Jeffery Lawrence Robinson

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Jeff Robinson who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Jeff was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jeff knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

       His parents were Bonnie & Ted Robinson. Jeff was raised in Thessalon. Even as a youngster, Jeff learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Jeff was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jeff was raised with 2 siblings. He had one older sister Wendy, and one younger sister Laurie. Jeff had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Jeff, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Jeff's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jeff enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Jeff took part in hockey and baseball. In his spare time he liked to go fishing, hang out with his friends and work on his cars. Jeff also loved camping and travelling with his family.

      In school, Jeff enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math and automotive. Jeff went on to use these skills with over 30 years with the PUC.

      Jeff was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jeff was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jeff came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were John McLeod and John Kasch. Later in life, he became friends with Frank Parker and many many people at Basswood lake and his close friends with Soo Naturalists and Voyageurs.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Jeff reveled in the security of his family. On February 25, 1984 Jeff exchanged wedding vows with Kenna Ballstadt at the Zion Lutheran Church of Sault Ste Marie. He became the “favourite” son in law of Dona and Ken Ballstadt and brother in law to Dan and Lori Ballstadt.

      Jeff was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. Jeff would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit . He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jeff was blessed with Two children, Daughter, Whitney and son, Grant. He was also blessed with 2 grandchildren, Marshall born in 2013 and Logan born in 2016. Jeff adored his grandsons and was able to spend a great deal of time with them. He even got to act as teacher and principal when schools went virtual during the Covid 19 pandemic.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jeff was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jeff was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jeff upheld his standards.

      Jeff approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were biking, hiking, camping, snowshoeing and kayaking.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jeff to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Jeff played hockey. Recreational sports included baseball and bowling.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Jeff liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Jeff was an active member of the Sault Naturalists and Voyager Trail Association.

      Faith was important to Jeff. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. During that time, he was a valued part of Church Counsel.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jeff used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Jeff had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included hiking Matchu Pishu and the Dolomites.

      When Jeff’s retirement finally arrived in June 1, 2013, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in his continued interest in outdoor activities; mostly biking and kayaking. In many ways, Jeff loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Jeff passed away on November 28, 2022 at ARCH Hospice , Sault Ste Marie. Jeff battled Acute Myleoid Leukaemia for 7 years. He is survived by his children and grandchildren. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home. Jeff was laid to rest in Maple Ridge Cemetery.

      All who knew him would agree that Jeff was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jeff Robinson did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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ROBINSON, Jeffery Lawrence - peacefully passed away at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice on Monday, November 28, 2022 after a brave seven year battle with leukemia.

He is now reunited with his loving wife Kenna, who passed away in 2005. Best friend and father of Whitney (David Whitfield) and Grant. Adored Papa of his boys, Marshall and Logan. Son of the late Bonnie and Ted Robinson. Favourite son-in-law of Dona and Ken Ballstadt. Brother of Laurie Martin and the late Wendy Evans (Dale) and special brother-in-law of Dan and Lori Ballstadt. Uncle of Samantha, Kimberly (Derek), Sarah (Rob) Curtis (Jodi), Christopher (Jacqueline) and Marcie (Matt). Great uncle to many nieces and nephews and remembered by all of his cousins. Very special friend of Maureen Kershaw, whom he adored.

Lifelong friend of John McLeod, John Kasch, and Frank Parker. He will be fondly remembered by all of his friends with the Sault Naturalists and Voyageurs and the many coworkers and friends he made during his career at PUC. Also everyone he met over the years at Basswood Lake.

A Come and Go visitation will be held at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522) on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 1 pm until 3 pm. Spring interment Maple Ridge Cemetery in Thessalon. Memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to ARCH or to the Algoma Highlands Conservancy would be appreciated by the family.

Thank you to Cindy, John, and Cassandra in the Cancer Clinic and to Dr. Hill for his support over the last 7 years as well as all of the encouraging and caring staff at the Ottawa Hospital. Thank you to the emerge staff who made him feel comfortable and staff in 3B - James and Katie as well as Dr. Apostle and Brittney. Thank you especially to the amazing staff at ARCH you made Dad's transition to the spirit world so comforting for him. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Robinson family.

“Life is one of God's greatest journeys; but death is the next great adventure." Enjoy your next adventure, Dad.