Donald "Don" Amice Robin

It is with great sadness that we come together to celebrate the life of Donald Amice Robin.  Don passed away at the Russell Hospital on May 25, 2019 at the age of 98.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his children Brad (Brenda, a true daughter) Robin, Lori (Steve) Schlachter and Sally Robin (Charlie Linski), grandchildren Kiley Robin, Kristy (Jason) Jackson, Alice Linski, Gabriel Linski, great grandchildren Mace, Brityn and Wyatt Jackson, brother Fraser Robin, nephews Blair, Craig and niece Bethann of Ontario, nephew Rae Turner of Boissevain and cousins in both Canada and the Channel Islands.

Don was predeceased by his wife Freda, parents Sadie and Amice Robin, brother Tommy Robin, sisters Christina Robin and Marion Scramsted, sisters-in-law Barbara Zimmer, Joyce McMurchy, Donna Robin, brothers-in-law Phil Zimmer, Henry Turner, Bob McMurchy, niece Linda Carr, nephew Jerry Turner, and niece-in-law Julie Turner.

Don was born in the Asessippi Valley on May 11, 1921 the third of five children.  He attended Asessippi School finishing his grade eight education.  Don loved the Asessippi Valley and the Shell River that runs through it.  These places were his play ground, where he first worked, what made him the individual he was.  Don would wander the hills picking berries, placing them in his jar of cream and sugar and stop for a dessert of berries and cream when the jar was full. 

Don worked with his mother and father on the family farm in the valley until he joined the Canadian Army.  He followed the D-Day troops through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, being in Holland when the war ended.  Don had many life-long army friends.  He was a member of the Legion for 72 years.

Don returned to the family farm and soon bought his own farm.  He met Freda Bradley-Hunt, a teacher boarding at his mother and father’s home in Asessippi, and they were married in 1952.  Don and Freda raised their three children. 

Don was a loving husband, always showing affection and respect for Freda.  He could not resist tickling Freda’s waist as he walked in the kitchen.  They were true partners in their marriage and farm life.  Don was involved in many communities Dropmore, Rochedale, Inglis, and Russell, where he served on various boards and committees, including the Legion and the United Church.  Don would come in from working in the fields to quickly change into town clothes to go to a meeting.  He was always a great neighbour both on the farm and in town.

Don was a kind, caring and patient father modeling behaviour that showed the true man: being positive, supportive and accepting of others.  Although his children knew icing on a cake or the middle of a cinnamon bun was never safe when their dad was in the house.  Dogs, cats and horses, even though us kids thought they were our pets, it was Don they were devoted to, loved, and followed.

Don was attentive and thoughtful towards his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They knew when he was teasing or about to lay down a winning hand by his wink and smile. Don had many children around him that he treated as grandchildren.

Don taught us that work and pleasure could be combined:  counting cattle and fishing in the Shell River on a Sunday afternoon.  Don knew that not everything comes with a reward and always had hotdogs ready to roast in case the fish were not biting.

Don enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends including a seasonal site at Pyott’s.  He enjoyed many hours ice fishing on Lake of the Prairies, curling and Bonspiels.           

Don and Freda moved to Russell in 1997 and enjoyed retirement, although Don continued to help on Brad and Brenda’s farm until he was in his eighties.  They made many new friends in Russell.  Don enjoyed his six-day  work week at the Leisure Center playing cards. 

Don enjoyed jokes with his family, having the kids race to the barn to see a two-headed calf on April first.  He helped set up yard displays with their friends to celebrate special occasions and graciously received the display of robins celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Don will always be dearly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.