By Sebastian Nolen

Two prominent Arizona businessmen and philanthropists passed away recently—Eddie Basha Jr., chairman and CEO of Bashas’ Family of Stores, and Don Robinson, president and chief operating officer of APS. Both men were well-known for what they accomplished in the business arena, and also for what they did for the community.

Don Robinson

Robinson, 59, died on April 4 after his longtime battle with cancer. An Arizona native, Robinson was  greatly appreciated within the community. He served on the boards of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Herberger Theater, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Fellowship for Senior Living and the Phoenix Police Reserve Foundation.

“Don was a very special person, and he touched and improved the lives of so many,” said Scott Finical, assistant police chief of the Phoenix Police Department, in a press release. “He was so generous and gracious. He will be missed greatly by all of us and those with the police department.”

Robinson spent more than 34 years at APS, one of the state’s largest electric energy providers, and became president and COO  in 2009.

“Don was a true gentleman and a real friend,” said Don Brandt, APS chairman and CEO, in a statement on April 4. “This is a tough day for everyone who knew and loved Don.”

Under Robinson’s leadership, APS made big strides to provide Arizona with renewable energy through its solar program.

In 2012, the company announced that it added 148 megawatts of solar to its generation portfolio, a single-year record for the company and enough electricity to serve more than 35,000 customers and that they expect more than double that number this year, according to APS. “APS will have more than 600 megawatts of solar on the system by the end of 2013, generating enough electricity to serve 150,000 customers,” Brandt said. “This puts us well on pace to meet the Arizona Renewable Energy Standard, which calls for APS to get 15 percent of our power from renewable sources by 2025.”

Robinson is survived by his wife Chloe, his children Vera and James, and two grandchildren.

Eddie Basha Jr.

Arizona has lost another prolific man of the community. Eddie Basha Jr. died on March 26 at the age of 75. Basha took over the family business in 1968 at the age of 31. Under his leadership, the company grew to more than 160 stores under the Bashas’ Family of Stores, which includes Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Bashas’ Supermarkets and Bashas’ Diné Market (stores located on Navajo Nation that specialized in Native American needs for certain products such as Blue Bird flour, mutton and wool).

In an open letter on Bashas’ website, Eddie’s son Edward Basha III wrote, “We want to share with you just how much Eddie loved Bashas’, its members and its customers. From our earliest childhood, he always reinforced to us the importance of our members and giving back to our community. Some of his fondest times were being with Bashas’ members and customers, whether at the office, the distribution center or in the stores.”

Born in Chandler, Basha was involved in politics and was the Democratic nominee in the Arizona gubernatorial race in 1994 against Fife Symington. Symington won, but Basha still made his mark in the community.

Basha served on the Chandler Unified School District Board, Arizona Board of Education and the Arizona Board of Regents. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said in a statement that it was Basha and his wife Nadine who made the First Things First program possible. First Things First is a program devoted to helping kids age 5 and younger to get early childhood education and health services. Stanton added that Basha “will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Bashas’ Supermarkets has made a conscious effort to support and carry foodstuff from local Arizona farmers. Basha also contributed to numerous charities and programs aiming to help the Valley community. Bashas’ runs a “charity of the month” program during which selected charities are featured throughout the store throughout the month. They also offer a “community support card,” allowing shoppers to contribute to local organizations.

Basha is survived by his wife Nadine, six sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.