John "Robbie” Robison

Our dad, John “Robbie” Robison, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, after Alzheimer’s asked more of him—and of all of us—than any family should ever have to give. While our hearts are broken, we’re grateful his battle is finally over.

Dad was born in Detroit, Michigan, on Dec. 28, 1942, to Joseph and Jayne (Hayes) Robison.

Dad graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1960 before proudly joining the United States Navy, where he served at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. During his service, he discovered a passion that would define the rest of his life: taking care of people.

In November 1961, he began moonlighting for an ambulance service, which led to a position at Highland Park Hospital. While working there, he made the decision to complete his military service, fulfill his commitment to the hospital, and then return home to Michigan.

In 1964, with the medical experience he had gained through the Navy and the hospital, Dad joined our grandmother and several other family members at the Mt. Pleasant Regional Center. What started as a job became a 33-year career.

Dad and our mom, Jan Wyant, were married for more than 20 years. Although their marriage eventually ended, their friendship never did. In fact, one of the greatest gifts we’ve witnessed over the past three years has been watching Mom and our stepdad, Keith, become part of Dad’s caregiving team. Their willingness to step in and make sure none of us ever carried the weight of caring for Dad alone speaks volumes about the kind of family our dad helped build.

In 1994, Dad met Daniel Grubb, who became his life partner and best friend. They shared 17 wonderful years together until Dan’s passing in 2011.

In addition to Dan, Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jayne (Hayes) Robison; his sisters, Judith Robison and Jill Foster; his grandson, Caleb Rich; and several close friends whom we’re sure were waiting to greet him.

He leaves behind all of us who were lucky enough to love him: his daughters, Cathy (Stan) Fortier of Lake Isabella and Cheri (Cliff) Holmes of Remus; his grandson and caregiver, Zachary Pulverente of Mt. Pleasant; his granddaughter, Alyssa Bowen of Mt. Pleasant; his great-grandchildren, Josie and Nash Bowen; our mom and stepdad, Jan and Keith Wyant; Dad’s longtime friend of more than 40 years, Roger Ziegelmann; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

We want to thank the incredible hospice team that helped us honor Dad’s wish to remain at home. Your compassion, guidance and kindness meant more than you’ll ever know.

Even though some have been mentioned, we’d like to extend a very special thank-you to Dad’s primary caregivers: Stan Fortier, Zachary Pulverente, Jan Wyant, Keith Wyant and Carson Brundage. Your love, patience, sacrifice and unwavering support allowed Dad to spend his final years exactly where he wanted. We will never be able to thank you enough.

There are no services planned. We were able to tell Dad how much he meant to all of us during his Living Celebration of Life last summer.

Those wishing to honor Dad’s memory may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Because Dad proudly served as our model during Bras for a Cause this past year, memorial contributions may also be made to Community Cancer Services of Isabella County in his memory.