Obituaries

John Monteith Robinson

October 19, 1930 – December 7, 2023

John (Monteith) Robinson passed away with his daughter by his side on December 7, 2023 at the age of 93, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. John is survived by his only beloved daughter, Shona, her husband Howard and their children, Sarah and Owen.  He is also survived by his sister Irene, her husband Joe and their children of Wales, UK. Irene and Joe visited with John in October of 2023 to celebrate his 93^rd birthday.  John was predeceased by his loving wife Joan in 2017, as well as his parents Mary Jane (MJ) and Richard and his sister Sally Robinson all of Holywood, N. Ireland.

John grew up in N. Ireland and attended Queen’s University, Belfast. He was a teacher in England before moving to Kenya where he taught for over five years.  Joan joined John in Kenya after they were married in 1955. When they left Kenya, they decided to continue their adventure by moving to Kitimat, BC.  John taught in the local high school where they made many lifelong friends who were important to them throughout their lives.

The family moved to Kelowna after John received his Master’s Degree in Canadian History at the University of Calgary.  John continued his teaching career at Dr. Knox where colleagues became friends.  John spent the majority of his teaching career at Rutland Senior Secondary School where again he made friends and was often honoured to speak at graduation ceremonies.

John had many self-taught interests and hobbies. He was particularly interested in cars, computers, cameras and boats.  These hobbies made for many days of kicking tires, taking photos of landscapes then switching to photos of his grandchildren. Many hours were spent in his happy place on Okanagan Lake in his sailboat, catamaran, canoe, kayak and zodiac. In retirement, John thoroughly enjoyed learning about computers, software and understanding the intricacies of operating systems. John will be missed as our “go to” for recommendations on just about everything as he loved to research purchases and advise on the most cost- effective choice. He was keenly interested in politics and fairness for all and admired Tommy Douglas immensely.

John was devoted to his grandchildren who spent many summer holidays in Kelowna. John and Joan always provided interesting activities for Sarah and Owen like setting up a small pool, basketball net, canoe, kayaks and bicycles.  John spent many hours on renovation projects at Shona’s home and often said he hoped he left the place a little better than when he found it… and he did.

John lived his life with integrity, standing by his principles and sharing his knowledge with those around him.  He was a teacher by profession but also through action.  This made every car trip and DIY project a lesson, always willing to share what he knew with those around him.

He was loved and admired.

A private family service will be held in Kelowna at a later date.