Richard "Dick" W. Robins

Richard “Dick” W. Robins, age 78, of Whitefish, MT passed away June 6, 2023. He was born January 8, 1945 in Glendive, MT.

Dick grew up in Glendive and attended school there until his high school graduation. He went on to receive a BS of science from Montana State University in Bozeman. Dick was awarded O.D. – Doctor of Optometry at Pacific University in Oregon. He joined the Army as a Captain during Vietnam and was stationed first in Fort Lewis, Washington. His next assignment was at Schofield Barracks in Waialua, Oahu, and later at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu. He was honorably discharged in 1976 and would return to join the practice of optometry in the Gibson Eye Clinic in Kalispell. He completed his career by joining the physicians of the Glacier Eye Clinic.

Dick was well known in the Flathead Valley, and particularly in Whitefish, and he was a very active member of the outdoor community. He was a remarkable skier, snowboarder and telemarker, backcountry explorer, kayaker of all the rivers in Montana and the greater Northwest, and an avid bicyclist. Dick will always be widely known for introducing people of all ages to the art of kayaking. In his later years, he was an active member of the First Descents program where he worked closely with its founder, Brad Ludden, introducing young cancer patients to the many joys of Montana.

Dick was a true Montanan and loved all of what the state offered. There were few days when he wasn’t outside, sharing his knowledge and skills with like-minded spirits.
He will be greatly missed by the many friends with whom he maintained connections throughout his life.

A memorial for Dick will be held later at the convenience of his many friends. May he rest in peace.

For memorial contributions in Dick's name, please contact First Descents at www.firstdescents.org.

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