ROBINSON _ Irvin Russell, AKA-Irv, September 4, 1923 - February 12, 2005. Born to Sarah and Linton Robinson in River John, Nova Scotia, one of seven siblings. Irv and his older brother Donald are predeceased and survived by sisters Dorothy; Elsie and Lois and brothers Ernie and Norman, and also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; Irv's daughter Sharon and son-in-law Wayne; and three grandchildren Cali, Jessie and Shayne. Irv is also survived by his countless and devoted friends from Simons and all the wonderful friends he made through Horse Racing and all the many wonderful friends he simply made along the way. With boundless perseverance and determination he paved ways for H.A, Simons Engineering Ltd, to become one of the largest Engineering companies in Canada. Starting as a Design Engineer working his magic to become a Senior Vice President. Irv enjoyed travelling the world for Simons as well as in his spare time. Hooked on fishing and having caught a 50 pound Salmon once, he hoped that one day he'd catch a 60 pounder. Unfortunately that fish is still waiting for him...somewhere!!! After Irv's 1st Heart Attack ( approx. 20 years ago) he became semi retired from Simons'. During this semi-retirement, Irv started to develop a passion for Racehorses (like his father before him). With a thirst for knowledge of creating and raising and watching them soar around the track, with pure enthusiasm he looked forward to the births and the many milestones of his wonderful 4-legged babies. Also, after that heart attack he became dedicated to taking good care of his health, part of that included walking 4 miles everyday for 20 years. On January 8th (this year), Irv, unfortunately, had another Heart Attack, it appeared that he would conquer this one, but sadly, complications and further attacks interfered with his recovery and took him away from us ALL on February 12th. Irv remained close to his siblings, nieces and nephews and to his dear friends, to his son-in-law and myself (his daughter) and his three grandchildren of whom he was very proud. He was an amazing father and friend, when anyone was ever down or sad, he'd always "Look out for the Under Dog'" and find a way to lift them up. His last wishes were to have his body donated to UBC for Medical Science and for me to rent a great big hall for all his friends and family to get together to celebrate and to "Do it Right!" We will be holding a Celebration for his Amazing Life, on Sunday March 6th at 1:00pm, for his friends and family at The Terminal City Club in Vancouver.
Published in the Vancouver Sun on 3/3/2005.