Sune Marnane Robins

Sune Marnane Robins

1933 ~ 2024

Sune Marnane Robins, 90, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, at home in Highland, UT, with family at his side. He was born on October 22, 1933, in Nephi, UT. He was the second son of Melvin and DeLoise Robins. He lived in Hinckley, UT, until he was 14 years old, then the family moved to Bountiful, UT. There he met Dorothy Sparks when he was 16 and she was 15. They were married in August 1953 in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sune graduated from the University of Utah in 1956 as a member of the ROTC with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Between the years of 1960 and 1966, Sune enrolled in evening classes at UCLA, then at USC, and received enough credits to earn two master’s degrees in electrical engineering. He served as an officer in the Air Force until 1960, working on the X-7 and X-17 experimental missiles’ flight controls system with Lockheed Missiles & Space. After about six months in that position, he was asked to move to Sunnyvale, CA, and work on the Polaris submarine-launched ballistic missiles. He realized that these missiles were being designed to use miniature electron tubes. Based on courses he had taken, Sune recommended to the Director that they incorporate transistors instead of tubes, explaining the advantages in size, weight, power, and performance they could achieve using transistors. His knowledge and courage helped propel both the space program and his career. He was soon after hired by TRW where he continued to work on the Atlas flight controls, after which he was hired by North American Aviation to work on the Apollo as a Lead Engineer until 1965. From there, he was recruited to what would be a 29-year career at The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA. He worked there until 1996.

In his professional life, much of what he did required top secret clearance and was thus never discussed at home or anywhere else. We know that he worked on flight control systems for a number of different missiles, including the Apollo, Gemini, Centaur, Viking, Atlas, and Titan missile programs. He rose within the organization because of his ability to understand the complexities and technicalities involved in launching and guiding missiles but also because of his ability to communicate effectively and build unity and cooperation in his teams. Sune was the recipient of multiple awards from his employer for his contributions and dedication to excellence. He declined offers for promotions because he wanted to be home with his family as much as possible.

Sune and Dorothy raised their seven children in Palos Verdes, CA. He served faithfully in a number of callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palos Verdes, but most enjoyed his time serving the Youth. On two different occasions, he led a group of Young Men on a 500-mile bicycle tour around three islands of Hawaii and along the California Coast from Monterrey to Palos Verdes. Fourteen times, he led groups of youth on canoe trips down a 100-mile stretch of the Colorado River. In addition, he led multiple long-term backpacking trips, excursions to the snow, whitewater rafting, and other high adventure trips. During these trips, he taught the Young Men how to plan, prepare for, and execute such big undertakings, thus training up the next generation of leaders.

During his work with the Youth, he was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a boy and helped hundreds of Young Men attain their Eagle award. Hundreds more credit him with helping them become better men focused on building their own families and serving in their communities. Sune earned the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver from the local BSA Council in Los Angeles.

After his retirement, Sune and Dorothy worked tirelessly on Family History and Genealogy, serving two service missions for the church, one at the Los Angeles Temple’s Family History Center, and one from home after they moved to American Fork, UT. They taught many people how to find their ancestors and discover their lineage during those years.

It can truly be said that Sune lived up to his name because he brought light and goodness to everyone, he met and to every endeavor in which he was involved. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sune is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy, and his brother, Moreno. He is survived by his sister DeAnn Hardy (Keith), his brother Dan (Ann), his seven children, Debra Robins (Bountiful, UT), Marc (Karen) Robins (Heber City, UT), Steven Robins (Utah), Brian (Pattie) Robins (Renton, WA), Reed (Celeste) Robins (Highland, UT), Glen (Laurie) Robins (American Fork, UT), and Sandi (Dan) Williams (Highland, UT), as well as 21 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers, nurses, and nurse’s assistants at Highland Glen Assisted Living and Memory Care, as well as to Malene, Michele, and Annette from A+ Hospice, all of whom have truly been ministering angels to both Sune and Dorothy in their final years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 am at Highland 12th Ward Chapel, located at 5853 West 10400 North, Highland, UT. A viewing will be held Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Those unable to attend may view the proceedings of the funeral service via zoom at:
https://zoom.us/j/92884460895?pwd=VBMqYJsJu1wpR78LxLY4bDQsQ7aJbc.1