Suddenly, while putting out the hummingbird feeder on his balcony, James “Robbie” Robinson made his final, well-timed move on the morning of January 16, 2020.
Left with huge holes in their hearts are his very fortunate children: Doug (Ginny), Julie McIntyre (Sandy), Peter (Barbara), Bonnie (Frances Thorsen) and his grandchildren, Briar (Kevin O’Gorman) and Alex, step-granddaughter Louise Blight (Ian), and step-grandsons Matt (Tess) and Alex Champagne. The extended families of the Boakes, Slaters also feel his loss greatly.
Robbie was born to Mildred and James Hamilton Robinson in Northern Ontario. He was predeceased by his sisters Kathleen (McArthur) and Evelyn (Slater).
Robbie (then Ivan) had what he described as a happy, carefree childhood. He had a beloved dog, a pet chicken and enjoyed all the winter activities despite the pain of thawing toes and fingers. His Sunday School teachers at St. Paul’s United Church’s Young People’s Group had a very strong influence on Ivan. It must have inspired his later interest in becoming a Sunday School Superintendent at Downsview United Church. There, he was successful in recruiting so many teachers that it became one of the largest Sunday schools in the city. While he believed that the Bible stories provided good lessons, he mainly wanted to share the importance of learning, community and mutual support.
When the war came, Ivan went to Brockville for Officer Training. Due to his colour blindness, he was unable to become a pilot, as he would have wished, so he became a paratrooper instead. Fortunately, he was still putting troops through their advanced training when the war ended.
Robbie (his “war name”) joined the first big class of returned men at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph in 1946. That first year, a lecturer in Textile Chemistry, Mary Boake, caught his eye in the cafeteria and he was “smitten”. He swept her off her feet and onto his motorcycle, under the disapproving eyes of some of the senior staff, and they married after his second year, something Robbie described as “the best move” of his life.
Graduating in 1950 and spending two years at Cornell for an MS in Virology, Robbie and Mary put down roots in Toronto. They built the Downsview Veterinary Hospital at Keele and Wilson and acquired the home next door where they raised their growing family. Active in the Rotary Club as well as the church, Robbie enjoyed being a community worker as well as a much-loved veterinarian, popular especially with bird owners.
Subsequent moves were made, always at the most opportune times. The first was to Etobicoke in 1965 for larger premises, then to a “hobby farm” in East Sooke, B.C. in 1976 where Robbie raised sheep, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl, then into Oak Bay in 1992, and finally to Berwick Royal Oak in 2011.
When the responsibilities of the farm were lifted, Robbie could scratch his travelling itch and visited at least 55 countries. Together, Mary and Robbie sailed from Rome to Singapore, through the Panama Canal, travelled on the Orient Express and explored Europe, Scandinavia, Down Under and more. On his own, Robbie made many trips and long-term friendships travelling with Elder Trek. They included Mongolia, where he sampled fermented yak’s milk and literally gave his host the shirt off his back. Other adventures took him from Cairo to Cape Town, Borneo, Antarctica and rafting down the Tatsanshini River. Just a couple of years ago, he took the train across Canada by himself. Anyone who knew him wouldn’t be surprised that he had a shirt made with “Anyone for Bridge?” written on the back. He walked up and down the club car, trying to drum up a table, but, sad to say, he only got one taker.
Loving tropical climates, Robbie persuaded Mary to buy a condo in Ajijic, south of Guadalajara, Mexico before 2001. For several years, they enjoyed golf, playing bridge and Robbie “soaked up the sun” for 2-3 winter months. The lure of the sun also partly explains the biannual family Christmas trips to Kauai over the last 14 years. The other part of the explanation is that there was nothing more important to Robbie than his family and they were the grateful recipients of his loving generosity.
People may not be aware of the extent of Robbie’s philanthropic generosity, but he supported several organizations, mainly those involved with helping and educating children. They include Plan Canada, Sleeping Children Around the World, Casa Guatemala and Innovative Communities which helps, in part, to train young people to be teachers in Guatemala and return to their communities to teach. Through the Victoria Foundation, he also contributed to many other worthy causes and charities.
