Marriage was truly "'til death do us part" for a Fresno couple who had one of the longest marriages in the history of the world. Max and LaVere Robinson stayed together for more than 83 years until this summer, when they died three days apart.
~~~~~~~~~~
Max William Robinson passed away peacefully in his home on August 26, 2013, at the age of 101.
The eldest of three children, he was born in Elsinore, Utah to Joel William Robinson and Sarah Ann Webster on November 14, 1911. The family lived in Salt Lake City, Utah until 1929, before moving to Oakland, California. Due to the depression, Max began working at Western States Wholesale Grocers at an early age. Max had an unwavering faith in God and was a lifetime member of the Mormon Church. It was there that he met the love of his life and future bride.
Just days after losing her loving husband, Emma LaVere Robinson also passed away in their home on August 29, 2013, at the age of 100. LaVere was born on September 26, 1912, in Smoot, Wyoming to Chester and Emma Staley. The youngest of 13 children, LaVere and her family lived in Wyoming, until they also relocated to Northern California. Max and LaVere met in church, fell in love and secretly married on November 1, 1929. Even though some said their marriage wouldn't last because of their youth, Max and LaVere, would have celebrated 84 years of marriage this November. The union produced three daughters, Maxine, Valdene and Janell. The family moved to Fresno in 1946 and Max became District Manager for State Farm Insurance Company. In 1947, Max and LaVere began a Real Estate business together.
During his years as a broker, Max was President of the Realty Board and helped to organize the Multiple Listing Service. He was co-owner of Schulte and Robinson and remained in real estate until he retired at age 65. However, he soon discovered that retirement wasn't for him and, at age 70, began a second career in property management. Max continued to work until he retired on his 100th birthday. He had a keen sense of humor, loved to joke around and wasn't afraid of a little mischief. With a constant smile and a firm handshake, Max never knew a stranger. Loved by all, LaVere was an amazing role model and matriarch to her family. She was a dedicated mother and an active part of their daughter's lives. LaVere also played a key role in the success of the couple's many business ventures. She too had a lifelong commitment to the principles and values of their church. Max always said that she was the greatest blessing of his life. Max and LaVere approached life as an adventure and enjoyed each day to the fullest. Always the fashionable couple, they shared a love of music and ballroom dancing. They enjoyed boating for many years and traveled extensively, frequently including children and grandchildren. Max and LaVere demonstrated the true meaning of family, friendship, commitment, and love. They will forever be missed.
They were preceded in death by their granddaughter, Jeralyn Gutilla; and their son-in-law, Robert Fargason.
Surviving members are numerous and include their daughters, Maxine Fargason, Valdene and her husband Colburn Thomason, and Janell and her husband Marvin Boldt. Max and LaVere left behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren;, and three great-great grandchildren who brought them great joy.
A private famify entombment was held at Chapel of the Light on Sunday, September 1, 2013.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 3375 W. Sierra Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to St. Agnes Hospice, Optimal Hospice and caregivers, Cynthia Magill, Christy Bassett, Mary Gonzales and Phaige Deshaw for the love, kindness and comfort they provided for Max and LaVere.
Memorial donations may be made to Saint Agnes Hospice, 6729 N. Willow Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93710; Optimal Hospice Foundation, 6780 N. West, Ste. 101, Fresno, Ca. 93711; Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, Nv. 89053; or a charity of choice .
Chapel of the Light, 1620 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, California (559)233-6254
Published in the Fresno Bee on Sept. 8, 2013
~~~~~~~~~~
Max William Robinson passed away peacefully in his home on August 26, 2013, at the age of 101.
The eldest of three children, he was born in Elsinore, Utah to Joel William Robinson and Sarah Ann Webster on November 14, 1911. The family lived in Salt Lake City, Utah until 1929, before moving to Oakland, California. Due to the depression, Max began working at Western States Wholesale Grocers at an early age. Max had an unwavering faith in God and was a lifetime member of the Mormon Church. It was there that he met the love of his life and future bride.
Just days after losing her loving husband, Emma LaVere Robinson also passed away in their home on August 29, 2013, at the age of 100. LaVere was born on September 26, 1912, in Smoot, Wyoming to Chester and Emma Staley. The youngest of 13 children, LaVere and her family lived in Wyoming, until they also relocated to Northern California. Max and LaVere met in church, fell in love and secretly married on November 1, 1929. Even though some said their marriage wouldn't last because of their youth, Max and LaVere, would have celebrated 84 years of marriage this November. The union produced three daughters, Maxine, Valdene and Janell. The family moved to Fresno in 1946 and Max became District Manager for State Farm Insurance Company. In 1947, Max and LaVere began a Real Estate business together.
