Obituary: Robin Lynne Wagenblast, 76, The Dalles

Robin Lynne Wagenblast was born in The Dalles, Oregon, on July 26th, 1950, to Robert “Bob” Harold Wagenblast and Shirley Louise Wagenblast (née Martin). Robin was the second of two children to the couple, as she had an older brother, Phillip. She had many fond memories of her childhood digging for clams on the Washington coast, traveling with her family while her father sold heating oil, and spending time at her grandmother’s home. Yet none were more precious to her than the summer of 1955 when her family visited Disneyland in its opening summer. Her love for Disneyland and Disney productions was later passed on to her three daughters, as they watched new releases in the cinema and had multiple birthday cakes based on Disney characters. Robin attended school in The Dalles, ultimately graduating from The Dalles High School. She was passionate about theatre and participated in multiple productions while attending high school.

After graduation, she attended the University of Oregon in Eugene. She majored in Education and minored in Theatre, pursuing her artistic passion but with a keen eye towards the future. At U of O, she met Joan Dube, who would become her lifelong friend. While attending university, she worked multiple jobs to pay for her education and was able to graduate early as a result of her fastidious dedication to her goals. After graduation, she completed her student teaching in Dufur, Oregon, accepting a position at the elementary school after completing her training. Robin was passionate about education, striving to find fun and creative ways to teach her students about multiple subjects. Robin cared deeply about her students and their families, a trait that permeated all aspects of her life. She also enjoyed traveling to expand her mind and worldview, and took a memorable trip to Europe, visiting several places including Hungary and Yugoslavia.

After teaching at Dufur for several years, Robin had the opportunity to move abroad, as Australia was seeking international teachers. She moved to South Australia, accepting a job in the suburb of Para Hills in Adelaide. While at this position, she chose to live on the coast, as she had always wanted to live at the beach. Robin enjoyed working with the families of her students and the added challenge of cultural and linguistic barriers that were sometimes present. Always seeking understanding, she took great care to learn about the families to help find the best approach to teaching individual students. While at this position, she became friends with a fellow teacher, Lee, who would eventually lead her to a man who would change the rest of her life.

While cooking an extensive meal for Lee & the dinner party guests one evening in 1980, Robin met Carl Edward Smith, a man who she later described as her soulmate. Though Carl lived in Smithton, Tasmania, he and Robin maintained a long-distance relationship until they could finally be wed on January 9, 1982. The couple wed at St. Bede’s Anglican Church in Semaphore, South Australia; they were married by Reverend Robert Niehus. Since the wedding was held at the height of the Australian summer, Robin’s bouquet was made of pink and apricot carnations to withstand the 40-degree Celsius heat. The flowers matched the ethereal dresses of the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and flower girls, and complemented Robin’s beautiful gown. The wedding was attended by several of Robin’s family members from the U.S., including her parents, brother Phil, and maternal grandmother Isabel. Much of Carl’s family was also in attendance, including his son Brett, mother Phoebe, and several siblings, nieces, and nephews. Carl & Robin honeymooned in Aotearoa/New Zealand, enjoying stunning locations such as Dunedin and Rotorua.

After the honeymoon, Robin & Carl settled down in Smithton, Tasmania. Soon after, Robin became pregnant with their first child, Christina Lynne, who was born on April 13th, 1983. About two years later, they had their second daughter, Melinda Susan, born on July 24th, 1985. Their third daughter, Tameka Ann, was born on March 8th, 1988. Their family was now complete, with four children: Brett, Christina, Melinda, and Tameka. The Smith family lived on Havelock Street in Smithton, in a quirky historical house that Robin adored. Robin made every holiday and event special, cooking feasts, decorating, and inviting loved ones into her home to celebrate together. While living here, Robin raised her children with lots of affection and a focus on their education. Her daughters were encouraged to read, create, and learn about their world through travel. Robin & Carl took the girls on many trips throughout their time in Australia, visiting big cities and small communities alike. The focus on combining joy and education as they traveled was persistent, as Robin was always an educator at heart. The girls participated in a variety of extracurriculars, including dance, theatre, and sports; no matter the activity, Robin was always there to support her children and encourage them to succeed. The girls grew up in the Havelock Street house until the family decided to relocate to The Dalles, Oregon to be closer to Robin’s parents.

In October of 2000, Robin and her family packed up their lives and made the long trip from rural Tasmania to the United States. In order to obtain her substitute teaching license, she started taking classes at Columbia Gorge Community College. She started art classes with local artist Jeff Stewart, and fell in love with oil painting (specifically landscapes). Robin had always been a skilled cook and baker, but her talent for oil painting was a surprise to her. Robin also attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in The Dalles, where she was a member of the choir and a steadfast attendee. Robin valued her church community and enjoyed her time with them immensely.

While living in The Dalles, Robin also learned the family business and eventually took over The Dalles Marble & Granite from her mother when Shirley retired. Robin was also the primary caregiver for Carl and both of her parents, demonstrating her love and dedication to her family under all circumstances. Robin lived in The Dalles the rest of her life, creating art, sharing her love of food, and showing kindness and compassion to her loved ones and strangers. Robin is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Carl. She is survived by her son Brett and his wife Merle in Casino, New South Wales; her daughter Christina and her husband Rick in Houston, Texas; her daughter Melinda in Bend, Oregon; and her daughter Tameka, her husband Morgan, and their son Luke in Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by her brother Phil and his wife Nancy in Lithia, Florida, in addition to many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones across the United States and Australia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rowena Wildlife (with a note “for the cats”), or contributing time, money, or food to your local food bank.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Robin Smith on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Viewing

• 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home

• 1100 Kelly Avenue

• The Dalles, OR

Funeral Service

• 1:00 p.m.

• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

• 1805 Minnesota Street

• The Dalles, OR

Graveside Service

• 3:30 p.m.

• IOOF Oddfellows Cemetery

• Cherry Heights Road

• The Dalles, OR

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Family and friends are welcome to join in honoring Robin’s life and memory.