After Mary died in December 2013, Robbie was well supported by his “Berwick family”. It was wonderful to know that he truly felt that way about his friends and the staff at Berwick. He thrived on the duplicate bridge he played and taught, enjoyed the men’s poker and outings and being an active member of the Berwick Welcoming Committee. It’s possible that Berwick’s Pub had to be enlarged mainly to accommodate the gatherings he’d organize.
In addition to being charming, generous and hospitable, Robbie was a great story-teller—especially about his war years, travels and experiences on the farm in East Sooke. He also could actively debate anyone who cared to take him on regarding subjects like climate change, welfare recipients and “his boy, Stevie”. He’d often try to “poke the tiger”, especially with his daughters, but would usually back off gracefully, always with that twinkle in his eye. He could start a joke totally deadpan, so you thought it was a true story and then he would laugh uncontrollably when he delivered the punch-line. Again, with the twinkle and possibly, tears. The Pinot joke was a classic example of “if it works once, milk it!!”
Robbie was also a true gentleman of the old school, and as long as he was physically able, he would hold a door open, pull out a chair or help someone on with their coat. Other admirable qualities included his ability to concoct brain-teasing treasure hunts, juggle his finances, call in the sheep and swans, and live in the moment.
Despite his failing health in the past few months, he was happy to wake up every day and made the most of it. The loan of an electric wheelchair restored his independence somewhat and he revelled in bombing around Berwick in it. Our family was so happy that we could gather this past Christmas and enjoy some quality time together—mostly over meals. All of his favourites were enjoyed: Roast beef, honey-garlic chicken wings, eggs benny (runny), Chapman’s Butter Pecan ice cream and Asti Spumonti (Martini & Rossi). He was such a great role model in how to live life for your own enjoyment and but also to benefit others. He will be so missed.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Berwick, especially to Paramjit and Apple. Many thanks also to Dad’s GP, Dr. Geoffrey Luckhurst (who we’ll always call “Lucky” after he revived Dad and let him have another 6 months with us). We know Dad appreciated so much the friendship of Jack Campbell, his Duplicate bridge and golf partner of 35 years. He also greatly valued the friends he made at Berwick, including Don McLeod, Blair Taylor and the rest of his bridge and poker buddies. We were so happy that Dad found a congenial companion in Maureen Westlake for the last couple of years and know that she will feel his loss with us.
It is so hard to say good-bye to such a loving, witty, engaged, generous and thoughtful person, but those who would like to help us do so can join us in a Celebration of Life in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr. Victoria BC on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 2:30 pm. An informal celebration will be held in Toronto on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 6:30 pm at The Caledonian Scottish Pub, 856 College Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the above mentioned charities would be welcomed.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Paul Sullivan
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Lorraine Chartrand Morin Marjorie Robinson Chartrand, Louis Chartrand and family
To the family of Robbie Robinson – I am sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you. My mother is Robbie’s cousin from northern Ontario. She was saddened to hear of Robbie’s passing and wanted me to reach out – she doesn’t use a computer and wasn’t sure whom to call. We are hoping that you’re keeping Robbie’s memories close to your hearts during this difficult time.
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Janice (Griffith) Reed From before I went to Kindergarten, I remember this big tall, handsome man with the wonderful voice. He stood as strong and as tall as a church steeple and was the most confident and gentle man I had ever known. When I knew my Mother and I were going to the clinic with our pet, I knew I had better brush and clean our pet spotless. It just wouldn’t be right to take my pet to him in a messy condition. He was meticulous and tidy in his work and he had a calm and composed demeanor. This man was careful and soothing. I think I had a crush on him….I was about 8 years old. I so very much looked forward to seeing him again. My Mother and he were on the Board of Elders at Downsview United Church, so I was able to see him fairly often at Church.
Uncle Robbie was a very good friend of my Mother – Eileen Griffith. When I was a teenager (after my “crush” days), He asked me to call him “Uncle Robbie”. I was honoured. So, thereafter he was my Uncle Robbie. Uncle Robbie was a friend to my Mother while she was battling cancer and he helped by having her work at the clinic. He gave her a sense of need and value. He knew that those years were hard. My Mother succumbed to this disease. After my Mother died, Uncle Robbie took me under his wings (like a caring mother bird would do with their young). He gave me a job in the clinic after school. I would go to the clinic and clean and help him out where I could. It’s likely I was unfocused, but he tolerated me anyway, I’m sure.
