Edward James Robinson

Edward James Robinson died on June 4th, 2026, due to complications from dementia. He was born on January 7, 1932, to Arthur and Ruth Robinson in St. Paul, Minnesota, the eldest of 8 children. He spent his childhood in St. Croix Beach and Stillwater, Minnesota with a brief stint in Arkansas.

He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and ended up stationed at the Army Hospital in Tokyo. There he met Kimiko Ishimoto; they married and Ed re-enlisted to extend his time in Japan. They came home for Ed to finish his service at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Ed went to Eastern Illinois University, a benefit of the GI Bill, while working full time to support his growing family. After graduation Ed found employment in Los Angeles, where Ed thought Kimiko would not experience racism, and the family moved to Monterey Park. Ed enjoyed success as a computer programmer, eventually founding a small consulting company with friends. Ed became a private plane and helicopter pilot and flight instructor; that hobby allowed Ed and Kim to crisscross the country. He also enjoyed golf and photography along with travelling in the US and around the world. After spending the first part of their retirement in Trinidad, California, they moved to Santa Barbara, then Goleta.

Ed leaves behind two brothers, multiple in-laws, nieces and nephews, and his two children, Susan Owens (Steve Owens) and David Robinson and three grandchildren, Mia Owens, Nate Owens and Lena Robinson. Ed had a strong sense of right and wrong and fairness and lived his life accordingly. His dry sense of humor entertained those who appreciated it! Ed dearly loved Kimiko who preceded him in death in 2023. Per Edward’s wishes, no public services are planned.