Jeff was a wonderful friend of mine when I was growing up. He was someone I looked up to and admired! We met because I had a trampoline in my back yard which was right across from Noelridge swimming pool. He would come over with some other gymnasts from Kennedy High School and spend a lot of time jumping and spinning!!! He had so much talent! I have been in Alaska since 1985 and had totally lost touch for which I am sorry. I would have still known him anywhere, especially after seeing this picture of him! He seems timeless! I know nothing about how or what he had been doing but just read another note from someone who said he had many tragedies. I feel much sadness for that. Condolences and blessings to all of his remaining family and friends.
Colleen (Gregory) Whitters
September 13, 2014
Jeff,
It was a beautiful afternoon in Iowa, we were driving around the old country roads in your big convertible when we decided to investigate that old abandoned farm house. There we discovered the remains of an old wagon - a wooden wheeled axle with a tongue. It looked like a cool antique, so we decided to take it back to town and sell it to an antique dealer.
We couldn't figure out a way to hook it to the car, though, so we tied a rope to it and I held the rope, leaning over the back seat, as you drove slowly to town. Slowly. It took over an hour going maybe 5 mph. As we drove, the wooden wheels began to disintegrate. By the time we got to the dealer, there was a lot less wheel than when we started. He gave us $2.00 for the wheel. What a great day.
Another time, we were driving in that same car, around midnight, during a big snow storm on another country road. You turned on the brights and we drove slowly, pretending we were driving through an asteroid field as we were bombarded by all the huge snowflakes. Sweet.
When my first child was born, I had no money. Karen and I lived in a small, third story, one bedroom apartment. At $75 a month, the rent was too high. So you moved in with us, sleeping on an old mattress in the living room. You saved us.
One morning I woke up, went into my living room, and instead of you being there, there were three guys I didn’t know. You had let them in. And they turned out to be members of a band looking for a new guitar player. That simple act of generosity and trust changed my life. Thank you.
You were there when I was ordered to report to the Army in Des Moines. You were there when I lost that weight so I could avoid serving in that stupid war. You were there when I hitch-hiked home after being declared to skinny to serve. You were there.
We lost touch for many years, reconnecting only about 5 years ago. Your life was hard, you told me of many tragedies that would have broken me. But there you were, smiling, happy to see me, happy to listen to my songs, eager to spend time with me. I am so sorry you are gone. But when I smell a bit of smoke in the air - that special smoke - when no one else is around, I will look for you, and know you are not far away.
Safe journey, my old friend.
TIm
Tim Mueller
September 5, 2014
Jon, I'm very sorry to hear about Jeff. I always thought he was a great guy. It was clear you guys were very close growing up.
Your old wrestling partner
Fitz
Denny Fitzpatrick
September 5, 2014
Jon, I am so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. I remember him as a quiet, humble presence so many years ago.
Laurie Crawford
September 4, 2014
Say I was going to tell you that I am very sorry for your loss. Your family member Jeff was one of my best and dearest friends I have ever had. I will miss him greatly. He was always happy to help someone and would give his shirt off his back for anyone. I just wanted to tell you how much I apprechiated this great relative you had. I love U Jeff Robken. I would have been there brother but I am in San Diego. I will talk to you when my day comes and we meet again my friend. Love your buddy Courtney
Courtney James Clark
September 4, 2014
Jon and family,
I'm so saddened to hear about Jeff's passing. I'm thankful for the memories I have of us as kids running around Caddo Gap. We always looked forward to our Iowa cousins coming down for vacation. Not to mention the fun when our dads were together.
Love to you all,
Hilda
Hilda Robken Owen
September 4, 2014