family
“A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another”
—Buddha
When I met Robin, he was already a romantic. I was immediately drawn to him. He was appealing, and his blue eyes were expressive. We danced together and formed an epic relationship. Like his mares, I was embraced when I came close. Ryan points out his dad was an alpha male, one that didn’t need to challenge. He was confident, non-aggressive, hardly assertive because he didn’t have to be. He was humble.
Robin and Connie - First photo of us together
Above / Robin and granddaughter Rhiannon on Moon Shadow / Photo Connie Doughman
He knew he was smart. He lived in the present. He was always this way. We were this way with love and mutual respect being the bottom line. The other thing is there was unbroken desire and he was always easy on the eyes.
Robin and Connie at KMI fall / Photo Mildred Doughman
He was a listener and a man of few words. When he did speak, he had your attention. He listened when others spoke. He preferred to have a distance between the time one person stopped talking and another began. This was his way. When Robin was with you, he was there and available and you knew it. He projected quiet support. He was admired, loved, and even adored by his family and friends.
Robin in Oxford, Ohio / Photo Chuck Ziegler
It was an expression of merged creativity, education, skills, artistry, and style. He influenced and stimulated me, and I know he lapped up my ideas, incorporating them with his so smoothly. I watched his left hand perform gracefully, yet opposite of the way my right hand worked. He became a master before my eyes. It’s been an incomparable lifetime adventure being the mistress of this timeless alliance.
Robin and Connie in Oberlin, OH
I felt and recognized Robin’s supportive presence. He always let me know he loved me. His intuition and response filled the pits of my anxiety like a spring, an ojo, so silent, strong, and immediate. We balanced and lifted each other.
Wedding cake ceremony / Photo Shillito’s
Our home in Lamy was rural with the edges of town melting into wild areas and ancient ruins. The shop was within ten feet of our house. Our son Ryan was comfortable with the shop from the time he was eight. It was the same with our granddaughter Rhiannon.
Ryan and Connie / Photo Chuck Ziegler
The buzzing of tools was part of the music we played. I was often working alongside Robin in the shop or on the job sites. We designed and made things together. We were intertwined in this business of ours.
Ryan, Robin and Connie / Photo Chuck Ziegler
He was a mentor to many. Animals looked to him for safety. He met them on equal ground. He mentored yogis he led in meditation and leadership retreats at the Ranch. He guided horsewomen and men in understanding the soul of horses and how to dance with them. There’s a glow that still shines on those who worked with him in the shop or on site. Tom Valencia describes him as Sensei, and he was. He was Sensei wherever he was. Robin knew how to build, and he knew how to lead. Mark Laine’s sage advice to a new man at work, “Just because he doesn’t say anything doesn’t mean he didn’t notice.”
Robin and granddaughter Rhiannon on Moon Shadow close to sunset / Photo Connie Doughman
While Robin lived, I knew he was good, a master artist, a master with beams and cabinetry, a master with wood, an exceptional man, and a horseman embraced by people and horses. When Robin died, I discovered he is legendary.
Last photo of Connie and Robin at the Voces de Santa Fe gathering at the Legal Tender, Lamy / Photo by Ellie Dendahl
We have a special place in our hearts for Uncle Robin. My twin sister and I will always cherish the wonderful memories of the time we had with Robin and Connie at Miami University. We were delighted to be part of their wedding as well. These are forever memories and we count our blessings that Robin and Connie have touched our lives.
Kim & Debbie
Robin and I were friends during our high school years. I have been accused of the person responsible for getting Connie and Robin together; Guilty as Charged. After high school, I moved on to the military, college, and a career, while Robin and Connie pursued their art careers. We lost contact until we once again were reunited on, what can be at times a nemesis, Facebook. We stayed in contact since then. Friends are friends no matter the years that separates us. Robin will be dearly missed.
Albert Pitcher
Connie, Robin and I were in the art program together at Miami University, 50+ years ago. Connie was my "Big Sis," and though we haven't seen each other more than a few hours since, the essence of our connection has remained intact, a loving bond. I still think of Robin as the 20 year old - handsome, gentle, talented. what a wonderful shower of gifts he gave us over the years! The more I learn about his adult life, the more I love and miss him. Connie is a creative and attentive acolyte to his memory. She is his other half. May their legacy endure as generously as the two of them have contributed to this life here on earth.
Mary Beams
Robin Doughman Slide Show Tribute created by Cindy Cook / Candyman Strings and Things -2019