Ronald W Robison

Ronald “Ron” Robison, age 86, long-time resident of Coral Gables and South Miami, passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2022. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and lived in various cities throughout the southeast during World War II before settling in Miami in 1946.
Ron graduated from Coral Gables High School and attended the University of Florida where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. In 1970 he founded Robison & Associates, an architectural firm in Coral Gables, specializing in commercial interiors which was considered a relatively new field of practice at the time. His company provided a complete range of architectural interior services to commercial clients locally and world-wide. He became an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1965 and was appointed vice chairman of the National Committee on Interiors in 1979. During his subsequent tenure as chairman, the committee composed the first interiors chapter of the AIA handbook.
As a City of Coral Gables Commissioner, he co-authored the Mediterranean Architecture ordinance, providing building incentives to developers who maintain or construct buildings with the city’s Mediterranean architectural theme, and he played an essential role with the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Renaissance Committee which reviews the city’s future developments. Ron went on to serve as a member of the Historic Preservation Board, Code Enforcement Board and Board of Adjustments for Coral Gables. He also served on the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce New World Action Committee which is charged with the planning of major building projects in the Miami area.
In 1985 Ron was awarded the Coral Gables Robert B. Knight Award for outstanding citizenship in honor of his dedication to and successful implementation of numerous activities geared toward the betterment of the Coral Gables Community.
Ron was an active member of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables beginning in 1970 and was a member of the Board of Directors from 1971 to 1980. He was elected President of the Coral Gables chapter in 1975 and served two terms as Rotary International Group Representative for his district.
Following his retirement from the architectural profession in 1991, he was asked to take the position of President of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce where among many things he focused on the annual publication reaching over 15,000 individuals, the annual 5K run through the city to raise money for local charities, and the successful book Coral Gables – the City Beautiful, an original publication about the history of the city.
“What has made Coral Gables so exceptional is the vibrancy of its citizens, the quality of its institutions and the traditions from which they have grown,” Ron told Chad Cohen of the Coral Gables Community News. “We have woven a tapestry of neighborhoods, businesses and culture in the pursuit of the perfect place to live.”
Ron appreciated fast cars and was a member of the Sports Car Club of America. He treasured his Porsches and relished surprising passengers by hitting “0 to 60” and hearing them gasp! In his leisure time he enjoyed boating, golfing, Miami Heat basketball, and cheering for everything Miami Hurricanes, “Go Canes!” He loved his family, and adored spending time with his friends while enjoying a glass of scotch, “Cheers to you, Ron!”
Ron is survived by the love of his life, Susan DesRoches; two children, Robin Robison Ingram and Wayne Robison; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services are private, and donations in his honor can be made to: Coral Gables Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 141446, Coral Gables, FL, 33114.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Coral Gables Rotary Foundation, PO Box 141446, Coral Gables, FL 33114.