The legendary La Conner author Tom Robbins, who passed away on Feb. 9 at 92, had a command of the language like no other.
Town officials, though, found just the right words at their March 11 meeting to show La Conner’s lasting appreciation for the revered novelist, whose work inspired, informed, and entertained in equal measure.
Town Council members unanimously adopted a resolution honoring Robbins, who prior to his move to La Conner in 1970 earned a reputation as the “Hells Angel of Art Criticism” as one of Seattle’s most widely read and admired journalists.
The Town resolution salutes Robbins for having written a dozen books during his more than half-century in La Conner, including eight novels, a story collection, novella, and memoir.
The latter volume, published in 2014, was “Tibetan Peach Pie,” which in keeping with Robbins’ signature witty and whimsical style he declared to be an ‘un-memoir.’
Robbins’ 1976 novel, “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” was adapted into a 1993 film by independent auteur Gus Van Sant.
The Town resolution further highlights the Sept. 2, 2023 “Tom Robbins Day” celebration in La Conner, which drew a large crowd to recognize and pay tribute to the famed author’s many literary contributions.
It also extends the Town’s “sincerest condolences to Alexa Robbins, Tom Robbins’ spouse and partner of over three decades.”
