Former City Council Member Dies

David Robinson Spokane

David Robinson, a former Spokane City Council member, died Wednesday. He was 68.

Mr. Robinson served on the council for eight years, until 1989, and worked toward getting Spokane a new arena and the Ag Trade Center.

“He had a great sense of giving back to the community,” said Rob Swedo, who worked with Mr. Robinson on Tom Foley’s congressional campaigns. “He gave a lot back.”

City Manager Bill Pupo remembered Mr. Robinson as a fair-minded council member who loved making tough decisions. Friends also recalled his sense of humor.

Mr. Robinson served two terms on the council and was twice elected chairman of the Spokane Transit Authority.

When he decided not to run for re-election at age 60, he joked, “I would like to take this opportunity to announce I am going to run - for cover.”

The Spokane native graduated in 1950 from Gonzaga University. He also attended the School of Bank Administration at University of Wisconsin.

He served with the Army during the Korean War.

Mr. Robinson worked at First National Bank in Spokane, where he became executive vice president and director. He also served as a chairman of the bank operations committee of the Washington Bankers Association.

He was an Eagle Scout, served as a Cub Scout cubmaster, was on the board of directors of Inland Empire Council of the Boys Scouts of America, and received the Silver Beaver award.

Mr. Robinson was treasurer of the Inland Empire Zoological Society, president of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Board, and president of the Spokane Central Lions Club.

Rosary for Mr. Robinson will be at 5 p.m. Sunday at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. Monday at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine; three sons, Steven and Scott Robinson, both of Seattle, and Timothy Robinson of Virginia Beach, Va.; a daughter, Tracy Honner of Des Moines, Wash.; a sister, Rowena Carroll of Sandy, Ore.; a brother, George Robinson of Los Angeles; and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Clare Nuns or Spokane Central Lions Club.

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