Obituary of Donald George Robinson
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) George Robinson, in his 89th year, of Kingston, Ontario on Friday, June 4th. Don was born in Toronto, Ontario to Alexander Glennie Robinson and Edna Annie (Creber) Robinson on August 2nd, 1932. Growing up, he had many fond memories of time spent on Toronto Island with his grandfather.
After graduating from Leaside High School, Don earned his BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and went on to complete a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in Wilmington, Delaware, specializing in distillation columns. He was a long time member of the Professional Engineers Association of Ontario.
Don met Jane Peebles, his wife of more than 50 years, at a dinner party hosted by their mutual friend Noreen Lewis of Norwich, UK. Together they raised a family, including their beloved Tonkinese cat, Mao, and enjoyed visiting their cottage on Desert Lake, with family and friends.
Don worked as an engineer and research manager at the Dupont Canada Research Centre in Kingston, Ontario, from 1958 until 1995. He specialized in the application of computer simulation in the design of chemical processes, and travelled extensively in Europe and Asia. After retiring, Don spent 12 years as an adjunct professor at Queen’s University in chemical engineering, and managed the newsletter for the Desert Lake Property Owners’ Association, and websites for the Retirees’ Association of Queen’s University, and the Seniors Association Kingston Region.
For decades, Don was a dedicated volunteer in the Sydenham Street United Church community. Don learned how to use web development software, in his role as web developer and web master. As a board member of Friends of the Spire, he worked with others in leading SSUC to a new vision for long-term sustainability and community. He was most happy when reading, travelling, dining out with friends and family, and attending Kingston symphony concerts, the Shaw Festival, and films at the Screening Room. His family and friends will miss his quiet sense of humour, and sharing his love of fine food, music and conversation.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his children, Doug, Peter (Gillian Booth), and Keith (Pia Israelsson). He will also be fondly remembered by his eight grandchildren, Monique, Victor, Jean-Luc, Armand, Carter, Spencer, Ada, and Ben; and by his brother, Bruce (Anita Bennett Robinson); and niece, Pamela (Christopher Gore). Don will also be forever remembered by his extended family and dear friends. Don was predeceased by his wife, Jane Murie Robinson but will be remembered by her sister Noeline Martin (Alex) and their children Sue and Chris. While also predeceased by Jane's sister Priscilla Galloway, Don is remembered by her children Nöel, Walter, and Glenn.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many medical and home care people at Briargate Retirement Residence, the Kingston General Hospital, Hospice Kingston, the South East LHIN and all of the medical care team who helped so much to support Don on his final journey. Memorial donations in memory of Don, may be made to the Sydenham Street United Church, Kingston, Ontario. There will be a celebration of his life at Sydenham Street in the fall when it is safe to gather together.
