Gary Lee Robinson, 86, passed away at his home on Silver Lake in Mears, Michigan on Friday, November 24, 2023. He was born November 7, 1937, in Lansing, Michigan, the oldest of two children to Kenneth and Marjorie (Bailey) Robinson.

Gary met his wife, Sharon Keefer, in middle school beginning a lifelong love until her death in 2018. They are both survived by their three children, Terri (Paul) Sharpe of Silver Lake, Tim Robinson of Silver Lake, and Tamara Stanaland of Silver Lake/Gig Harbor, Washington; their seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and Gary’s sister and brother-in-law, Ann & Chuck Chandler of Apex, North Carolina.

Gary earned a PhD in Safety Engineering and was a leading machine guarding expert to the safety industry and legal profession throughout the United States, Central America, the 
Caribbean, and Ireland.  Propelled by a personal goal, he became an ordained minister in 1991, officiating many friends’ and family weddings. He had also been a certified pilot and learned to juggle to entertain his grandchildren because spending time with his family was the most important thing to him.  He was the rock of the family.  The person everyone went to for advice.  The planner of family gatherings and vacations. The one who kept the conversation and jokes flowing. The magnet, the glue, the everything. 

Gary had a lifelong love of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The people and community were important to him. He was instrumental in the creation of the Golden Township Park and both him and his wife were supporters of Grace Adventures.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace Adventures, 2100 N Ridge Rd, Mears, MI 49436, GraceAdventures.org.

The family will be celebrating his life in a private service. 

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com