William 'Robin' Gerald, avid surfer

William Robert Gerald, Robin to all who crossed his path, of Salvo, N.C., passed away Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, with his faithful feline companion, Mouse, at his side.

Born in 1949, Robin lived life on his own terms. A voracious reader, stubborn yet articulate, he was quick with a story, some of them true, and one of the best friends you could ever have.

Born in Wilmington,he was the son of the late William Robert Gerald III and Katherine Irwin Gerald. He was an avid surfer and outdoorsman. After high school and some college, he moved to Rehoboth Beach to surf, collecting friends and stories along the way as he did all his life.

In 1974 he moved to Hatteras Island, N.C., where he became a fixture in the Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo community. As he would say, he worked to buy his time back, so he could do all the things he loved: surfing, exploring, hunting, fishing, traveling (especially to Pavones, Costa Rica) and hanging out at the beach.

In 1992, Robin found true love with Carey LeSieur, who predeceased him in 2007.

Special thanks to Joyce Atchison for helping Robin in his final days. Her services were invaluable to him and to those around him.

Robin suffered in his last years from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disease. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CurePSP.org. A "Paddle Out"/beach celebration of Robin's life is planned for Saturday, Oct. 5, at noon, at the Rodanthe Pier.

Gallop Funeral Services Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.