During his years as a broker, Max was President of the Realty Board and helped to organize the Multiple Listing Service. He was co-owner of Schulte and Robinson and remained in real estate until he retired at age 65. However, he soon discovered that retirement wasn't for him and, at age 70, began a second career in property management. Max continued to work until he retired on his 100th birthday. He had a keen sense of humor, loved to joke around and wasn't afraid of a little mischief. With a constant smile and a firm handshake, Max never knew a stranger. Loved by all, LaVere was an amazing role model and matriarch to her family. She was a dedicated mother and an active part of their daughter's lives. LaVere also played a key role in the success of the couple's many business ventures. She too had a lifelong commitment to the principles and values of their church. Max always said that she was the greatest blessing of his life. Max and LaVere approached life as an adventure and enjoyed each day to the fullest. Always the fashionable couple, they shared a love of music and ballroom dancing. They enjoyed boating for many years and traveled extensively, frequently including children and grandchildren. Max and LaVere demonstrated the true meaning of family, friendship, commitment, and love. They will forever be missed.
They were preceded in death by their granddaughter, Jeralyn Gutilla; and their son-in-law, Robert Fargason.
Surviving members are numerous and include their daughters, Maxine Fargason, Valdene and her husband Colburn Thomason, and Janell and her husband Marvin Boldt. Max and LaVere left behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren;, and three great-great grandchildren who brought them great joy.
A private famify entombment was held at Chapel of the Light on Sunday, September 1, 2013.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 3375 W. Sierra Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to St. Agnes Hospice, Optimal Hospice and caregivers, Cynthia Magill, Christy Bassett, Mary Gonzales and Phaige Deshaw for the love, kindness and comfort they provided for Max and LaVere.
Memorial donations may be made to Saint Agnes Hospice, 6729 N. Willow Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93710; Optimal Hospice Foundation, 6780 N. West, Ste. 101, Fresno, Ca. 93711; Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, Nv. 89053; or a charity of choice .
Chapel of the Light, 1620 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, California (559)233-6254
Published in the Fresno Bee on Sept. 8, 2013
Marriage was truly "'til death do us part" for a Fresno couple who had one of the longest marriages in the history of the world. Max and LaVere Robinson stayed together for more than 83 years until this summer, when they died three days apart.
~~~~~~~~~~
Max William Robinson passed away peacefully in his home on August 26, 2013, at the age of 101.
The eldest of three children, he was born in Elsinore, Utah to Joel William Robinson and Sarah Ann Webster on November 14, 1911. The family lived in Salt Lake City, Utah until 1929, before moving to Oakland, California. Due to the depression, Max began working at Western States Wholesale Grocers at an early age. Max had an unwavering faith in God and was a lifetime member of the Mormon Church. It was there that he met the love of his life and future bride.
Just days after losing her loving husband, Emma LaVere Robinson also passed away in their home on August 29, 2013, at the age of 100. LaVere was born on September 26, 1912, in Smoot, Wyoming to Chester and Emma Staley. The youngest of 13 children, LaVere and her family lived in Wyoming, until they also relocated to Northern California. Max and LaVere met in church, fell in love and secretly married on November 1, 1929. Even though some said their marriage wouldn't last because of their youth, Max and LaVere, would have celebrated 84 years of marriage this November. The union produced three daughters, Maxine, Valdene and Janell. The family moved to Fresno in 1946 and Max became District Manager for State Farm Insurance Company. In 1947, Max and LaVere began a Real Estate business together.
During his years as a broker, Max was President of the Realty Board and helped to organize the Multiple Listing Service. He was co-owner of Schulte and Robinson and remained in real estate until he retired at age 65. However, he soon discovered that retirement wasn't for him and, at age 70, began a second career in property management. Max continued to work until he retired on his 100th birthday. He had a keen sense of humor, loved to joke around and wasn't afraid of a little mischief. With a constant smile and a firm handshake, Max never knew a stranger. Loved by all, LaVere was an amazing role model and matriarch to her family. She was a dedicated mother and an active part of their daughter's lives. LaVere also played a key role in the success of the couple's many business ventures. She too had a lifelong commitment to the principles and values of their church. Max always said that she was the greatest blessing of his life. Max and LaVere approached life as an adventure and enjoyed each day to the fullest. Always the fashionable couple, they shared a love of music and ballroom dancing. They enjoyed boating for many years and traveled extensively, frequently including children and grandchildren. Max and LaVere demonstrated the true meaning of family, friendship, commitment, and love. They will forever be missed.
They were preceded in death by their granddaughter, Jeralyn Gutilla; and their son-in-law, Robert Fargason.
