Stan Robbins, co-owner of the Robbins Auto Top Company, passed away on July 22 at the age of 84. Born in Tucson, Arizona, on September 26, 1925, Stan moved with his family to Santa Monica in 1942. He attended Santa Monica High School and met Peggy Hutchins, his future wife, as well as many of his lifelong friends. During World War II he served as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps training to become a pilot navigator. In 1958 Stan moved his family to Pacific Palisades, which he called home for the rest of his life. Friends were very important to Stan, who had many friends he knew for 30, 40, 50 years or more. Everyone remembers Stan for his great sense of humor, love of life, and always being there to lend a helping hand. An avid fisherman, Stan owned several sport-fishing boats with his brother Dick. Many friends went with the two men on trips, often south of Ensenada, Mexico, to fish for albacore. Stan and Dick were partners for more than 60 years in a family business, Robbins Auto Top Company, founded by their father in 1943. They grew the business from a small trim and upholstery shop into a manufacturer of replacement convertible tops with a worldwide network of distributors. A staunch Republican, Stan worked hard within the Santa Monica Republican Club. Some of his proudest moments were attending Ronald Reagan’s presidential inaugural ceremonies. Stan always actively supported his community and was a member of the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club since 1955, serving on many committees and as president. For many years he also worked to raise funds for Santa Monica Hospital, serving on its foundation board and as president. Stan had a strong sense of family. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Peggy. Survivors include his brothers Dick (wife Barbara) and Jack (wife Anita); sons Mark (wife Cathy) and John (wife Kathy); daughter Leslie Neyman (husband Roger); and granddaughters Jennifer and Elizabeth Robbins, and Janelle Neyman, who loved their Papa. Services were held at the end of July. The family requests that donations on behalf of Stan Robbins be made to the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club Charities or to the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club.
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