In Memoriam — Ariel DeForest Robinson — June 11, 1929 – December 25, 2023
We are saddened to announce the passing of Ariel Robinson who was in assisted living in Leesburg, Virginia since experiencing a severe heart attack back in September.
Ariel was a car enthusiast for most of his life and was especially fond of his beloved Citroëns. He was renowned in the Citroën community, especially on the East Coast of the U.S. and attended every Rendezvous for 40 years.
Ariel was an intellect and an artist. A disciplinarian and an old softy. An incredible Baritone and a Mensan. He loved classical music, history, and philosophy. If you spent more than 5 minutes with him, you were sure to learn about Karl Popper. Spend a few more and he’d tell you of his youthful jaunt scaling Seneca Rocks, West Virginia with no ropes. He threw great parties and could cook up gourmet meals and leave a huge mess!
He also had an abiding love for his Father’s legacy in Western Maryland and West Virginia. He served the United States for 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant.
Ariel took great pride in his 8 children, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. His wife of 48 years, Ferne Robinson, preceded him in death in 1998.
He will be greatly missed in our Citroën community.
To Ariel,
I first met Ariel in Pittsburgh…he was a fan of Lancia’s and of course Citroens. He had a Flaminia Lancia that I think never ran. Of course several Citroen. As a fellow military man (I Army) we discussed the many tales
of the services. I visited him several times in his home in Gaithersburg, MD and of course at Carlisle. Ariel
lived life to the end without a regret………Aux Revoir mon cher ami
Ariel organized the DC area Citroen owners and made sure you could keep your car, and keep it running. I visited many times for social gatherings and for Bob and Paul to fix a few things when I was “between” mechanics… an almost permanent state in the early days (without traveling hours in a road-worthy car and knowing someone competent who could squeeze you in). I used to contribute artwork and a bit of copy to the CQ magazine in the 1980s and did a nice caricature of him in his Mensa beret which was reprinted in the local newsletter with permission. I may have written an article, but it was too long ago to remember. If anyone can find a copy, send it to this e-magazine. He was a great mentor and a larger-than-life personality who I owe a lot to, and remember with complete fondness. He lived a long and meaningful life and I was lucky to have known him until a few months before he passed. Best wishes for his family, especially Bob and Paul.
A few years back I was looking at a strange car parked in front of the library. The owner appeared and told me about the SM. Asked if I wanted a ride. Sure. , Told him about my history with old BMW’S.
About 5 miles out of town he pulled over and said “your turn”.
Always remembered him as a really nice person.