BILLINGS – A Billings father is continuing his efforts to relocate a memorial honoring his daughter, Savanah Robinson, who died in a motorcycle accident on May 26, after the Billings Logan International Airport‘s October 17 removal deadline passed. Lem Robinson created the memorial site over several months as a place for remembrance.
The memorial became a point of contention when the airport sent Robinson a letter in September citing potential safety and distraction concerns for motorists. Despite the expired deadline,the memorial remains in place while Robinson searches for a new location.
“This is kind of the place that I come to remember and everybody else does,” Robinson saeid in a recent interview. He reported receiving a call last Friday indicating he needed to begin planning the memorial’s relocation.
Negotiations for a new site have faced setbacks. “We almost had a deal worked here and then two days later it was out the window,” Robinson said. He described the process as a challenging addition to his grief, struggling to determine who holds final decision-making authority.
As of Sunday, the airport and the city of Billings stated they have no finalized reports regarding the memorial’s future. Robinson confirmed he has participated in “hundreds” of phone calls and multiple meetings to resolve the situation, believing the city is genuinely attempting to find a solution.
“They like the idea behind it,” Robinson said.”I think everybody’s pretty on board.”
