Robin served about 20 years as the Secretary of the Souvenir Card Collectors Society. He was a good friend to those who collect finely engraved cards like those from presidential inauguration and hobby shows. 

We are sorry to hear about Robin’s passing.  He was an active member of our stamp club (San Antonio Phi8latelic Association) to include serving as our Vice-President for a couple years.  We enjoyed his presentations on printing and engraving.  Living next door to Ft Sam Houston, I personally enjoyed Robin’s knowledgeable comments on the “old fort” and its “old residences.”  Thank you, Robin, for the time you spent with us.
Fred Groth, Treasurer, SAPA


With thanks and gratitude for Robin, a remarkable and genuine American hero whose legacy will live on...

Will miss your face at Jeans every week for sweets, fly with the Angels my friend

Robin and I became acquainted through our mutual friend, Jean Heide, who invited me to her home one Friday afternoon for coffee and pastry and to meet Robin.
He turned out to be somewhat shy until he got to know a person... then his impish nature came out and he would tell humorous little anecdotes that would make everyone either laugh or groan at the story's absurdity.
I knew Robin about a year and a half before he needed to be moved into Assisted Living. Jean was going to move him all alone. When I heard that, I volunteered to help. 
His was a small 2-bedroom apartment with kitchen and livingroom. In there he had more than a dozen 6-foot tall bookcases, each filled almost to bursting (and a few beyond) with books, magazines and Fiesta pins.
It fell to Jean and me to organize it, notify possible interested parties and get them out to view his items in their fields of interest and get the items removed before being charged another month's rent. We accomplished this task, but only just.
Robin, safely established in his new quarters, began a downward spiral. I visited him about six months later. At first he didn't remember me. After a brief conversation he did and generously gave me a hand-carved men's jewelry box. 
Robin Ellis, military hero, historian, avid  collector of books, stamps, art and Fiesta pins, Rest In Peace, your many collections are saved.

A Story About Robin. 

For years on Friday afternoons, Robin would promptly come to my house at 4pm for coffee, cake and conversation - after which he would go to his stamp club meeting at a nearby Lutheran church. 

And just about every time he came by, he came with some little gift.  I never knew what Robin would bring out of his bag. Little old tools, screws, nails. He delighted in bringing such things to my husband, Claus. 

I asked Robin where he found all these little gems. And he fessed up - from the garbage dumpster at his apartment complex. He delighted in going out after his neighbors had moved out to pilfer through what they had left behind. He brought Claus a "gentleman's valet" in excellent condition for hanging his slacks with a little black felt shelf for his change.  It really was a very nice gift. 

On one Friday occasion, there stood Robin at my door with another one of his bags in hand.   I invited him in, asked him what was in the bag, and grinning from ear to ear, he handed me the bag stating that he had found a beautiful, dark purple Venetian glass vase for me. 

I took the "vase" out of the bag to admire it. It WAS beautiful. A rainbow of iridescent purples with a full bowl and long neck.  I told Robin it would be perfect for a small house plant. 

Two days later, while putting the plant into the bottle, I noticed a "hole" dead center of the vase's bowl. I thought to myself, "why on earth would there be a hole in the middle of a vase?"  

And then it dawned on me. Robin had pilfered a BONG out of his complex's dumpster. 

I will laugh over that bong for the rest of my life. It has a revered spot on my dining table in my sunroom. 

Losing Robin hit me harder than I imagined it would. He always hit his low points with his health, but he always rebounded. Once again, he got the best of me - he was always known for his cunning ways.  I will miss the gleam in his eyes when he said something clever and how his wit always left you in stitches. He put up with our family shenanigans and loved our family as much as he was loved. He shared a birthdate with my dad, though 9 years his senior. He was the missing relative that we didn’t know we needed, but sure know now that we couldn’t have gotten this far without him. He and my mother had a special bond and it was an honor to be part of that. Robin will be severely missed and holidays will never be the same without him... now I’m going to get stuck with 2 pieces of cake and 4 cups of coffee! Thanks a lot, Uncle Robin! Love you always! Until next time. 

Robin was the man I knew who loved his topics about WW2 and the military. He appreciated that I had many interests too. He had many items from the past that were very important to him that he wanted  us to remember and learn from. I have many memories of Robin to include him reading Christmas Stories at his second Residence home and other exciting events like that. I’ll always think of him and miss him. 

I got to spend a lot of time with Robin when I was living in San Antonio for a few months with Jean and Claus. He would come over for a visit on Fridays and it was nice to chat about whatever. I also got to spend time with him at family holidays like thanksgiving and he was always very fond of my kids! Will miss him!!

Please except my deepest condolences.  Robin was a wonderful gentleman. I so enjoyed the pleasure of his company at lunches and parties.  He always welcomed people with his warm smile and unpretentious mannerisms.  He displayed kindness and concern for others.
Thank you to his family for the wonderful donations of military memorabilia and his stamp collection.  I so look forward to seeing the collections.  
RIP Robin. I will miss you.

I have some nice memories with Robin, usually with Jean. We have had some nice dinners together.  Also Thanksgivings and many birthday celebrations at Jeans. He really enjoyed the dinners and then after, always coffee and dessert and some good conversations! Some nice memories.
Robin gave my grandson a table he had, just the perfect size and height for a 2 year old. Jake has had many hours of fun with cars, legos,  etc on that table and will continue for a long time. A very fun memory.
Robin was a very nice and kind person. You will be missed, Debbie,Amanda and Jake

Thanks for letting me know, Jean, and sending Robin’s obit. I was quite fond of Robin & I’m saddened to hear of his passing. We got to know each other well during the renovation of the historic Robert E. Lee Hotel on Travis Street years ago.  I was working for the management company at the time & he was interested in the history of the building & the renovation. 
I so enjoyed his wit & extensive knowledge of military history. He was such a gracious man.  He will be missed. 
I will keep his family in my prayers.
Hope you are staying healthy & safe.

Warm regards,
Patti

Dear Jean,

Thank you so much for letting me know of the passing of Robin, and please accept my most sincere condolences.  Do find solace in knowing that my good friend Robin will be remembered in my daily prayers and may his soul rest in peace.  My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.  May God give you peace and fill you with joyous remembrances of him.

I have many fond and unforgettable memories of Robin when in 2000, retired Lt. Col. Frank Jennings encouraged me to take over the leadership as president of the San Antonio Historical Association, a position I held for two years and remained as an active member.  I met with him and the other officers on a monthly basis to discuss our agenda, usually over lunch, and a few days prior to our general public meeting in the evening.  Robin Ellis was elected to be our treasurer. 

Our last visit to see Robin in San Antonio. - December 2019

Pictured:
Hannah Leah Francis Ellis (left) - neice
Robin
Hillary Robin Francis Ellis- nice
Patrick Francis - Robin's younger brother (right)

Robins brother Patrick and Robin taken on what would be Patrick's last visit to San Antonio =)

Going to miss you. Holidays and April 6th will never be the same without you sitting at the table with the family. It was an honor to know you, Robin. So glad we were friends.  

OBITUARY

Robin M. Ellis

April 6, 1932 – July 3, 2020

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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