September 28, 2025. I woke up during the night. I thought I heard a ball bouncing in the room. I was not frightened; I smiled, then cried. Robbin was known for his ball-bouncing antics. At home, work, the grocery store, anywhere. He loved those things. He loved to drive me nuts with them. In the middle of the night, that sound brought me peace. It wasn't real. I was dreaming. But it sounded so clear. I love you, I miss you.

Robbin spoke to me today!  Please allow me to explain….  I worked with Robbin from 1995 to 2001.  It was actually more like a higher-education of learning for me.  I assisted Robbin with the launch of the retail brand Ready-Bru and the food-service side of Cook Book Brands.  We traveled the country together and met with many prominent CEO’s.  Robbin took me under his wings and taught me to “Never” accept the answer “NO”.  He taught me the evolution of tea & coffee extracts, and how it would change the RTD & Concentrate business.  In our travels, we experienced being trapped in a rental car when attempting to drive through Steven’s Pass in a blizzard through Washington State.  We walked with Howard Schultz around the jogging track at Starbucks Corp office, and we ferried from Jersey to NY City a half dozen times calling on major corporations. Robbin ALWAYS brought a smile and his technical presentations on extracts dumbfounded most intellectuals.  I now must share the most memorable time with Robbin (and there are so many) to help put a smile on everyone’s face.    We had flown up to MA for a scheduled presentation with the CEO and a few Sr VP’s at Welches.  The morning of our presentation he was searching for his tie everywhere (yes, on occasion he would wear a tie😀).  We searched both our rooms at the hotel, emptied our our suitcases, looked throughout the rental car, and then we did it again & again. His tie was gone, so we moved on and made it to our early A.M. presentation at Welches Corp office.  Robbin had been presenting for about 10 minutes  (he was just getting warmed up) and he was walking around the board-room getting comfortable.  Robbin then took off his sports-coat while he was standing next to a flip chart.  Oh my…. I saw it!  I saw his tie sticking out of the back of his pants!   Some how when he packed (or unpacked) the tie must have got lodged into his dress pants.  I quickly made an excuse to move from the table w/ VP’s and made it over to Robbin with a note sharing “Don’t turn-around! The missing tie is sticking out of your pants in the back”.  Yes! He quickly put his jacket back on, and the presentation moved on.  We laughed about that experience for the following year. Just about every day.  A couple years passed and I moved on into pharmaceutical sales in 2001.  Robbin & I kept up until the passing of time when distance separates communication. But I have Always thought of Robbin and the experiences we shared and the lessons he taught.  Well, back to Robbin speaking to me today….. As I was driving from Woodstock to Rome, I saw the sign for Kingston. Now it’s been 24 yrs, but right then and there, Someone whispered into my ear and said, “look up Robbin on Google to see if he & Aramina still live in Kingston, and stop by to pay him a big surprise visit”.  Well, when I googled Robbin McCool in Kingston, GA, I saw the EverLoved page.  I pulled over and started to weep.  Thank you Robbin for continually thinking of me as much as I have of you.  Thank you for sharing you are among God’s children.  My condolences to Aramina, Justin, Jessica, and all his family.  Robbin will always be remembered as a truly amazing husband, father, friend, mentor, and bringing unique experiences to all our lives. God Bless and listen out for his whispers to all of you. 

So very so hear about Robbin’s passing. He was such an amazing person. He challenged me in so many ways. I learned so much and tried to heed his advice. Robbin, you will be missed 

My deepest condolences to the McCool Family. Robbin gave me the opportunity of a lifetime 14 years ago taking a chance on a kid that knew nothing about beverage R&D to join his team at Beverage House. He was more of a mentor then I could have ever asked for and also built for me a foundation that helped me far beyond the years we had working together. He was truly an amazing person and will be deeply missed!

So very sad hearing of Robbin's passing.  I began my career in 1998 working with Robbin at Beverage House.  He was a powerful mentor in my 27 year career in the beverage industry.  What a unique individual this man truly was and how much passion he had for everything tea.  He made work interesting and motivational.  He was always 10 steps ahead of everyone wondering why Noone had  caught up yet.....all the while wheels turning for the next big tea trend.  Robbin will forever be a part of our BHI family and truly missed.

Love, thoughts and prayers from my family to yours during this difficult time

Prayers are with you all

my Heart Breaks💔for All of You

i met Robbin & Minna yrs ago in rome ga   Our children went to school together, Our Daughters are such good friends up to this day   We Feel Your Pain Deeply

All of You Are In My Prayers❣

Aramina and family, 

I am so sorry for your loss.

Like so many others, I met Robbin through the world of tea, but his impact reached far beyond the professional. I will greatly miss Robbin, our conversations about the past, the present and the future.

May all of you find comfort in this difficult time.

Robbin was a wonderful man with a huge heart. He will be missed. 

So sorry on the loss of Robbin. I worked with him at the Republic of Tea! He will be missed. Prayers to the family!

Robbin always had a smile and a joke. I’ll never forget when he pushed me down a hill walking home from Forrest Hills Elementary. I’ll miss his always smiling, welcoming face. My prayers for the family.

My heart has been so heavy since receiving this news. I hurt for the loss of my friend and for the pain I know Aramina, Justin, Jessica, and the rest of his family are experiencing. Robbin and Aramina have been close friends since high school where we first met about 49 years ago. I'm going to miss our conversations and hearing your laugh, Robbin. 

I feel so blessed to have had Robbin in my life.  I first met him at work, and I knew the first time I spoke with him, that he was an amazing person.  He was gifted with incredible intelligence and unique humor. He made every day at work a joy. He made a huge difference in my life by changing the trajectory of my career and gave me a positive outlook when I had to move cross country.  I offer my condolences to his entire family.  

I had the privilege of working with Robbin , and during that time, I learned so much from him. His leadership, experience, and steady presence made a lasting impact.  I will miss him very much.

After working with Robbin for almost 20 years, I came to admire, respect and appreciate his many great qualities, and was inspired by his passion for life.  I am sorry for your loss and hope to stay in touch with the family through Jessica. - Kathy Hudson

My deepest condolences and hugs to Aramina, Jess, Justin and everyone else who knew and loved him. I met Robbin during a transitional time in my life and he took a chance on me and welcomed me to his tea world. For the next 6 years he supported me as my mentor, coworker and friend. He helped me navigate working full time and being a new mom, during a pandemic no less; he taught me financial acumen, how to navigate business relationships, pretty much everything tea related, he humored my need to argue with him daily and most important reminded me of the value of family and enjoying life. He was a spirited and kind human and a force to be reckoned with. I will miss him deeply and will forever be grateful for crossing paths.  

Much love to all of his family and friends