Joe Graham Robinson
December 11, 1953 - September 27, 2017
Joe was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Beulah Cann and Douglas Graham Robinson. He was the oldest in a family of four children, and is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Tim.
His brother Ted currently lives in British Columbia and his sister Anne is back home in Nova Scotia. He will be fondly remembered by sister in law, Sandra (Rory) and brother in law, Brian; nephews, James, Bill, Anthony and nieces, Sarah and Kelly.
Joe will be deeply missed by his wife of 29 years, Tracy and his two daughters, Grace and Susie.
Joe was a true maritimer at heart, who loved to cook, fish, entertain and swim in the ocean when it wasn't too cold. Being a father and excellent husband were the utmost importance to him.
In his early 20s, Joe operated a rooming house near Dalhousie University, which he attended. In those early years, he also worked on the dock yard as a supply controller, at Pitney Bowes and at Caterpillar, which was great preparation for later running his own business.
In Halifax, Joe was in a serious accident and decided to take time off to travel. He headed out west to find adventure and planned on making it all the way to Australia.
Joe loved Vancouver, and looked up many friends from Nova Scotia while living there. In the process, he met Tracy who was working in a downtown hotel. Even with all the travelling Joe did with his family, they never did make it to Australia. ...Maybe one day? After Vancouver, Tracy and Joe moved to the Okanagan, and worked side by side in the motel industry for 25 years.
Joe believed strongly in the golden rule: treat others how you wish to be treated. He showed this in many ways throughout his life. He was a strong-willed, opinionated man who didn't believe in giving up.
Joe was first diagnosed with cancer 18 years ago and knew that every day was precious. When he was diagnosed for the second time, he fought the second battle like the first -- head on with hardly any complaints. He was strong, stoic and remained positive throughout the 18-month fight. His two daughters carry those strong genetics. They are both kind, selfless, love to learn and love to laugh. Just like their Dad did.
Specials thanks to: Dr. Barbara Campling from Kelowna General Hospital who took on his case in the very beginning and gave us her experience, strength and patience; Dr. Catherine Botting for her knowledge, unwavering calm demeanor, sense of hope and sense of humor; Dr. Miranda Clark for filling in on a moment's notice on several occasions, and for being so adaptable and kind; Dr. Elizabeth Watters for a home visit that changed Joe's treatment plan for the better; Dr. Wendy Ross and all the wonderful staff in the Oncology Department at Penticton Regional Hospital, who became fast friends and who will undoubtedly remember Joe for wearing his Superman shirt to his chemo visits; our palliative care and hospice teams who gave Joe and his family confidence and dignity.
We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, October 21, 2:00 p.m. at Linden Gardens in Kaleden.
Everyone welcome. Speakers will read out funny or other brief messages about Joe if you care to write a few sentences.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The South Okanagan and Similkameen Medical Foundation (directed to the Oncology Department) are warmly welcomed.
Condolences may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com
Everden Rust Funeral Services