Marc L. Robinson

Marc Robinson’s vibrant spirit left us Sunday February 9th 9:25am at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, WA. His final day ended in a beautiful winter sunset, fitting for a man who loved sunrises and sunsets.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen O’Rourke; Daughter Kate Robinson; Daughter Mai Pacheco, son-in law Toby and grandchild Juno; niece, Jennifer Robinson nephew-in law Regan and great nephew Heath. As well as many cherished extended “step” children and grandchildren from his previous marriage, and beloved cousins.

Marc was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ellen Robinson, and his brother, Tom Robinson.

Marc grew up in Tacoma, WA, attending Whitman Elementary, Stuart Middle School, and Lincoln High School. Like most boys of the time, Marc loved his friends, older brother, shiny loud cars, pretty girls, cigarettes, and beer. He got into plenty of mischief, and he had great stories about his younger years. He always said, “I had a great childhood”.

After missing the re-enrollment deadline for college, Like many young men at the time, he was told that enlisting would allow him to choose his job—a promise that quickly proved false. Instead, he was assigned to the Army Security Agency for radio research in Vietnam.

After spending several formative years in wartime service, he returned to the U.S., finishing his military duty in Colorado alongside his Vietnamese wife and their daughter, Mai. When his service ended, he moved back to Tacoma with his wife, but their marriage ultimately ended in divorce. Despite the separation, he held onto the hope of having his daughter in his life again.

Marc took a military contract in the Marshall Islands, spending four years there trying to quiet the mental scars of war, as well as the pain of societal ignorance and rejection. During this time, he formed a lifelong friendship with Vince and discovered his deep fascination with stock charts—an obsession he would carry with him for years to come.

While on a trip home in 1974, Marc was introduced to Ellen, a friend of his mother’s. They stayed in touch, and before long, he made the move back to Washington, where he lived with Ellen and worked alongside his father and brother in their bricklaying business.

Marc and Ellen married on April 13, 1986. Exactly one year later, they signed the papers for their home, and on April 13, 1988—what became their luckiest day yet—their daughter Kate was born. Shortly after, Marc’s eldest daughter, Mai, was finally able to join the family, completing the life he had long hoped for.

One of Marc’s greatest personal achievements was reuniting the 335th Radio Research Company. In the mid-'90s, inspired to reconnect with his comrades, he began making calls across the country. He deeply cherished rekindling those bonds, not only with his fellow veterans but also with their families, as they gathered year after year. Among these reunions, he especially enjoyed his visits to see his friend Ron in sunny, warm Florida.

Marc was steadfast in who he was and what he believed, and it was often hard to get a word in when he was on his soapbox. Yet, we all knew he couldn’t help himself, and we loved him for it. Spending time with him one-on-one was always a joy—you felt truly significant when he was with you. It was impossible not to love him, because, in his own way, he made it clear that he respected and cherished the human spirit in everyone he came to know and love.

Some things Marc Robinson often said:

“Hope springs eternal.”

“I’m so lucky.”

“Hulk head hurt.”

“Meow.”

Feel free to message the neptune society if you have any memories to share about Marc