For many Christmas’s after, Uncle Robbie would send me a few dollars, until I was on stable ground; until I met my wonderful husband. I needed Uncle Robbie’s help very much and he knew it. He cared about me. (Isn’t that funny. It just dawned on me that my wonderful husband is a lot like my Uncle Robbie!) Uncle Robbie cared about so many people. For 45 years we continued to “chat” regularly via email and letter (better in email because his handwriting was atrocious!).
He would write me of his adventures and encourage me to travel and challenge myself whenever I could. He would tell me of his trips and his family and his hobbies. He’d talk so highly of Mary and his children. How fortunate you are to be a member of his family.
In his last letter at Christmas 2019 he didn’t tell me his health was failing. He never complained, because he lived in the moment and lived each day, one day at a time.
I will miss him terribly!
My love goes out to all those people of whom he touched.
Janice (Griffith) Reed
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raymond h benefield Oh my goodness!!! Robbie was a dear friend and a great person. We had the good fortune to know Robbie and Mary for many years in Ajijic. We bought his car when he moved back to Canada and would loan it to him when he returned for the winter. In fact he gave me a power of attorney so I could handle the closing on his Condo. He was one of the most generous men that I have known. I know that he will be missed by all. His family has a right to be proud of their father. He left a legacy that will be long remembered.
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Linda Hochstetler As a friend of Julie’s in Toronto, we share a common obsession in talking about how to live better, plan better, and eventually die better. It is so wonderful to read how her father embodied this so well. His vivacity and joy for life is so clearly passed on to his children and to all they meet. I’m sure his presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live forever in many people’s hearts.
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Sheila Kaye To Robbie’s family:
We played bridge with Robbie for many years, sometimes against him, and he was always calm, polite, and a very good bridge player. He was also a gentleman, opening doors for me, helping me on with my coat, etc. He had a wonderful sense of humor, always asked about our lives and spoke about his. In recent years, he was very happy at Berwick House, starting a bridge group there.
The entire Monterey bridge club celebrated his 95th birthday with him and shared that spectacular cake.
He will be missed by us all.
Sheila Kaye and Bob Sommerhalder
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Margaret To the Robinson family,
Hello, I am a friend of Julie’s in the Toronto area. I’ve just had a chance to read your obituary, well written. It expounds what I already heard many times from Julie; how lucky you all have been to have such an extraordinary father. Isn’t that what we all strive for? To enjoy life, while being thoughtful and focused on the needs others. What a full and well rounded life your fortunate father had. You should feel so proud and lucky to have known such a wise man, who obviously knew how to make solid critical decisions in his life.
I know you will all miss this man in your life, but he is with you forever, and did live to a ripe old age. I don’t think there’s much more any of us can ask for.
I never knew your Dad, but I do know Julie, and can see his influence on her excellent being as well. I wish you all the best in moving forward during this challenging time.
Best, Margaret Ferraro
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Erica & Phil Edney Peter and Barb,
After our visit today, I came back to this to read the long version and learned even more about your fabulous dad and father-in-law. You have always said such wonderful things about Robbie and shared his adventures and experiences with your friends. You are very lucky to have spent so much time for so many years with him and your family. My personal connection was his generous purchase of so many of my hand-made cards. He will be missed and thankfully you have built so many memories to sustain you during this difficult time and for years to come.
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Nancy and Ian Henderson Dear Peter, Barb and your families. We were so so sorry to hear of Robbie’s passing. Robbie was the nicest, kindest, most generous man ever. He will be very missed. Love to all of you.
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Judy Proctor Dear Bonnie & Family
We are sending our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love Judy, Bill, Nikki & Jeanette
When Tony, (my partner for 59 years, now deceased) and I moved from Toronto to Victoria, we were delighted to make contact again with Robbie and Mary. They were living in East Sooke. Robbie was in his element at the time. Tony and Robbie had met in Toronto as they were both located in the Keele and Wilson area. Mary and Robbie exchanged a number of supper sessions with us over the years, and we delighted in Robbie’s stories and interests. Reading over his obituary, Robbie certainly has had a life well lived. I know he will be very much missed by his family and friends.