Two community leaders whose family founded Robinson Dairy — a Denver institution dating to 1885 — have been named by the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo & Horse Show as the 2009 Citizens of the West.
Brothers Richard and Edward Robinson will accept their awards on Jan. 14 at the Hyatt Regency Denver, the National Western said in a news release.
Robinson Dairy was established in 1885 by their great-grandfather.
The men joined the family business in the mid-1950s and spent the rest of their working lives there.
Both men were named to the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2000, shortly after selling the then 114-year-old, family-owned dairy to Suiza Foods Corp. of Dallas.
The Citizen of the West designation is given to individuals who embody the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer and are committed to perpetuating the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals, the stock show said in announcing the honor.
The Robinson brothers were known for their generosity, the release said. They had a mutual passion for community activities and charitable organizations, chairing various boards, foundations and philanthropies.
Richard, known as “Dick,” and Edward, known as “Eddie,” are fourth-generation Denver natives. Dick was born in 1929, and Eddie in 1932.
Both graduated from East High School and from Colorado State University, then known as Colorado A&M.
Dick Robinson received a degree in animal husbandry, and Eddie Robinson received a degree in agriculture.
Both men served in the U.S. Army. Dick Robinson attained the rank of major and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Eddie Robinson served as a lieutenant.
Although the brothers sold Robinson Dairy in 1999, they continue to serve as co-chief executive officers of Robinson Dairy LLC.
Dick Robinson and his wife, Marcia, have two children and four grandchildren. Eddie Robinson and his wife, Susan, have six children and 10 grandchildren. Both reside in the Denver area.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
