Robbins, Owen Welker of Needham formerly of Weston, died peacefully on January 3, 2023, surrounded by his wife and family. He was 93.
Owen was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma on November 18, 1929, the son of Welker Robbins and Jewell (Patchell) Robbins.
He graduated from DePauw University (Indiana) in 1951. Breaking with family tradition, he eschewed medical school and instead chose to attend Harvard Business School, where he met Dorothy, the love of his life, and graduated in 1953 with an MBA. He and Dorothy were married in October of that year.
After a brief stint with the Army, he began his career at Coopers & Lybrand. In 1970, he joined Teradyne Inc. in Boston as Chief Financial Officer where he worked until his retirement in 1997. Additionally, he served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and was instrumental in the formation of Partners HealthCare. He enjoyed being a member of the Boston Economics Club and indulging his life-long passions for negotiation, debate, finance, and woodworking. He loved doing home improvement projects both large and small, many alongside his good friend Dallas Washington at the family summer home in Marion, MA. Above all, Owen was proudest of his role as husband, father and grandfather.
He was predeceased by his two brothers, Dr. Jack Robbins of Chicago and Dr. Galen Robbins of Oklahoma City, and by his son Dr. Mark Robbins of Baltimore.
Owen is survived by Dorothy, his beloved wife of 70 years, four of his five children and their spouses, and eight grandchildren: Dr. Patricia McGuiggan (and Thomas and Catherine Robbins) of Baltimore, MD; Bradford and Lori Robbins of Carlsbad, CA; Dr. Gregory and Elizabeth Robbins (and Douglas and Benjamin Robbins) of Wellesley, MA; Andrew Robbins and Lisa Goodwin Robbins (and Charlotte and Allison Robbins) of Newton, MA; and Marion Robbins and David Perko (and Madeleine and Lindsey Perko) of Weston, MA.
Private interment in Linwood Cemetery, Weston. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Owen’s memory may be made to: Boys and Girls Club of Boston, www.bgcb.org.