," and San Diego Home and Garden wrote about him in an article entitled, "The Expert and His Eden." The pride and care he placed into his garden was on full display. Many children in and around the community toured Robinson Garden. The tours began with Mrs. Smalls' and Mrs. Stephens' classes from San Diego Academy. The elementary students took a walking tour, received a seed to plant, and drank punch and ate cookies served by Charles' wife, Edna. Leah, too, began bringing the students from her classes to also tour the garden. The patience and kindness Charles took with plants could be seen in his generosity and time that he took with children. He would greet each one with his famous handshake that rapidly vibrated throughout the entire body and tickled the funny bone. He was sure to give each child individual attention that would elevate their feelings of self-importance and self-worth. Caring for the community's children extended beyond the leaves of his garden. He volunteered on field trips with Keiler Middle School, Sojourner Truth Academy, and San Diego Academy. Charles also gave of his time to tutor at the Health & Learning Center, tutoring Spanish speakers in English at 31st Street Church, and tutoring young readers at Knox Elementary School. As a family man he was our gentle, quiet, and strong leader. You could find him sitting in his favorite spot on the couch at family get-togethers, watching sports or reading. Rows of his fresh baked sweet potato pies and cookies lined the counter top and table during these family times. With a look, smile, or nod of his head, you knew he was happy to see you and you were welcome. The San Diego community is mourning one of the last great African American native pioneers. Lessons from a great man and citizen, learned from biblical teachings and gardening, will be greatly missed. On August 7, 2020, Charles T. Robinson entered into eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lori. Left to cherish his legacy are: his wife of 72 years, Edna Robinson, daughter Leah Robinson great-granddaughter Ahmaya Robinson, sister Corinne T. Johnson, brother-in law Allen Terry, nieces: Denise Holly and DeVon Howard; nephews: Orlando and Lourent Coons; and a host of relatives, friends, loved ones, and admirers. Neguse Negest