Mr Robinson’s sister Carmel Kingston of Corowa said her brother was a hard worker with a great work ethic and very organised.
“John always had time for a yarn and loved a joke and his laugh was infectious, impossible not to laugh along with,” she told The Free Press.
Mrs Kingston said: “John was born on the 30th December 1952, the second child to Lyndon and Doris and brother to Therese, Mary, Peter, Carmel and Anne.
“John went to primary school at Rennie and completed his schooling at Assumption College Kilmore.
“After completing school John joined Dad on the family farm, whilst also wool classing and shearing.
“John married Julie in 1979 and they had three children Hayley, Karla and Brad. John was a very proud Dad and loved his kids dearly.
“John played cricket for the Rennie Cricket Club, but his sporting passion was football. He played in two premierships at the Rennie football/netball club in 1972 and 1983.
“The family farm was sold in 1994 and the families moved to Corowa which is when John became involved with the Roos. He was curator of the ground for 16 years.
“John met Jan in 2000 and they married in 2002. John and Jan were joint club persons of the year in 2003 at the Roos.
“John was also a very proud Pop to Risha, Jay(Dec), Shanti, Daisy, Brodie and Maya.”
A fine footballer, Mr Robinson was an excellent secretary and supporter of both Rennie and Corowa clubs.
A tribute by the Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club stated: “On Saturday night (May 16) we lost one of our great workers and supporters. John Robinson served as secretary for 13 years and contributed greatly to the rise of our club. He built some solid foundations for us to remain viable in the strong Ovens and Murray competition. A passionate supporter of the Roos and one of the most sociable guys you could have at a club. J R as we knew him was made a Life Member and will be sorely missed by everyone at Corowa Rutherglen.”
“John’s skill as a secretary was second to none,” treasurer at the time, who later became club president, John Henneman, said. “He attended every meeting. His handwriting was impeccable – in those days you had to write everything.
“John did much more than his secretary’s role. On match days he was preparing the bar, getting the rooms ready, attended every home and away game and various duties at the end of the day. Afterwards he’d enjoy a beer with a large group of mates.
“A loveable larrikin, he was well liked by everyone, had strong views, but he didn’t hold a grudge.”
The Tait and Robinson families grew up either side of Rennie. “He and his father were very good fat lamb producers in their day,” Robert Tait said.
“John was a very big part of the Rennie community, playing footy then secretary. He was a good, handy footballer and a very diligent secretary, he did everything right and was so thorough.
“ ‘J R’ loved his sport – he also played cricket and tennis with Rennie – and the 1983 Rennie premiership (coached by Tait) was his final game of footy.”
Past club president for nine years in two stints, Ian Rhodes also talked about the excellent contribution of Mr Robinson both on and off the field.
“In 1973 he won our best and fairest,” Mr Rhodes said. “He was treasurer 1981 to 1983 when I was president and served eight years as secretary from 1984 to 1991. John was a very hard worker, very determined.”
Mr Rhodes referred to the 18 years they sheared together. “In those times all the farmers were shearers,” he said. “We had a gang together. “
The former club president emphasised: “John was a very determined administrator, absolutely A1. He was a really nice bloke. We went through a lot together. We were very good mates.”
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