Donald M. Robinson was my dad, and he passed on February 13, 2026. In the summer of 1987, my dad gave me a job. I had just enrolled in the University of Houston Engineering and would need work to pay for my education. He was a tough boss with high standards and the expectation I would meet them. We had some hard conversations that first year in school. I was not a very good student in the beginning, but my dad was firm and generous while pushing his high standards ensuring I would succeed. This job came with flexibility that allowed me to have an income while in school and ultimately to get married, have a family, and enjoy my life with them. It gave me the opportunity for a career that allowed me great freedom and for that I am forever thankful. In return I got to know him, made him part of my family, and forged a friendship I will cherish. Not many sons get to be friends with their dad and I am blessed. I tried to be a blessing. I will miss my dad. We spent many evenings together discussing the business we ran together, the clients we served, and problems we tried to solve. He was one of the smartest and hard-working men I have ever known. I will never be able to out-work him or outthink him. Somebody recently asked me how I defined success. I define it as a life well lived with family at the center and we did that together. I will miss him…..
Obituary for Donald M. Robinson
Donald M. Robinson, a distinguished Professional Engineer and pioneer in the field of residential and commercial inspection engineering, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 13, 2026. His life’s work left a lasting impact on the engineering and inspection profession.
Born with a natural mechanical aptitude and a tireless work ethic, Don paid his way through college working as a plumber, pipefitter, and refrigeration technician between 1954 and 1959. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, where he also pursued elective coursework in structural engineering and advanced strength of materials. He continued professional education throughout his professional life.
Don began his career in aerospace and defense, serving as a Senior Flight Test Engineer at General Dynamics (1959–1965), supervising teams modifying, testing, and maintaining the Atlas ICBM systems. He continued to work in aerospace engineering at General Electric (1965–1975) as a systems and testing engineer on personal life support systems, space suits, and spacecraft interior design for the Apollo moon missions on portable life support systems.
After the Apollo missions his entrepreneurial spirit led him to form The Triangle Service Company with his then wife Mae Robinson in 1975, offering plumbing, mechanical contracting, and engineering consulting services. As a result of his expertise in mechanical contracting his career naturally evolved into the then new field of building inspection for new and existing construction and he later served as Vice President of Associated Inspection Services (1976–1980), where he developed early digital reporting systems for inspection documentation long before the industry adopted such tools.
In 1981, Don founded Professional Engineering Inspections, Inc., shaping it into one of the region’s most respected engineering inspection firms. Serving as President and Owner from 1981 to 1999, he developed proprietary software, mentored engineers, and set new standards for thorough, narrative-style inspection reporting. The company has served the Greater Houston area for over 40 years, offering structural evaluations, commercial and residential inspections, consulting services, and foundation assessments that continue to reflect Don’s commitment to precision, clarity, and integrity.
Throughout his accomplished career, Don held numerous professional licenses, including Registered Professional Engineer (Texas #23598), Master Plumber, multiple Class “A” Air Conditioning Licenses, and a Texas Real Estate Broker’s License. He was active in ASHI, TAREI, GHBA, CAI, and the Houston Better Business Bureau, earning the respect of peers, clients, and industry leaders alike.
Beyond his professional achievements, Don’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his son Edward Robinson and Edward’s wife Nancy, his daughter Kim Wagner, and his beloved granddaughters Isabella Robinson and Olivia Kruse. Don cherished time spent with his family and instilled in them the same values of integrity, curiosity, and dedication that defined his life’s work.
Donald M. Robinson will be remembered not only as an engineer of exceptional capability but as a man of character, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others. His legacy—rooted in his family, engineering excellence, and deep commitment to his clients — will endure through the countless lives he touched and the standards he helped establish within his profession.
We love you Dad….. Edward and Kim.
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