September 22, 1926 – April 10, 2018
Gar passed away peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital on April 10, 2018. He was born and raised in Vancouver where he became an avid skier and boater. He graduated from UBC with a teaching degree. He married Shirley Campbell in 1952 and moved to Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island where he had a boat rental shop for several years. His two sons have fond memories of their early years in Cowichan Bay. The family moved back to Vancouver in 1966. He taught high school in Abbotsford for many years. After retiring in 1985 he spent more time doing what he loved most: spending time with his family, skiing and boating. He ski raced most of his life. He skied his last run on Whistler Mountain at the age of 87.
Gar is survived by his sons Chris (Laurie), Blake (Janice), his grandchildren whom he adored, Michelle (Randy), Sally (Paul), Katie (Curtis), Luke (Sarah), Sarah (Luis), Fergie (Madison) and three great-grandchildren, Jake, Elijah and Sylvia. His grandchildren were the light of his life. They will miss him terribly. He will also be missed by many of his grandchildren’s friends and his ski community friends. We, the family, invite you who knew and loved him to join us in Celebrating his life and his legacy. The Celebration will be held on Saturday April 21 at 2:00 pm at Grillworks in Three Peaks Lodge on Mt. Seymour.
The family would like to thank Wendy at Koru Cremation | Burial | Celebration for her kindness and care shown to us at this difficult time.
Donations may be made to Covenant House.
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Craig Blackburn
Sorry to hear of Gars’ passing
Pat Duffy
Thanks for 60 years of friendship Gar. Those ski trips were the best.
With my sympathy to all the family.
Pat Duffy
Rob & Yvonne Dickison
I met Gar through a great friend Graham Fraser with whom they, among many of us ski raced in the Masters Series. Gar was an amazing person, with a unique demeanor, and a personality to go with it. He always brought a smile to my face when I was in his company. Unfortunately I have not had the joy of Gars company in many years, but my memories are fond, and well seeded. My condolences to all his family members.
Peter & Trrudy Alder
Whistler Mountain will miss Gar – no more races without Gar will be dull – Gar was such a good competitor !!
Marci Lucas
I have good memories of Gar coming over for coffee when I was a UBC student over 30 years ago and was a boarder in his house on West King Edward. I saw him recently at his granddaughters wedding and he looked good for his age! His son, Chris, and his wife Laurie are still some of my closest friends. Praying for peace and comfort for the whole Robinson family at this sad time of loss.
With sympathy,
Marci
Nancy Greene Raine
Al and I are really sad to hear of Gar’s passing. We have wonderful memories of his trips to Sun Peaks for the Masters Championships. He really enjoyed racing and all his ski friends. He will be missed.
Our condolances to all his family.
Skip Taylor
I have such great memories of Gar as part of the masters ski racing family. My favourite person to talk story to about the early ski days around Vancouver. His hulking graceful style sweeping down race courses everywhere we went through BC is etched in my mind forever. He was a true gentle giant on and off the slopes. My condolences to the family and hope you have a wonderful celebration up on Seymour with our extended ski family. I am unfortunately out of town but couldn’t think of a better place for the gathering!
Diana Robinson
Gar was my dad’s brother, & the two had such similarities, it was always special to spend time with Gar, as he reminded me of my dad. Gar’s soft-spoken presence, yet undeniable passion for life set him apart… He’ll always be with all of us who loved him…
Phillip Jackson
I have fond memories of “Mr. Robinson”,. my PE and Guidance teacher at George Bonner Junior Secondary in the 1960s. He was a good guy, a bit stern but always kind.
I am glad to read that he continued to live a good life, and skied until his late 80s. I am now in my late 60s and find this an inspiration.
Congratulations on a life well lived, Mr. Robinson/Gar!
(And hello to Chris, who I remember from school days. I am a few years older than you. My parents had Fourways Store at Cowichan Bay).
Willis family
Our condolences to your family. Gar was a long time ski buddy with Frank Willis. I imagine that they are racing down some mountain together again!