Many friends, colleagues and former patients gathered at Memorial Hospital Thursday afternoon to help obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Don Robinson celebrate his retirement and bid him farewell.

He has been delivering babies, caring for their mothers and other female patients out of his office, Magnolia Women’s Center and the Bainbridge hospital for 32 years. Prior to that he served as a physician in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in North Dakota. He has no idea how many babies he has delivered over the years, but is sure it is in the thousands.

His photo, along with the last baby he delivered, was published in The Post Searchlight Wednesday, January 9. The child, Milo Kate Kelley, was born January 4 to parents Katie and Kyle Kelley, both of whom are in medical practice at Memorial Hospital.

When asked what he is most looking forward to in retirement, Dr. Robinson replied, “Going to the beach, taking better care of my wife and enjoying the woods — those that are still here.”

Robinson’s wife Mary is more specific about their post retirement lives. She is most looking forward to spending more time with their only grandchild, three-year-old Owen, who lives in California. The Robinsons have two children, Tal, of California, and Laura, who is a funeral director in Atlanta.

Mary is sure she and her husband will get along nicely in retirement. “We are very close and enjoy each other’s company,” she said, adding, “We have lots of hobbies and are very involved with our church.”

Dr. Robinson has also been a part-time medical correspondent for The Post Searchlight over the years, and it is hoped he will find some time to contribute a column from time to time.