52 Ancestors - Nickname: "Big Red" The Towering Timber Expert

In the bustling lumber mills of the Pacific Northwest, where massive Douglas firs reached toward the sky, one man stood out above the rest - quite literally. My father, Carl William Robinson, earned the nickname "Big Red" not just for his impressive height, but for the striking red curls that made him instantly recognizable across any mill yard. The nickname carried a special resonance, as it echoed his own father's moniker, "Red," creating a family legacy written in auburn hues.

This legacy began at the Weyerhaeuser mill in Raymond, Washington, where both father and son worked side by side. There must have been something special about seeing two generations of red-haired Robinsons applying their expertise to the lumber trade. The younger Robinson would eventually venture beyond Raymond, his reputation for precision and integrity following him from mill to mill throughout the Pacific Northwest, much like his memorable nickname.

Dharan, Saudia Arablia, 1980

In 1980, Big Red's expertise led him on an unexpected journey far from the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest to the sun-scorched sands of Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Government called upon his specialized knowledge for a court case, sending him to Dhahran to inspect lumber shipments. It was a testament to his skill that he was chosen for such a unique assignment - after all, not many lumber graders could say they'd practiced their trade in the desert.

The preserved TWA charter flight ID card, ARAMCO visitor badge, and photographs from that period tell the story of a Pacific Northwest lumber expert bringing his knowledge to the Arabian Peninsula. From the towering trees of Washington state to the sprawling complexes of the Arabian American Oil Company, my father's nickname, and reputation for excellence traveled with him, proving that expertise knows no borders.

Red and Big Red
Summit Lake, Washington
~1979

This journey from working alongside his father at the Raymond mill to conducting lumber inspections in Saudi Arabia showcases not just a career, but a life built on carrying forward family tradition while blazing new trails. The nickname "Big Red" became more than just a description - it became a symbol of both his heritage and his own unique path in the lumber industry.

Papa and me
Vancouver, Washington
~1978

This blog post is in response to this week's #52Ancestors post on WikiTree, by fellow WikiTreer and blogger, Chris Ferraiolo. #52Ancestors was started by another WikiTreer, blogger, and professional genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow. Check out her Generations Cafe Facebook group

* Find source documentation and more information on the linked WikiTree profiles for the members of this family.