Robin Grierson Lee-Thorp

The only thing as limitless as imagination is friendship.
– Mark Aldrich

Obituary

The world lost a friend.



Robin Grierson Lee-Thorp died July 10, 2024, fighting complications from cancer treatment, after a lifelong triumph over chronic kidney disease. He was surrounded by friends and their love. He was 58 years old.



Robin said his job was to survive. He fueled his survival by drawing strength from enduring friendships, nature, intellectual curiosity, an expansive imagination, and a good story.



Robin’s life began December 9, 1965. From that point forward, he gained and held onto friends, stories, and kidney transplants. He grew up in McLean, Virginia, graduating from Langley High School and then from George Mason University. Post graduation, he savored several years in California before returning to Northern Virginia.



His occupations often involved writing, and sometimes coffee, though his passions were outside the realms of employment. Laughter, photography, nature, cooking, pets, scuba diving, biking, baking, wine, in-depth conversations, hot baths, good tea, the Outer Banks beaches, playing guitar and driving cars fast were only some of his enduring interests.



Robin had a warm, welcoming, convivial and outsized personality. His was a life not easily lived, but lived so well. He is keenly missed by many.



Robin is survived by his wife, Kristin Carlson, Fairfax, VA; his mother, Janet, Fallbrook CA; his stepmother, Jennifer, Calabasas, CA; his siblings Patrick (Julia), Hamburg, Germany; Tim (Kim), Fallbrook CA; Karen (Greg) Herr, Brea, CA; and his cousins Tod W. (Michelle) Schuck, Lake Anna, VA; Sally Smith, Atlanta, GA; and Susan Coltman, Fish Hoek, South Africa.



Robin is remembered as “Uncle Oble” by his nieces and nephews Andrew (Julia), Maidenhead, England; Charles (Yameng), Oakland, CA; James (Denise), San Francisco, CA; Austin Clemens (Nicole), Fallbrook, CA; Greir (Megan), Long Beach, CA; Vaughn (Megan), Los Angeles, CA; Megan (Nico) Slabber, Eastvale, CA; and Marissa de Glymes de Hollebecque (Nick), Valencia, Spain.



Robin was preceded in death by his father, Vincent D. Lee-Thorp.



A celebration of life will be held Friday, September 6, 2024. 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM at Fairfax City’s Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center

3740 Blenheim Boulevard

Fairfax, VA 22030


A private family memorial will be held in Fallbrook, CA in December.



In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (https://loudounwildlife.org/) or Friends of Huntley Meadows Park (http://www.friendsofhuntleymeadows.org/about.html).

Memory wall

September 9, 2024

How does one describe an incredible person like Robin?
I met Robin in 1985 at GMU. He and his Sigma Nu brothers became wonderful friends at GMU. Our group of friends had many adventures together. Hikes and road trips, midnight sneak ins to Great Falls Park, many parties and dinners and the best long deep chats about everything and nothing at all. One of my favorite memories is from a crazy road trip all the way down to Key West for Spring break -all of us crammed with our stuff and Robin’s golf clubs into this little car. We made stops all along the way including Burger King University. We ultimately stayed at a brother named Dennis Mom’s place in Key Marathon and slept on sleeping bags. What a great time we all had. Post school Robin was always a lovely and supportive friend and even brought me lunch after I had surgery.
I will miss all his photos and stories of all the wildlife and the beautiful food he made.
Rest easy dear friend. Until we meet again

Margo Ragan

July 20, 2024

Calling Robin a friend doesn’t describe it. I’d be tempted to call him a brother, but we were closer than most siblings, and didn’t fight. He was one of the most important people in my life, a constant for the past 45 years. Whenever or whatever I needed, I could count on Robin, and vice versa. We shared happy times and hard, sought each other’s council, enjoyed countless meals, bottles of wine, and trips to the beach. I loved Robin and will forever miss him. I haven’t the eloquence Robin possessed, and can’t hope to do him justice, so I’ve attached pictures of Robin taken over the years for all to enjoy.

Amy Gillespie

July 15, 2024

I have so many fond memories of Robin. I’ve known him since, I believe, 3rd grade at Spring Hill Elementary School. A funny remembrance: Robin had a vein that was brought up near the surface of the skin that “buzzed” when touched. As this was the height of the Six Million Dollar Man craze, Robin convinced us he had a bionic arm. I got kidded mercilessly by my sisters because I swore I had a friend who was bionic! He always had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. Robin and I reconnected recently, discussing our respective cancer journeys. I reread his messages recently and his positivity still came through despite his health challenges. He will be missed. RIP, Oble!

Kirby Knight

July 15, 2024

I remember him as a child. Its funny how we all grow up, but our longest standing friendships are based in childhood. Robin faced battles every day of his life, but always rose above with a huge smile. He lived his best life on his terms. You could always count on a smile and a positive attitude from him even when his day was not going well ...... Those eyes they twinkled. There was just such joy and kindness in his eyes. Even up to the day he passed.. I will always remember the spark that separated him from everyone else ..Those incredible eyes With compassion for others who saw beauty in life like no other.

Diana Austin

July 15, 2024

A guy everyone liked.

Rob

July 14, 2024

My heart goes out to all of Robin’s family and friends. He was such a fighter, so strong of spirit that he kept us laughing even when times were dark. Robin, you were one of the kindest, brightest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. One of the first people I met upon moving to Virginia so many years ago. You were, and will always be, loved and admired by us all.

Susan Rathgeber

July 14, 2024

Robin and his wife Kristin came out to Texas in 2017 to celebrate his uncles (my father’s) 85th birthday. That’s how he was. He made arrangements and made it happen and I’m so glad we got to connect again (and again and again.)

Robin was such and amazing friend and what a gift it was to have a cousin.

Sally Smith

Celebration of Life