We are sad to announce the death of Billy Robinson, a longtime resident of the San Francisco Bay Area and a gifted musician. He passed away peacefully in early May surrounded by loved ones after recuperating from a recent fall. He was predeceased by his first wife Shirley, second wife Gail, and grandson Nathan. He was a loving father to sons Dirk, Don, Gary, and Michael, and left grandchildren Christopher, Nellie, Kyle, Alejandra, and Mikey, and great grandchild Garret. Over half a century he touched many lives as a teacher, colleague, friend, and often mentor. His easy-going personality, sense of humor, and love of music, especially all things trombone, will be missed by all that know him.
Billy was born in the early 1930’s in Oklahoma. After moving to California, he graduated from McFarland High School (CA) in the early 1950’s and went on to study Music at Fresno State University, eventually earning both bachelor and master’s degree in Trombone performance. Interrupting his college studies at one point to enlist in the US Army, he was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco as a member of the 6th Army Band. It was here that he met his wife Shirley, eventually having 4 sons together. Billy briefly taught music at Edison High School in Fresno, CA. In 1969 Billy accepted a position as Instrumental Music Director at Skyline Community College in San Bruno CA, a position held for over 40 years.
It was Billy’s love of the trombone that would shape much of his life. In the early 70’s he was co-founder of the Bay Bones, a 35 to 100+ member trombone choir of both professional and college players that regularly performed locally and several times at the International Trombone Workshop. Later in life he frequently traveled abroad (Japan, Europe, China, Russia) as a participant in various trombone workshops, brass choirs, Octoberfest Band, and tours. Until recently was still performing with the Golden Gate Park Band in San Francisco.
A Celebration of Life is being planned by the family to take place sometime in the coming months in the Bay Area.
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