Temecula Man Drowns Saving Son During 'Dream Vacation' in Costa Rica

The loved and cherished RICKY “RICK” LAMONT ROBINS, 45, of Temecula, Calif., died tragically and unexpectedly on July 4, 2014.

Rick was born October 25, 1968, in San Diego, Calif., to James Norman Robins and Rosetta Mae (Robins) Phelps. Rick lived in San Diego until he moved to Huntsville, Ala., to attend sixth grade at Oakwood Academy.  After returning to San Diego, he attended the San Diego Academy until his 12th-grade graduation, after which he immediately enrolled in college at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Ala. Rick left Oakwood and attended Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif., for a short period before returning to Oakwood University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1994.  Following graduation, Rick remained in Huntsville to work until he moved back to San Diego to embark upon his career in the pharmaceutical research industry. 

Rick loved the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He loved to sing, dance and play basketball. During Rick’s church ministry work in San Diego, he headed a youth ministry called Y.E.S. (Youth Empowerment Society), feeding and ministering to the homeless and supporting the local community. 

During a business trip in July 2000, Rick met Tameekia “Tami” Clayborne.  It was love at first sight. They were married soon after into holy matrimony on June 3, 2001, in San Diego’s Garden of Roses.  Rick and Tami resided in San Diego until they moved to Southern California’s beautiful Temecula Valley 10 years ago.  Their love was admired, the couple having been recognized nationally in USA Today.

Rick was an innovative and progressive entrepreneur.  He founded Trialogic Research, Inc. – innovative research coaching.  The company continues as a successful company focused on creating successful outcomes of clinical trials for the pharmaceutical industry. 

Rick’s smile and laughter was contagious and infectious and touched everyone he met in a special way.  He loved life and saw the good in everyone. He was a giver and a believer. He gave himself unconditionally to everyone he met, seeing the good and potential in all persons.  As a result, he encouraged and uplifted everyone that crossed his path. His love of life translated into a passion for helping others. A true leader of self and others, Rick helped to create an incredible legacy with his results. Rick's commitment to bettering himself and inspiring others to do the same led him to start the first PSI Basic Seminar, in Murrieta, CA—a course dedicated to helping others increase their personal and professional effectiveness.  

Rick lived life to the fullest, always believing that there was more to be achieved.  He lived by his personal contract: He was a devoted husband, a loving father and the glue that brought so many people together and encouraged them all to be "All In."

Rick died achieving his goals, dreams and desires.  Rick had a love for life and was always so full of life and energy that we are all honored to have been blessed to have loved him and been loved by him.  While knowing this man, we have been touched by his faith, impressed by his passion and inspired by his vision.  

Rick was a loving son, grandson, brother, husband, father, nephew, cousin, uncle, and a true friend. Rick would want all of us to live life to the fullest, as if it were our last day, giving Glory to God who in His infinite wisdom took him from us. Rick would say do not mourn, rejoice as time will heal the pain, and tears will leave no stain. Let us gather our strength from his passion and faith and push forward as he would have wanted us to do. May God continue to bless his family, his friends, relations and everyone he touched. May his spirit of positivity continue to fester amongst us all, and may the almighty God give us the ability to see the good in others as Rick did. Until we meet again, may his soul rest in peace.

“And Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:  but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.’”  John 12:23-26 (KJV)

While on a 30-day dream vacation with his wife and two sons in Costa Rica, Rick was caught up in a Pacific Ocean riptide while saving his youngest son and passed away from an accidental drowning. 

Rick was preceded in death by his grandfathers Grandison M. Phelps, Jr., Roosevelt Brown, and Herbert Robins; grandmother Melissa M. Brown (date of death June 24, 2014); sister Angela Robins; uncle Don Brown; aunts Peggy Brown and Christine Hicklen. 

He leaves to celebrate his life:  his loving wife of 13 years Tameekia “Tami” (Clayborne) Robins, daughter Arielle Brittney Pergerson (age 20), sons Malakai Nolen (age 7) and Gavin Mateo Robins (age 5); mother Rosetta M. Phelps (stepfather Grandison M. Phelps III), father James N. Robins (stepmother Rebeca Robins); grandmothers Lizzie M. Robins, Dr. Shirley Jenkins Phelps; mother-in-law Diane M. Clayborne and father-in-law Dexter L. Clayborne, Sr.; brothers Rodney Bryant, Jason Robins, Grandison M. Phelps IV (Che’Nelle); brother-in-law Dexter L. Clayborne, Jr.; aunts Pastor Ruth Buckins, Idelle Brown, Cherry Mincy, Eunice Rebecca “Becky” White, Rosalie Cooper, Cheryl A. Phelps; uncles Benjamin Jenkins, Jonathan D. Phelps, Joseph C. Phelps; cousins Michelle Busse, Angela Hicklen, Viveca Sanders (Derico), Kimberly Babers (Billy), Yvonne Lyons (Kevin), Christine “Shelly” Conner (Obaury), Jason Cooper (Jennifer), Dennis L. A. White and a host of other relatives and close friends.

Rick’s Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday, July 19 at:

Rancho Community Church in Temecula
31300 Rancho Community Way
Temecula, CA 92592
Phone: (951) 303-6789

All other expressions of condolences should be sent to the:

England Family Mortuary 
27135 Madison Ave
Temecula, CA 92590-5665
Phone: (951) 695-8555

Should you wish, following URL will allow you to make a donation for Rick's family to spread among his favorite charities:  http://www.gofundme.com/RickRobinsMemorial