Obituaries : Ivan A. Robinson; Interim Ventura Police Chief

Ivan A. “Robby” Robinson, a former interim chief of police in Ventura, died Sunday in a Ventura hospital after a brief illness. He was 84.

Robinson, who was born Jan. 16, 1912, in Glendale, moved from San Clemente to Ventura in 1981.

Robinson started his law enforcement career in Glendale, serving as a police officer from 1940 to 1957 and attaining the rank of deputy chief. He was chief of police in Downey from 1957 until his retirement in 1970.

He left retirement and served as interim chief of police in Ventura in 1972, assistant city manager and chief of police in Garden Grove from 1973 to 1976, and hearing officer for juvenile traffic court in Ventura County Superior Court in 1981 and 1982.

He was president of the Los Angeles County Peace Officers Assn. in 1965 and 1966, president of the California Peace Officers Assn. in 1968 and 1969, and president of the League of California Cities-Police Section from 1964 to 1966.

Active in the community, Robinson volunteered with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Community Chest, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America and other organizations.

An avid traveler, Robinson and his wife, Alice, traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and China.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, he is survived by his brother, Bill Robinson of Tahoe City; a daughter, Alice MacMullen of Valencia; a son, James Robinson of Livermore; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.

Memorial donations may be made to the Eastminster United Presbyterian Church of Ventura, where Robinson was an active member.