Charles William Robison

Charlie Robison, 72, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away Monday, April 11, 2016, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House, after a long courageous battle against prostate cancer. Charlie led a big, full, rich life filled with love and laughter.

Born June 23, 1943 in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Kenneth Robison and Edith Dorothy (Lord) Robison. He grew up in Corinth, NY, and graduated from Camelback High School in Phoenix. He attended The University of Arizona in Tucson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gail (Sovetts); daughters, Gwen Poth (Michael) of Charlotte, NC, Erin Robison of Boston; and cherished granddaughters, Mary Claire, Charlotte (Charlie), and Sloane; as well as his sister, Patricia Hopkins of Corinth, NY.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1966 where his favorite duty assignment was serving on ski patrol in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

Charlie and Gail met in Glens Falls, NY, and married in Germany after Charlie was discharged from the Army. They would have been married 50 years this August. They had the opportunity to explore Europe during their years in Germany, and this shaped their love of travel and adventure.

Charlie was devoted to, and extremely proud of their daughters, Gwen and Erin. The family spent many happy times in Copper Mountain, CO. This winter was the first he hadn’t skied in 69 years. Charlie was responsible for getting his granddaughters on skis soon after they learned to walk, and he participated with them in many other outdoor activities. He was very thankful that Gwen, Michael, and their daughters lived nearby to him and Gail, and that Erin made frequent visits to Charlotte, and Copper Mountain. His daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughters adored him, and were a constant source of joy.

Charlie’s long career in the power tool business began with Ingersoll Rand in Connecticut. He started in Philadelphia as a salesman, and then moved to Houston, as a regional sales manager. In 1983, he joined Stockholm-based Atlas Copco and served as president of Atlas Copco Tools, North America in Farmington Hills, MI. In 1998, he became president of Chicago Pneumatic in Rock Hill, SC. During his career, he served on various boards including Milwaukee Tool. He was widely respected, and trusted; he was a mentor to many. In 1997, Charlie received the inaugural Peter Wallenberg Marketing and Sales Award in Stockholm.

After retiring in 2005, Charlie and Gail continued their many adventures traveling, biking and hiking around the world. In 2007, he and Erin summited Mt. Rainier. Charlie enjoyed going to the Charlotte Dowd YMCA, where he loved to play racquetball with a group of friends. He pushed himself to participate for as long as possible, and when it was no longer feasible, he truly missed the camaraderie.

Charlie was a true optimist who always found the best in people. He was a loyal friend to many, and possessed a natural gift for making people feel comfortable. He was thoughtful and kind; always ready to lend a helping hand. Up until the end he was uncomplaining, and never lost his wonderful sense of humor.

He was a member of Myers Park Country Club and St. Peter Catholic Church in Charlotte.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 15th at St. Peter Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon Street in Charlotte. His family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14th at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road.

Memorials may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.pcf.org).