Posted Apr 22, 2024 | 11:00 AM
Passed away peacefully at Chapman House on Friday, April 19, 2024. Born in Stratford on August 31, 1925, Earl Grant Robinson of Owen Sound, was in his 99th year.
Beloved husband of the late Joyce Illeen Robinson (nee Cameron). Loving father of Grant Robinson (Sheila) of Guelph, Barbara Robinson (Dan Willard) of Windsor, Bruce Robinson (Betty) of Guelph and Liz Drimmie (Greg) of Owen Sound. Cherished Grandfather of Adena (Greg), Noelle (Michael), Jason (Lauren), Danielle (late Chris), Katy, Abigale, John, Emily and Victoria. Loving Great Grandfather of Ewan, Landon, Adelyn, James, Ava, Emmerson, Daisy and Ruby. Earl will be sadly missed by his niece Beth, nephew David, family and friends.
Predeceased by his parents Malcolm and Lamotta Robinson (nee Weitzel).
In Earl’s early years, he was active in badminton and tennis, enjoying these sports both recreationally and competitively. Playing football in his high school years, Earl fondly remembered playing Quarterback. Earl loved playing the drums and the saxophone in dance bands in his young adult years. Music played a big part in Earl’s life, bringing joy to him and to those who listened and sang along. After high school, Earl attended the University of Toronto studying mechanical engineering for one year, then returned home to join the accounting firm of Monteith and Monteith. After obtaining his Chartered Accountant designation in 1949, he worked for one year as an industry controller in Seaforth, Ontario. He decided to return to public accounting and purchased the firm Hallady and Company and moved to Guelph in 1951. Earl‘s business flourished and he brought in partners Russ Lott and Bill Brohman to form Robinson, Lott and Brohman, now known as RLB LLP Chartered Professional Accountants. Earl had great patience, was very good at training his staff and became a trusted advisor to his clients.
Earl always enjoyed living in the countryside on the edge of Guelph, but as the city grew, he wanted more space. In 1969 he purchased a farm near Kemble, Ontario, and moved his family there from 1973-1977. He returned to Guelph in 1978 and continued his practice until his retirement in 1989 and moved back to the farm in 1994. Earl and Joyce became snowbirds for 17 years, enjoying the sun, swimming, music, sports and friendships in Florida. In the summer months, they enjoyed the farm, family, friends and fellowship at Kemble United Church.
Earl’s family would like to extend a very special thank-you to “Team Earl”. Thanks to Trish Hawkins for her dedication to our father, especially through the Covid Crisis. Thanks to the “Woodley Care Team”, Trinity Brewitt-Wood and Michelle Wallace, for their compassion and care they provided to Dad. Thanks to the caregivers Veepal, Sundie, Donnie, Shelley, Said and Michael. Thanks also to Dr. El Alabassi, who helped us navigate Dad’s medical care. Many thanks to the many family members and friends who collaborated in assisting with Dad’s journey.
Visitation will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St. W., Owen Sound, 519-376-7492, on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Heather McCarrel officiating, followed by a reception at the funeral home. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed and a recorded version will be posted online.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Owen Sound Hospital Foundation, Grey Bruce Residential Hospice – Chapman House, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Kemble United Church are appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to Earl’s family by visiting his memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca