Monk Robinson
E. Montgomery “Monk” Robinson, Sr. of Lookout Mountain died on June 13, 2014.
He was born in 1931 to Harry Thomas Robinson, Sr. and Elizabeth Montgomery Robinson.
A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Monk attended Lookout Mountain Elementary School, The McCallie School and later Dartmouth College where he met his wife of 59 years, Natalia Young Robinson. Following his time at Dartmouth, he served as engineering officer on a destroyer in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1957, he returned to Chattanooga with his wife, Talia, and young daughter Kathleen, to join his father, and older brother, Harry Thomas “Wig” Robinson, Jr. at Atlas Paper Box Company (now called Top Flight). In the early 60’s, Monk attended Harvard where he received his MBA. Monk and Talia returned from Boston with a growing family to settle for good on Lookout Mountain. Monk, who served as Top Flight’s president, and older brother, Wig, who served as chairman, built the business into a leading producer of school, business and office products. Monk made great use of his intellect, determination, charisma, and love of life to strike business deals with many of the nation’s leading retailers. Following a long career at Top Flight, Inc., Monk received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service and leadership in the industry.
Monk was active in many community organizations and activities. He loved being with people. He loved helping others have fun and be successful. Over the years, Monk would be considered a regular on the golf course, the tennis court, the walking route around the golf course and watching kids and grandkids perform at their chosen activities. Theatre, choir, sports, public speaking or simply admiring the view of the valley from his backyard…it made no difference to Monk. He loved to experience the moment with his friends and family. And then celebrate the moment with everyone, and the best celebrations always occurred on Friday night. Monk was a self-celebrated guitar player who was quick with a sheet of music, and a song. He loved to sing songs with his friends, so much so that unbeknownst to his local family members, he signed up the whole family to sing in Good Shepherd’s choir.
Monk is remembered by his family as a “cheerleader” who rarely missed an opportunity to encourage his clan to compete because we were the best, not among the best, but the best. His enduring optimism was undeniable, and the family loved him for it. Recently, Monk’s favorite moments included sitting in his backyard watching the birds soar and his dog Buddy chase them. He loved texting a picture of the moment to all his family members with an invitation to come join him. He loved the yearly beach vacation with all his family totaling 22 kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He was proud of that number, and mentioned it often.
Monk was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Thomas Robinson, Sr. and Elizabeth Montgomery Robinson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Natalia Young Robinson, one brother, Harry (Nancy) Thomas Robinson, Jr, 4 children Kathleen Darnell, Monk (Kathy) Robinson, Jr., George (Wendy) Robinson, Natalie (Mike) Chalverus, 10 grandchildren, Stokes (Natalie) Swann, Adam Swann, Nate Robinson, Holly Robinson, Russ Robinson, Meg Robinson, Walker Robinson, Emily Chalverus, Clark Chalverus, Ryan Chalverus, and two great-grandchildren, Campbell and Jackson Swann.
The family will receive friends Thursday, June 19, from 2:30-4 p.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd’s Talbird Hall, 211 Franklin Road, Lookout Mountain, Tn. 37350, to be followed by a memorial service officiated by the Reverend Robert T. J. Childers.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Monk’s honor to the Church of the Good Shepherd, and McCallie School.
Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, 423-821-7551.