Robinson, O. Preston (Oliver Preston), 1903-1990

Author, historian, and editor of the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Oliver Preston Robinson (1903-1990) was the editor and manager of Deseret News and served in several leadership positions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Oliver Preston Robinson was born 25 June 1903 in Farmington, Utah, to Romina Chaffin and James Henry Robinson. He married Christine Hinckley 16 September 1929. They had two daughters and one son together. Robinson earned his BA degree from Brigham Young University in 1928. He took special courses at the Universities of Munich, Germany, and Grenoble, France, and then attended New York University where he earned his masters in 1929 and a Doctorate of Commercial Science in 1935. He was a professor at New York University, Hofstra College, University of Newark, and the National Institute of Credit. He also served as a specialist in personnel training for the J.C. Penny Company, as a consultant for retail companies, and managed a chain of New York stores. In 1947 he returned to Utah to work at the University of Utah as the head of the department of marketing. In 1952 he became editor and manager of Deseret News. O. Preston Robinson visited 13 countries in 1954 where he interviewed 86 prominent leaders, including prime ministers, ambassadors, cabinet members, and military officers. He also authored and co-authored many books in addition to numerous articles in the Deseret News. O. Preston Robinson was also an active member of the LDS church and served in various positions such as a missionary in France (1924-27), branch president (New York), Sunday school superintendent, member of the high council, and bishop. He served as the Mission President of the British Mission from 1964-1967. Robinson died November 10, 1990 after cardiac arrest at the age of 87. This biography was written based on the materials found within the collection. See also: http://www.mission.net/england/london/cgi-bin/rmdb41.cgi?action=view_all_pres