SKANEATELES - The only thing more important to David Bancroft Robinson than the arts and other intellectual pursuits was his family.

“My family grew up in a home that valued family, laughter and the arts. ... Dad was always in the middle giving and getting,” said his son, David Dana Robinson, during an event Saturday celebrating Robinson's life.

Robinson, of Skaneateles, died July 9 at the age of 82 after a 10-year fight with prostrate cancer. A “musical offering” was held Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles.

Fittingly, there was much music commemorating Robinson's passing.

Robinson founded the Skaneateles Festival, an annual four-week chamber music event, with his wife, Louise, in 1980. They opened their neoclassical lakeside home, Brook Farm, to concert-goers and hosted musicians.

His family described him as an excellent musician and singer who often starred in his own right. On the day Robinson died, most of his family was gathered near and sang pieces they had sung for years.

On Saturday, a quiet rain began outside as the last mourners trickled into the chapel.

The church's yellow light was reflected in the golden pipes of the organ. Two candelabras of seven candles flickered under the pipes.

Two hymns were sung by the resonant voices of Robinson's extended relatives and other intimates.

All the chamber music pieces were written by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Hilary Hahn, a figure at the festival for close to 15 years since the age of 12, played a violin solo. The piece, “Chaconne,” involved a soulful and emotional harmony.

Robinson's son-in-law, John Manring, said Robinson directed him toward the two most significant choices of his life: his wife, Caroline, and his career. Manring was both a student and then a colleague with Robinson at the State University of New York's Upstate Medical University's Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Robinson's interest in psychiatry began when he was completing a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., following the completion of his medical degree.

He spent the duration of his career teaching at the State University of New York's Upstate Medical University. He published 12 papers and was a member of numerous professional organizations.

In his private life, Robinson was a renaissance man.

He was a fountain of knowledge. He sang. He put oil on canvas. He was active in the community.

And he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty when chopping wood or stage-managing at the festival.

Robinson pointed true north when he thought something was right; he was unafraid of making enemies and unafraid of what people thought of him, Manring said.

“He raised righteous indignation to a form of art,” Manring said. “He could rouse himself up and throw thunderbolts.”

The laughter was warm from those gathered at the church.

A thunderbolt striking close to Robinson's home on the day he died damaged several of the family's appliances, and it left his family feeling like his presence was near, Manring said.

Robinson also was a man who loved to laugh - his grandchildren could hang four spoons off his face at the same time, Manring said.

Robinson brought the arts, science and literature together for the community, said Rev. Dr. Craig J. Lindsey, the minister for the First Presbyterian Church.

Lindsey said the day should be one of forming a precious and melodic memory and a day of taking Robinson's actions into the future.

The festival Robinson helped form will continue as he wished. This year's season will run Aug. 9 to Sept. 2.

Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net