Barry C. Robinson

Barry Robinson Barry C. Robinson, age 84, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2007 at Luther Hospital. He was born April 24, 1923 in Chippewa Falls to Verne and Bessie Robinson. Barry attended Eau Claire Public Schools, graduating from Eau Claire Senior High in 1940. On Nov. 6, 1941, he married Kyra 'Peggy' Ebensperger in Coffeeville, Kan. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. Barry graduated from Eau Claire Teachers' College with a bachelor's degree in 1947 and received his masters degree in 1952. From 1947 until 1949, he taught at New Richmond High School. In 1949 he began teaching at Eau Claire Senior/Memorial High School where he was chairman of the language arts department and coached debate and forensics. As an educator and debate coach, he took Memorial High School to five state debate titles. In 1968, Barry was the first high school coach to be honored with the Andrew Weaver Award for outstanding teaching and speech. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association and the National High School Forensic Association. After 36 years, he retired from teaching in 1983. While serving as convention director for the NWEA for over 30 years, Barry received the Outstanding Achievement Award in 1988. In addition to his teaching career, he was a broadcast journalist for WEAU radio. In 1953 , Barry became the first face viewers saw when WEAU-TV 13 first went on the air. He remained in television broadcasting until retiring in 1978. Desiring to continue public service, Barry ran and was elected to the Eau Claire County Board in 1990, where he served for 16 years. In addition to his various committee assignments, he was selected by his peers on the board as First Vice Chair. He also was actively involved with PAC- TV. Work was not the only interest in Barry's life. He was a passionate fisherman and loved spending time with his family and friends. One of Barry's indelible attributes was his great sense of humor. Barry is survived by 10 children, Sherry (Frank) Wichmann of Elkhorn, Rhonda Robinson of Minneapolis, Kyra (Geno) Plante of Eau Claire, Glade (Doug) Indahl of Eau Claire, Blaine (Vicki) Robinson of Crystal Beach, Texas, Dayna (Rick) Schneider of Eau Claire, Brent (Kathy) Robinson of Eau Claire, Blake (Nancy) Robinson of Altoona, Blaire (Patti) Robinson of Altoona and Bart Robinson of Eau Claire; 20 grandchildren, Garet, Angela, Travis, Stephanie, Jason, Gina, Kelly, Jenny, Jerrod, Amanda, Tara, Trent, Traci, Trevor, Nicki, Brian, Justin, Brandon, Kayla, and Rachel. He is further survived by 19 great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He is preceded by his wife, Kyra 'Peggy' (nee Ebensperger) Robinson and his parents, Verne J. & Bessie Robinson. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fulton Street and Oxford Avenue (please meet at church). Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2007 at All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Service, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire 54703. Condolences may be sent care of the funeral home or made online at 866allfaiths.com.