John Robinson: Heroic Organ & Tissue Donor

John Robinson lived his life for others – as a dad, husband, son and longtime band director. So, his family wasn’t surprised that John chose to give back through organ and tissue donation, too.

John was not a man of many words, but the words he spoke were heard. Over the years, many people have known John in their own way. Everyone has their own version of John that they remember, but all shared one common theme: his ability to bring an atmosphere of peace to any room he entered.

John was an incredibly selfless person, always putting others first. A musical man, John was the longest employed band director at Sachse High School. For many, he was a book end. He taught the parents of several of his current students, all of whom were excited that their kids were getting to join the full-circle family created by the band.

John was the first donor whose gift was fulfilled at The Legacy Center. An ode to his musical passion, John’s family was invited to make a playlist of his favorite songs to play during the recovery surgery. His wife, Darla, remembers the experience as compassionate and caring.

John saved four lives through organ donation and even more through tissue donation. Today, John’s legacy lives on through those who knew him, as well as those whose lives he saved.

“We experienced an unimaginable tragedy, but John would give anything to anybody who needed it,” Darla said. “A long time in the future, I hope I’m able to do the same for somebody else.”