John “Joe” Robson, founder of Oklahoma’s The Robson Companies Inc., passed away from cancer over the holidays, surrounded by family. He was 71.
In addition to leading his company, Robson made his mark on the industry, first on a local level, serving on the board of directors of the Tulsa home builders association (HBA) in 1986 and later as president of the association in 1991 and 1992. He started with the board of directors of the Oklahoma HBA in 1990 and served as president of that group in 1993. At the national level, Robson served on the National Association of Homebuilders’ (NAHB) board of directors starting in 1990, as well as serving as chair of BUILD-PAC (1998), the Legislative and Regulatory Policy Task Force and Resolutions Committee (2002), and the Federal Government Affairs Committee (2003). He also served as vice chair of the Budget Committee in 2005.
“Joe’s leadership helped guide our association and our industry through moments of challenge and change,” NAHB CEO Jim Tobin shared. “His steady presence, thoughtful counsel and unwavering commitment earned him the respect of builders across the country and left a lasting mark on NAHB.”
Robson is survived by his wife of 43 years, Hannah, children Davis (Bailey) Robson and Callie (Timothy) Hamilton, five grandchildren, brother Bruce (Emily) Robson, sister Sybil (Matthew) Orr, Uncle Frank Robson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Alma and Nick Robson, and his brother Ed Robson.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, at 2:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, followed by a reception in the church’s Stephenson Hall.