Nicholas Robin Liley

In Loving Memory

With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Nicholas Robin Liley, on October 28, 2026. Robin is predeceased by his wife Anne, sister Christine and brother Desmond. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer (Cal) and Susan, son Richard (Tera) and his grandchildren: Jessica, Richard, Gwendolyn, Makena and Sienna.

Robin was born on December 17, 1936 in Halifax, England to Irene and Joseph Liley. His childhood was spent with his siblings Christine and Desmond. Robin’s love of the outdoors began with many hours spent biking through the hilly Yorkshire countryside. His parents started the family business Liley’s, a shop selling prams, sewing machines and toys. In the early days, everyone would pitch in at the shop delivering holiday packages at Christmas time. Christine and Desmond continued operating the business until the late 1980s.

Robin attended Ackworth Boarding School in Pontefract where he met his true love and future wife Anne. He then went on to earn his PhD while studying Zoology at Balliol College, Oxford. During his time at school, Robin was an avid sportsman and participated in athletics (sprinting and hurdles) and field hockey.

Robin and Anne married and, in 1963, they sailed to Montreal aboard the Empress of England and then continued by train ending up in Vancouver. Here Robin was offered a faculty position in the Zoology Department at UBC. They settled in Dunbar where they raised their three children. Robin and Anne enjoyed an active life together along with the children. This included playing tennis, skiing trips with family friends, sailing voyages and many hikes which often involved a bribe of candy!

Robin spent many years at UBC lecturing, conducting research and mentoring graduate students while fulfilling his lifelong passion for studying animal behaviour. He often travelled for research and spent time in the jungles of Central and South America. In 1981, the family moved to Penang, Malaysia for his year long sabbatical at the Universiti Sains Malaysia. It was an amazing experience for all.

Sadly, Anne passed away at the age of 55. Robin bravely moved on with the support of family and good friends. He became an expert cook and baker, adventured with his canoeing and kayaking club, continued hiking and skiing, enjoyed darts and snooker evenings with friends and colleagues, attended the VSO and joined a book club.

After retirement, he enjoyed travelling and spending time with his grandchildren. He supported and encouraged them in their various pursuits and activities. He loved to cheer them on at soccer games and watch school or dance performances.

Robin embraced entertaining and having company, often welcoming into his home visitors from Saskatchewan, the UK, Sweden and elsewhere.

Robin was truly an exceptional father, grandfather and friend who cared for and supported his family and friends. He lived life to the fullest: working hard, pursuing his passions and remaining very active throughout his life. We loved him dearly and are grateful for the time we had with him. We feel the loss of Robin deeply and will miss him.

We would like to thank the wonderful nurses, care aids, support staff and volunteers at Lions Gate Hospital as well as the caregivers and staff at Sunrise of Lynn Valley and Cedarview Lodge.

The date for a celebration of life has not yet been determined. Details will follow later.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation or Alzheimer Society of BC.