The Vertical staff are deeply saddened to learn about the death of their colleague and friend, Skip Robinson, who was one of the magazine’s longest-serving photographers and contributing writers. He was 56.
“All of us are shocked and saddened by the news of Skip’s passing,” said Vertical owner and publisher Mike Reyno. “A self-proclaimed helicopter aficionado, Skip’s name was synonymous with Vertical for more than 15 years.”
A well-known writer and an incredibly talented photographer, Robinson was deeply passionate about the helicopter industry and the people who work within it. He started contributing to Vertical in 2005, and dedicated almost all his time to reporting on the helicopter industry. “He put his heart into the industry,” Reyno said. “As a result, there wasn’t an issue of Vertical or Valor [formerly Vertical 911] published that didn’t have a story or photo by Skip Robinson.”
With his words and through the lens of his camera, Robinson brought our readers with him on his countless visits to operators in the field. His ability to do this set his work apart from others.
“I think those who knew him would agree that Skip was one-of-a-kind,” said Reyno. “He had an uncanny way of working with crews to get the perfect shot. He knew how to frame a photo and make it exceptional, which is why Skip’s shots have adorned more front covers of Vertical and Valor than anyone else.”
While contributing to Vertical magazine was Robinson’s mainstay, he also worked as a contract photographer with many operators, manufacturers, and suppliers within the helicopter industry. He also often mentored other aspiring aviation photographers, sharing his experience and know-how.
“Skip was so much fun to work with,” said Oliver Johnson, Vertical’s editor-in-chief. “His enthusiasm was boundless, and he always had dozens of ideas for things he wanted to shoot or operators he wanted to visit. He loved the military and parapublic side of the industry most, but these are typically the most difficult things for photographers to get permission for. Not for Skip. I have no idea how he got the access he did, but his tenacity and charm opened doors that no one else could.”
Beyond the magazines, Robinson was an avid collector of anything related to helicopters. In his spare time, he was also a volunteer at the Classic Rotors helicopter museum in Ramona, California. There, he helped preserve and document the history of helicopters and the helicopter industry. He was also instrumental in sourcing paraphernalia, parts and helicopters for the museum.
“Our deepest condolences are with everyone affected by his passing,” said Reyno. “He’ll be sorely missed.”
Skip’s eye produced countless, stunningly great photos of “our” machines…I share his passion for them, and have a deep appreciation for the way his work portrayed them….Sad news, indeed. RIP Skip.
J. Cress
Beautiful tribute to a one of kind man. No one can ever replace Skip.
So sorry to learn of Skip’s passing. We use his photos everyday. He’ll be sadly missed.
I cannot believe that I am reading this. Skip was a genuine hero to our helicopter loving Autistic son, Grant. Several years ago, I bought a random helicopter trinket from eBay as a stocking stuff for Grant and the seller just happened to be Skip (completely random luck of the draw). We struck up a conversation after I told him about Grant and asked if he had anything else “cool” like what I had bought. Next thing I know, Skip is having pictures printed for us and when the box finally arrived, it was full of all kinds of stuff that continue to make Grant smile to this day. We’ve stayed in touch ever since. Those pictures he sent Grant pridefully grace the walls of our house and we cherish them to no end.
Godspeed Skip, you will be missed by many!
My loss is I never had the opportunity to meet Skip and everyone’s loss if we will no longer read his articles and see his photos, RIP my man.
I first met Skip in the early 90’s. It would be an understatement to say that he had an unbridled enthusiasm for Helicopters. I had the privilege to go on many a jaunt to see and photograph helicopters, he taught me SO MUCH about both helicopters and photography. As Desiree stated, He can and will never be replaced.