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Reginald Robinson Obituary
A long-time Kansan, Reggie had an extensive record of public service and philanthropy both in Kansas and nationally. He most recently served as CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation. Prior to that, he was vice chancellor for public affairs at the University of Kansas, director of KU's School of Public Affairs and Administration, president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, a faculty member at both the Washburn and KU schools of law, a White House fellow, special assistant to Attorney General Janet Reno, and deputy associate attorney general for the United States.
Reggie was appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly as facilitator for the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission and was a member of several state juvenile justice advisory groups. He was appointed by Kansas attorneys general to the Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees, was a member of the Kansas Children's Cabinet for nine years, and was appointed to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships.
Reggie's community service included serving on boards of directors for the Friends of the Spencer Museum of Art, Hall Center for the Humanities, Kansas Leadership Center, Douglas County Community Foundation, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, National Academy of Public Administration, and National Organization for Victims Assistance.
Reggie was a 1975 graduate of Salina High School South and received both his undergraduate degree and juris doctor from the University of Kansas. As an undergraduate, he was student body vice president. In law school, he was editor in chief of the Kansas Law Review. Between college and law school, he served four years as a field artillery officer in the United States Army and was honorably discharged at the rank of captain.
Beyond his remarkable record of public service, Reggie will be remembered for his uncommon kindness, warmth, generosity and decency. Those who knew him will miss his reassuring calmness, his ability to make everyone he engaged with feel special, and his infectious smile – which always shone brightest when he spoke of his daughters.
Reggie is survived by his wife, Jane; two daughters, Paige and Clare (Jason Marshall); mother, Beryl; four brothers, Alphonso (Laurie), Ron (Jeannie), Michael (Wendy), and Danny (Wendy); father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Mary McGarey; six siblings-in-law, Kate (Tom Vasey), Mimi, John, Matt, Clare (Kevin Wallace) and Mark (Kendra); and 23 nieces and nephews.
A scholarship endowment honoring Reggie's incredible life and his legacy to the University of Kansas is being established, and gifts in his memory can be sent in support of the Reginald L. Robinson Law Scholarship to: KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928, given securely online at kuendowment.org/give or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Service arrangements are pending.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Reginald Robinson
Conrad
September 16, 2022
My first tickets to watch the Kansas Hayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse were from Reggie. Such a kind heart. He left a mark on me.
conrad Weledji
October 2, 2020
Just a beautiful soul, a wonderful humble person. His legacy will live on.
Chris Jones
September 30, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I don't remember how we met in high school but Reggie and I became close friends. We hung out alot in school and I remember we use to talk about everything. I knew he would be something special. He had that it only special people have in them. We may not talked much after high school. But the strong friendship or love was always there. Heck our birthdays are two days apart. Everyone in our class looked up to and loved Reggie. On birthday he posted that he loved me I knew then. Rest in my peace my brother. Heaven has gain an amazing man. You will be missed. Love you Chris Jones!!
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Robert Ginzel
September 27, 2020
Dear Clare,
I am so saddened and sorry for the loss of your father, Reggie. My thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with you and your family.
John P. Norton
September 27, 2020
Reggie was my Neighbor growing up in Salina, KS. He was a year older than me and was in my brother Jeff's class of 75 at Salina South.
Reggie was Incredibly Genuine Nice Human Being and Class Act.
The entire Robinson family was a Joy to have grown up around..we had a great neighborhood and the Robinson family was a huge reason why.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Reggie's family
John P. Norton
Jody Joiner
September 27, 2020
Reggie was my favorite professor at KU Law School. He was also an amazing mentor. We had stayed in touch over the years but less so since I moved out of state. His positive attitude and devotion to KU and the State of Kansas was inspiring. What a devastating loss for the community.
Sruti Das
September 25, 2020
Clare, really sorry to hear the loss of your dad. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Lots of hugs and prayers for you and your family.
John Carmichael
September 25, 2020
Whether as an undergraduate at KU, a law professor at Washburn, at the Board of Regents, KU administration, the Criminal Justice Commission, or the Health Foundation, Reggie was a leader wherever he went. His smile and friendship brightened my day no matter the circumstance. In fourty years we never had a cross word, even when I nearly broke his arm.
Few in my lifetime have made an equal contribution to the quality of life in Kansas. None will replace him.
Sonal Yadav
September 25, 2020
Clare, so saddened to hear about the loss of your dad. What a purpose driven life he lived. I hope the good memories you have of him will comfort you in the days ahead. We mourn with you. Warm bear hugs, my friend.
Kathy Ward
September 23, 2020
Dear Clare and Jason so very sorry to hear about your father. His led an amazing life and raised a beautiful, loving daughter.
Kathy Ward and Chuck Quinn
Marilyn Lane Figuieras
September 23, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear the news of Reggie's death. He was a star, a prince of a man, and I am so lucky I got to know him. RIP, Reggie. You will be missed.
Leslie and Brian McCaffrey
September 22, 2020
I always loved when Reggie and I would pass each other on our early morning runs. It was dark and neither of us had our glasses on but we always knew each other and would say hello. One of a kind and those who crossed his path were some of the luckiest people. Sending our love.
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