Obituary of John Stinson

On October 9th, 1950, the curtain rose on John Robert Stinson, a future star destined to captivate audiences both on and off the stage. Born in Norfolk, Nebraska to Guy Bernard and Helen Berigan Stinson, John brought a theatrical spark to the world from the very beginning. John graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School, in 1968, and went on to attend St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN. With diploma in hand, his heart set on the stage, he landed at the Dudley Riggs Improv Theater in Minneapolis. Hollywood soon beckoned, and his acting dreams took him to LA. There, amidst the lights and cameras, fate intervened. He met Diana Davidson, his future wife, while filming Bill Malone's "Scared to Death” and to that union two children Conor and Annakeara were born. John's passion for acting never dimmed, but his greatest joy was sharing his experiences and laughter, often laced with tales from his Hollywood days, with his family. John's love for the stage wasn't confined to acting. He thrived behind the scenes too, stage managing at the prestigious Freedom Theater and Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. There, he rubbed shoulders with theatrical titans like Walter Dallas, his passion for the craft undoubtedly fueled by such encounters. John's dedication to the arts extended beyond performance. He served as a program manager for Historic Philadelphia Incorporated, and his work even played a part in the iconic Liberty Bell finding its rightful home. John also nurtured the next generation of actors, sharing his knowledge and infectious enthusiasm as an acting and improv teacher for agencies in LA and New York, including The School for Film and Television in NYC. Love found him in 2007 when he returned to Norfolk to care for his father. It was there that he met Kim Robinette, and their connection was undeniable. They tied the knot in 2008, adding a whole new chapter to his Norfolk adventure. Together, they reveled in the spirit of the Great American Comedy Festival, keeping Johnny Carson's legacy alive. Their love for laughter even blossomed into Buzzy Productions, a theatrical company they co-owned, proving that their partnership was both heartwarming and hilarious. For five years, John brought Ebenezer Scrooge to life in their dinner theater's annual presentation of "A Christmas Carol”. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, boundless laughter, and a heart that overflowed with generosity and charm. John's humor was a double-edged sword. Newcomers were often caught off guard by his jarring blend of warmth and vulgarity. Imagine saying grace at Thanksgiving only to be interrupted by John's deadpan quip about, well, something you wouldn't want to hear at the dinner table. Even friendly farewells held a hint of danger, punctuated by his signature "lock up" reminder – a playful nudge that could leave you unsure if he was joking or hinting at something more sinister (he probably wasn't, but that was the beauty, or terror, depending on your perspective, of John's humor). Aside from his career and his menagerie of cherished pets – including a beloved yellow lab and corgi who surely awaited him at the rainbow bridge – ​ John's true passion resided in the rushing rivers and serene lakes. It all began in Colorado, where a chance encounter with a free-spirited hippie sparked a lifelong love affair. The hippie, with a twinkle in his eye and a worn fly rod in hand, not only gifted John his first fly fishing rod, but also ignited a spark that would forever tie John to the thrill of the cast and the beauty of the catch. From that moment on, John, the newly minted avid fly fisherman, was hooked (pun intended). Every local lake and hidden stream became his personal challenge, a chance to commune with nature and chase the elusive prize. John's life took an unexpected turn in May of 2020. A sudden accident left him paralyzed, forever changing their world. Kim, with unwavering devotion, stepped into the role of John's caregiver. Determined to face this challenge together, they made a difficult but heartfelt decision in 2021. To be closer to family and create a strong support system, they embarked on a new chapter in Washington State. He is survived by his wife, Kim, two children, Conor Stinson (Ellen) and Annakeara Stinson, his two stepchildren, Justin Robinette (Breanna) and Shelby Price, seven grandchildren, Evie and Sam Stinson, Jayce, Mila, and Jackson Robinette, Kennedy, and Harper Price, and his four brothers, Mike, Jim, Pat, and Joe (affectionately known as the “Stinson Boys” in Norfolk). John's final curtain call came peacefully on Thursday, June 6th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his Washington home. He lived a full and vibrant life, a performance that spanned 73 years, 7 months, and 28 days.