Surviving members are numerous and include their daughters, Maxine Fargason, Valdene and her husband Colburn Thomason, and Janell and her husband Marvin Boldt. Max and LaVere left behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren;, and three great-great grandchildren who brought them great joy.
A private famify entombment was held at Chapel of the Light on Sunday, September 1, 2013.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 3375 W. Sierra Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to St. Agnes Hospice, Optimal Hospice and caregivers, Cynthia Magill, Christy Bassett, Mary Gonzales and Phaige Deshaw for the love, kindness and comfort they provided for Max and LaVere.
Memorial donations may be made to Saint Agnes Hospice, 6729 N. Willow Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93710; Optimal Hospice Foundation, 6780 N. West, Ste. 101, Fresno, Ca. 93711; Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, Nv. 89053; or a charity of choice .
Chapel of the Light, 1620 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, California (559)233-6254
Published in the Fresno Bee on Sept. 8, 2013
~~~~~~~~~~
Max William Robinson passed away peacefully in his home on August 26, 2013, at the age of 101.
The eldest of three children, he was born in Elsinore, Utah to Joel William Robinson and Sarah Ann Webster on November 14, 1911. The family lived in Salt Lake City, Utah until 1929, before moving to Oakland, California. Due to the depression, Max began working at Western States Wholesale Grocers at an early age. Max had an unwavering faith in God and was a lifetime member of the Mormon Church. It was there that he met the love of his life and future bride.
Just days after losing her loving husband, Emma LaVere Robinson also passed away in their home on August 29, 2013, at the age of 100. LaVere was born on September 26, 1912, in Smoot, Wyoming to Chester and Emma Staley. The youngest of 13 children, LaVere and her family lived in Wyoming, until they also relocated to Northern California. Max and LaVere met in church, fell in love and secretly married on November 1, 1929. Even though some said their marriage wouldn't last because of their youth, Max and LaVere, would have celebrated 84 years of marriage this November. The union produced three daughters, Maxine, Valdene and Janell. The family moved to Fresno in 1946 and Max became District Manager for State Farm Insurance Company. In 1947, Max and LaVere began a Real Estate business together.
During his years as a broker, Max was President of the Realty Board and helped to organize the Multiple Listing Service. He was co-owner of Schulte and Robinson and remained in real estate until he retired at age 65. However, he soon discovered that retirement wasn't for him and, at age 70, began a second career in property management. Max continued to work until he retired on his 100th birthday. He had a keen sense of humor, loved to joke around and wasn't afraid of a little mischief. With a constant smile and a firm handshake, Max never knew a stranger. Loved by all, LaVere was an amazing role model and matriarch to her family. She was a dedicated mother and an active part of their daughter's lives. LaVere also played a key role in the success of the couple's many business ventures. She too had a lifelong commitment to the principles and values of their church. Max always said that she was the greatest blessing of his life. Max and LaVere approached life as an adventure and enjoyed each day to the fullest. Always the fashionable couple, they shared a love of music and ballroom dancing. They enjoyed boating for many years and traveled extensively, frequently including children and grandchildren. Max and LaVere demonstrated the true meaning of family, friendship, commitment, and love. They will forever be missed.
They were preceded in death by their granddaughter, Jeralyn Gutilla; and their son-in-law, Robert Fargason.
Surviving members are numerous and include their daughters, Maxine Fargason, Valdene and her husband Colburn Thomason, and Janell and her husband Marvin Boldt. Max and LaVere left behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren;, and three great-great grandchildren who brought them great joy.
A private famify entombment was held at Chapel of the Light on Sunday, September 1, 2013.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 3375 W. Sierra Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to St. Agnes Hospice, Optimal Hospice and caregivers, Cynthia Magill, Christy Bassett, Mary Gonzales and Phaige Deshaw for the love, kindness and comfort they provided for Max and LaVere.
Memorial donations may be made to Saint Agnes Hospice, 6729 N. Willow Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93710; Optimal Hospice Foundation, 6780 N. West, Ste. 101, Fresno, Ca. 93711; Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, Nv. 89053; or a charity of choice .
Chapel of the Light, 1620 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, California (559)233-6254
Published in the Fresno Bee on Sept. 8, 2013
Family Members
Siblings
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Emma Staley Blonquist
1872–1950
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Charles Chester Staley
1891–1973
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Voilet Rosetta Staley Rees
1893–1984
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Lila Irene Staley Robinson
1895–1948
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Vivian Alberta Staley Johns
1897–1985
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William Warren Staley
1899–1999
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Mary Leona Staley Fickes
1902–1968
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Iva Lou Staley Freeman
1906–2007
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Florence Fern Staley
1910–1911
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Earl M Staley
1910–1931
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Ervin Lorain Staley
1914–1915
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