2013 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

December 1, 2013: Superman Homepage Contributor Gary Robinson Passes

Gary Robinson by John G. Pierce

On October 24, 2013 Gary D. Robinson, pastor, author, actor, and lifelong Superman fan, passed away due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 58.

Gary could easily be remembered as the pastor who brought Superman into church. Whereas many pastors draw illustrations from athletics and other areas, Gary drew many of his from fantasy and comics, especially Superman. Once, for an Easter message, he enlisted some of his family and others to enact a dramatization of the original "Death of Superman" storyline, with son Alex as Superman, daughter Ruth as Supergirl, nephew John Harvey as Lex Luthor, and others in various parts. Still later, Gary, utilizing the services of some of his congregation, formed the Not Ready for Sunday Morning Players, and with himself donning the red and blue, they presented his own adaptation of the TV episode "Flight to the North."

In his last pastorate, in the city of Xenia, OH, Gary also participated in community theatre, where his greatest triumph was starring as Elwood P. Dowd in "Harvey." And once again, he donned the super-suit to play the Man of Steel in a version of "Flight to the North."

He wrote a book on preaching, some collections of sermons, and many articles for various publications, both print and online, both Christian and secular. He also maintained a blog, Look! Up in the Sky! (where preacher and pop culture meet). His last book, "Superman on Earth: Reflections of a Fan", was initially serialized on the Superman Homepage.

Before his death, Robinson was working on a Western novel. Some of his own favorite writers included C. S. Lewis, Steven King, and Alan Moore.

His memorial service, on October 28, contained many references to Superman, the playing of John Williams's Superman March, and a cake with the Superman logo on it.

He leaves behind his widow Barb, plus their daughter and husband, son and wife, three grandsons, other relatives, the congregations he served, and many friends, including his best friend, the author of this piece.



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