David Eugene Robinson

David was born on October 29, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida to Carl and Mozelle Robinson. At the age of two, he moved north to Steam Mill, Nova Scotia, returning with his family to his father’s farm. He often recalled the family’s journey north from Florida, including the loss of his bunk bed ladder from the back of the truck somewhere in New Jersey. Blessed with an extraordinary memory, David loved reminiscing and could recall stories from every stage of his life with remarkable detail and humour.

David modelled a strong work ethic and a love of knowledge. After many years of hard labour on his family’s tobacco farm, he went on to earn degrees from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Acadia University, and the University of British Columbia. He enjoyed a 35-year career with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture as an Agricultural Economist while also serving as a part-time faculty member in Saint Mary’s University’s Department of Economics for many years. Following his retirement from the provincial government, he continued teaching at Saint Mary’s, worked with the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, and created and published the Acadia Blueberry Price Report, a newsletter with the aim of assisting Maritime wild blueberry farmers.

Teaching brought David particular joy. Drawing on his Nova Scotia farming roots and his quirky sense of humour, he worked hard to find ways to engage his students. His commitment to his students extended well beyond the classroom. He often gave anxious undergraduates his home phone number, reassuring them that they could call anytime with questions. These late-night calls occasionally tested the patience of his family, but they were a testament to David’s generosity and dedication to his students.

David had a passion for many things: history, economics, farming/gardening, bicycling, music, art, literature and, above all else, his family. After meeting Arlene one Sunday evening in October1971 in his Agricultural College residence they went on to build their family on a solid foundation of love and hard work. In turn, their children and grandchildren brought David his purest moments of joy - in their Westmount backyard, while visiting Nora and Elliot in Ottawa, during excursions to the Public Gardens to visit Arlo’s ‘magic tree’, on the beaches of the North Shore, and anywhere they could simply be together.

David faced an ALS diagnosis with grace, courage, and humour. Friends travelled near and far to visit, and his appreciation for their love and support was always evident. He particularly cherished weekly calls and visits from Agricultural College friends John Rovers and Gabriel Comeau; his Friday Freeman’s companion, Bob Soper; his Economist reading pal, Kevin Ives; fellow Annapolis Valley boy Peter Arnburg; and long-time friends Shane O’Neil and Greg Bent. He was also deeply touched by visits in recent months from friends who travelled great distances, including graduate school friends Dan Quan and Bob Cuthbert, Margie and John Mercieca, and his good friend Peter Enman.

David leaves a legacy of quiet perseverance, intellectual curiosity and enduring humour. These qualities, along with his generosity of spirit, will live on in the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Mozelle Robinson; his sister, Ellen; his brother, Walter Newton; and his parents-in-law, Irving and Lois Kitson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Arlene; his children, Connor (Jennifer) and Katie (Mike); and his beloved grandchildren, Elliot, Nora, and Arlo, as well as sisters Patricia McGee and Jennie Enman, brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral home 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 11am.

His family would like to extend special thanks to the many dedicated healthcare professionals who supported David since his diagnosis.

Those wishing to honour David’s memory are invited to make a donation to the ALS Society of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick or the Canadian Cancer Society.