Giant of Valley City, Former Dem-NPL Senator Larry Robinson Passes Away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 4, 2025

VALLEY CITY – Former State Senator Larry Robinson passed away on Wednesday, September 3rd. He served in the North Dakota Senate from 1989 to 2020 where he was a member of the Higher Education Committee and the Appropriations Committee. Robinson was a staunch advocate for higher education. Robinson received myriad honors and awards throughout his life, including the 2020 North Dakota Democratic NPL Governor’s Legacy of Leadership Award.

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy said, “Larry and I were at Valley City State College together; I had a hunch at the time he would make a significant contribution to North Dakota and he certainly did. During Larry’s tenure, Valley City had encountered many needs; he was a force of nature in fighting for the response required. We will miss this great legislator and warm community leader, and we salute a life very well lived. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp remarked, “Anyone who ever met Larry met a friend. Big personality but bigger heart. North Dakota has lost a great leader.”

Former District 24 Legislatore Phil Mueller said, “We don’t know why Larry was taken from us. God will have to reveal that in his time. We do know that Larry was compassionate, empathetic, cared deeply, and loved without reservation. He truly cared about the lost, the least, and the last. Larry didn’t win all the battles in the legislature or in life but he always worked and fought harder than anyone else. He didn’t always win but he was always a winner. It was a joy and privilege to serve and work with Larry Robinson. His vision, his work ethic, and his passion will be missed by all.”

Former ND Democratic-NPL Chair and State Representative Kylie Oversen said, “Senator Robinson was a giant in North Dakota politics. When I was first elected, he was welcoming and provided mentorship and guidance to me and other younger members. And when I took on leadership roles as a young person, he supported and encouraged me. His advocacy for higher education was second to none. Larry believed deeply in the community of Valley City and the university that he so loved and he went to bat for them whenever he was given the chance. His stalwart leadership and love for his community and family will be remembered fondly for years to come.”

Former U.S. Attorney and State Senate Minority Leader Mac Schneider remarked, “Larry Robinson was a giant of the North Dakota Senate with a giant-sized heart to match. In addition to his support for working people, students, and higher education, he was a pioneer in making treatment available to North Dakotans suffering from the disease of addiction. Larry and I were at breakfast together a number of years ago when a waitress walked up to our table and thanked him personally for his advocacy in providing the treatment options she credited with saving her life. She is just one of thousands of North Dakotans who have breathed a little bit easier thanks to Senator Robinson’s remarkable service over the decades. I will miss him.”

Former State Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said, “Sen. Robinson was a dedicated legislator and educator but top on his list of accomplishments is that he was the BEST family man. He made sure we all knew how proud he was of his family, and especially those grandchildren. When he came back to his seat in the Senate Chamber after the weekend, he had a story to tell all of us about those grandchildren. So PROUD!! And Senator Robinson was always working for his community, college, the higher ed system, and his state. He was highly respected for his work on the many committees, task forces, and boards he served on. When the Senator stood to address the Senate Chamber with his booming voice, all listened and valued his words. Dewey and I are deeply saddened by his passing but we are so fortunate we had the opportunity to know him and see the evidence of his work left for all of us to remember. Sending Mary Lee and family our deepest sympathy.”

Former State Senator Erin Oban said, “Larry was a genuinely good, generous, and gracious man. His dedication to public service and to public education was second only to his love for and commitment to his family. Larry’s kindness and empathy, good-natured humor, big, booming voice, and true statesmanship have been absent from the North Dakota Senate chamber for some years now, and his death leaves both a great legacy but deep loss for all who knew, loved, and were well-served by him.”

Former State Senator Tom Seymour was assigned as Senator Larry Robinson’s mentee when he entered the North Dakota State Senate in 2003. He remarked, “Senator Larry Robinson was an amazing leader and mentor – he taught me that you had to work with both sides of the Senate Chamber to get things done.”

Former State Senator Jim Dotzenrod said, “I was saddened to learn of the passing of former ND State Senator Larry Robinson. Larry Robinson was a builder, a positive life force whose integrity, character, and humor lifted up virtually everyone who met and got to know him. He had gift for sincerely and enthusiastically advocating for the things he believed were good for the state of North Dakota, for Valley City, and for education generally and Valley City State University particularly. It was an honor for me to work with him in the ND State Senate and a personal privilege to count him as a trusted friend who was always guided by principles and values that were of the highest order. My sympathies to the Robinson family. He will be greatly missed.”

Former State Representative Ben Vig said, “Larry had a positive impact on every part of Valley City and VCSU. He worked tirelessly on flood fights for teachers, public employees, and agriculture. He grew up in Kidder County and taught in Warwick before VCSU.”

Hunter Heck, District 24 2nd State Policy Representative, “As a student at VCSU and political nerd, I had the amazing chance to talk to Senator Robinson at his office on numerous occasions. It was usually about politics, given his years of experience in the Senate and VCSU. I asked Larry one day, ‘what was the proudest piece of legislation?’. He replied with lots of projects he had helped fund on the Appropriations committee but one stuck with him the most; the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon. To me, Larry was one of North Dakota’s greatest legislators who not only helped his community and district, but the state as a whole. I was fortunate to call him my friend and a political mentor that I’ll be forever grateful for. Rest in peace Larry.”

2024 District 24 Candidate Nancy Farnham said, “Larry was a warm and caring person who made everyone feel welcomed and supported. His positive energy was truly contagious, and it was felt in every room he entered. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to work with him during this last campaign season—his kindness and spirit left a lasting impact.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]