Robin N. Wilson

Born in the “Land of Gold,” Robin Neil Wilson, who passed peacefully in his sleep on June 25, spent the first four years of his life in Fairbanks, Alaska and on the shores of Steel Creek and the Forty Mile River in the Yukon Territory.

In 1951, Robin returned to Wyoming with his parents, Robert W. and Ruth Wilson, to the Jenkins family ranch near Cora. He attended elementary school in the Pinedale system, including several years at a one-room schoolhouse on the Bar Cross Ranch. In 1961, Robin traveled to Boonville, Mo. where he spent the next four years as a student at Kemper Military School. He excelled as an athlete, earning honors as an all-conference fullback and a tri-state wrestling champion (and logged more than a few hours on the demerit oval track).

After graduating from high school, Robin, or “Buford” as he was affectionately called, attended the University of Wyoming until he was drafted into the Army in 1967. He served a year in Vietnam as a communications tech with the Signal Corps, and, because of his extraordinary abilities as a marksman, he did double duty as an LRP. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned to UW, where he pursued a degree in mechanical engineering.

Robin’s talent with engines lead him to the field of diesel repair. He spent several years working as a mechanic in the oil fields and as a Caterpillar technician until he found a home with Auto Diesel Service in Jackson, where he worked for 25 years. Robin was married briefly in the 1980’s and had a son, Joshua Aaron.

Robin was always active on the family ranch and was an avid outdoorsman. He was an expert downhill skier and a member of the University of Wyoming Outing Club, rock climbing regularly in the 1970s. One of his favorite activities was exploring the deserts of the Southwest with old friends. He was best known for his expertise as an engine specialist for fast cars, fast snowmachines and as a quick repair artist.

Robin was preceded in death by his father Robert Woodrow Wilson. He is survived by his mother Ruth Jenkins Wilson Oliver, brothers Gary and Wade Wilson, son Joshua Wilson, nieces Audrey Morris (Thomas Morris) and Jeni Wilson and grand nieces, Adelaide and Harleigh Morris.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 7 at 2 p.m. at the Community United Church of Christ in Pinedale and a barbecue will be held in Jackson on Friday, July 13 at 4 p.m. at the Auto Diesel Service.