ROBBINS, JOHN VICTOR – December 25, 1939 – September 21, 2003

John Victor Robbins returned to his Father in Heaven on Sunday, September 21, 2003 in Seattle, Washington.

He was born Christmas Day, December 25, 1939 in Malad, to H. Merlin and Ruth V. Anderson Robbins, the sixth of 15 children.

John grew up in Stone, Idaho and attended Bear River High School and later Malad High, graduating in 1957.

Growing up in Stone, he worked on the family farm and ranch and developed a deep love for being a cowboy. During his senior year of high school, two important things occurred; first, he met his future wife, and second, he played football. After high school, he attended Snow College in Ephraim, Utah on a football scholarship where he played offensive guard and nose guard. He later attended Weber State College.

He married Sondra M. Williams on May 19, 1961 in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. And thus began an eternal companionship with his best friend.

John worked as a machinist, insurance agent, dairy farmer, animal nutrition salesman and finally was able to pursue his dream of being a rancher when he moved his family to Montana in the fall of 1974.

He possessed a deep faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a life time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he offered many hours of service. He served in many callings in the church, some of which were: Home Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Bishopric Counselor, Bishop, Stake High Counselor, Stake Presidency Counselor, High Priest Group Leader, Young Men’s President, Stake Sunday School Presidency Counselor, Branch Executive Secretary and Branch Presidency Counselor.

John touched the lives of many people through service in the communities wherever he lived. He coached Little League football in Smithfield, Utah and Junior High football in Corvalis, Montana. He also coached four years of football with his teams amassing a record of 25 wins, 0 losses and 2 ties. He served on various irrigation and weed boards, and also served as a board member and a two-term president of the American Red Angus Association.

Most of all, he was a wonderful and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He exemplified integrity, hard work, faith and high moral values. He will be missed, but his influence will be felt for all of our lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Thomas; sisters, Marian and Catherine, and an infant daughter, Jacklyn.

He is survived by his wife and eternal companion, Sondra, six living children, Kent (Sherry), Blake (Jill), Adam (Karolyn), Sonja (Bill) Fisher, Eric (Janna) and Owen (Jeanie) and twenty grandchildren. He is also survived by six brothers, David, Dick, Dale, Milton, Rex and Alvin and five sisters; Hazel, Helen, Eileen, Vicki and Mary Ann.

Memorial services will be held in the Dillon Chapel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 525 Barrett St., Dillon, Montana on Friday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will be at the church on Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. and prior to services Friday.

Interment will be in Malad on Saturday, September 17 at 1:00 p.m.