Today would have been your birthday. We wish we could celebrate it with you here, but as God had other plans for you, we take comfort in the memories you left behind and our love for you that remains

Reminiscing on this special day takes me back to when Robin and I were teenagers—those wonder years when everything felt infinite and we felt invincible. One memory stands out: Our love of music led us to an album by Pink Floyd, a band we already knew and loved. Little did I know that those songs would accompany me far beyond those teenage years.

Fast forward many years later, and a couple of songs  bring memories of you whenever I hear them. So today, on your birthday, I will once again listen to these songs—because one of them seems to whisper your story, your light, your life. The other is a birthday wish.

As Pink Floyd sang in Shine On You Crazy Diamond:

“Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.”

You truly did. Your warmth, laughter, and spirit touched so many lives, and those who knew you still carry a piece of that light with them every day.

Birthdays are meant to celebrate a life, and today we celebrate yours. We remember the songs, the smiles, the conversations, and all the moments that made you uniquely you. Though time has passed, the memories remain as vivid as ever.

And in another song, Wish You Were Here, the words express what many of us feel today:

“How I wish, how I wish you were here.”

We wish we could hear your voice, share a laugh, and celebrate another year with you. But since we cannot, we honor you in our hearts and remember the smiles you brought into our lives.

Wherever eternity has taken you, we hope your birthday is filled with peace, music, and all the things that made you happy.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Robin.

You are loved.
You are remembered.
And you continue to shine on.

Quoted lyrics from “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and “Wish You Were Here,” written and performed by Pink Floyd.

Robin, my first, 1st cousin was an epitome of spontaneity, autonomy, independent thinking, creativity, and inner conviction. Robin was an embodiment of one who lives in the "spirit of freedom, " as he was relentless in pursuing the fruition of his conceived ideas in the pursuit of knowledge and truth with an unorthodox approach(a quality of a genius).
Robin, there is no doubt in my mind that at some point you decided to offer and surrender your sufferings to our Blessed Lord as a man of faith. Now that you are in the realm of that great "homecoming " with lolo, lala, uncle Gerry, my mom & dad, lala Nenita & Cresencia,  tell them that all of your memories will forever remain deep within our hearts. 
Lastly, I  am  deeply indebted and grateful to you, Robin,  for saving my life when I was at the verge of drowning in Tondaligan beach during a family excursion we had when you grabbed me back to shore.  As God used you as HIS instrument then, so will I carry on as HIS instrument in serving my family and others.
Rest in peace Robin, and may God welcome you in HIS eternal bosom.

Back in the day when my older brother visited me at Fort Riley, KS, we decided to channel our inner Sons of Anarchy for a quick photo op. He wasn’t a biker by any stretch, but for one afternoon we gave him his The Fast and the Furious moment—just two brothers, a borrowed bike, and a whole lot of attitude in front of the house.

Missing you every day, Robin. This photo will always remind me of your smile, your spirit, and the way you were always game for making a memory. Ride on in Heaven, Robin!

OBITUARY

Charles Robin Newell III

June 10, 1961 – January 26, 2026

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