THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 29, 1995 TAG: 9511280091
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Linda McNatt
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
At the November meeting of the Windsor Ruritan club, the nation's fifth oldest, M.H. Robinson made history. For the second time, he was named ``Ruritan of the Year.''
My first-ever recollection of the man has nothing to do with the Ruritans. It goes back to when I was working for another newspaper in Suffolk. We were hard at work on the paper's ``Progress'' edition, an advertising-packed, purely local production. Each annual edition, in those days, had a theme. That particular year, the theme was a song, ``Surprising Suffolk,'' written by Andy Damiani, mayor at the time.
One stanza in the song made reference to friendly neighbors. So, an entire section was devoted to Suffolk's neighbors.
A college student we had working for us was assigned to Suffolk's neighboring town. Of course, she interviewed the mayor, who happened to be Robinson. He held the post for 26 years.
She quoted him as saying, ``I tell everybody I see to go to Suffolk.''
I can remember laughing hysterically. I couldn't imagine a mayor of one town telling anyone to go to another.
Once I started working for The Virginian-Pilot and got to know him, I discovered that quote was exactly like something he would say. It goes back to the adage - ask a silly question . . .
If there is a silly answer, Robinson is likely to come up with it. It's part of his delightful, often offbeat, sense of humor.
``He's a grumpy bear, but he's a teddy bear, too,'' said past-president Randy Phelps. ``He has a heart of gold.''
Robinson was the club's first ``Ruritan of the Year'' in 1955. And to hear the other members talk, he's probably qualified every year.
``This Ruritan has given countless hours and money to this club,'' a committee charged with making the selection said. ``He has always made the club president's job easier with the help and wisdom he's provided.''
Robinson served as president in 1954. At one time, he was very active in national functions. He was Zone 5 lieutenant governor in 1962.
Even in recent months, when he's suffered health and mobility problems, he's continued to maintain his 47-year perfect attendance record.
``This man thrives on work,'' said Wilson Holland. ``Through his help and conservatism, this club has flourished.''
When Sen. Richard Holland stood up at the meeting to say a few words, Robinson made sure it would be just that.
``I told you I wasn't going to take but four minutes,'' Holland said, chuckling.
``I've had to suffer through two ordeals with this man - Ruritan Club and Town Council,'' he continued. ``I owe him a debt of gratitude for guidance.''
And then, the recently re-elected senator got in exactly what Robinson had suspected he might: ``The main thing I want to tell you is - I've got a financial deficit from the campaign. If anybody wants to make a contribution.''
The entire community hall - Ruritan members and Robinson's family who joined him for the celebration - erupted in laughter.
Robinson won another honor this year. He was named Ruritan Zone 5's ``Silent Ruritan.'' The award goes to the man who works the hardest with little recognition.
``It's kind of ironic M.H. should get this award,'' Hobson said. ``He's seldom silent. When my phone rings after 10:30 p.m., I know it's M.H. calling to remind me about something. I think he's even written me a couple of letters this year.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LINDA McNATT
M.H. Robinson, with friends and family, was named ``Ruritan of the
Year.''
by CNB