Robin Candice Coble

Our beloved and precious family member, Robin Candice Coble, has slipped away from us, staying as long as she was able to. She is now set free from physical encumbrances and able to move around quickly like w̓əsw̓aʕsx̌aʔ, the robin bird. She also carried her tupa's (great-grandmother) name of lalaʔ (a bird that flew so high, one could only hear the humming sound of its wings), hence "hummingbird" but a different bird variety.)

As a child she once shared that she should have been born in the 'old days' when life was different and she could live in a teepee and do the things that were done then.

Our family would like to share a bit about this strong, beautiful, and good sqilxʷ woman of the Okanagan People and Westbank First Nation.

As a young girl, Robin participated in the local Interior pow wow trail where she entered the fancy dancing category at places such as Kamloops, Chase, Westbank, Vernon and the Similkameen. She was a joy to watch; so light on her feet with precise footwork, and great use of her shawl.

Robin developed an interest in sewing during her adolescent years and asked to learn from a close relative who taught her well. This became a much-used skill which she applied over the years when the sewing bug called her. Her work was meticulous and one felt lucky to receive something special from her.

Many in Robin's Okanagan community enjoyed her quick dry wit, a ready smile, and her spontaneous laughter over goofy teasing and joking! She took pleasure in spending time at the nearby ballpark with her sisters to cheer on the local men's team during tournament play.

Robin’s passion for softball ignited at the age of six, marking the start of a remarkable career. Her skills quickly distinguished her as a standout player, with notable prowess as a pitcher, shortstop, and centerfielder. Equipped with a superb glove hand, quick reflexes, and lightning speed, she was a formidable presence on the field. Her batting was equally impressive; she frequently hit home runs and thrived in high-pressure situations, like getting caught in a hot box, where she always managed to turn the game around.

At thirteen, Robin made her debut in a ladies' fastpitch tournament in Merritt, where she earned her first trophy. Her talent and dedication saw her travel across Canada with various teams, forging strong bonds with her teammates. Playing for her sisters’ team, the Okanagan Angels, was a highlight of her career. Robin consistently delivered her best performance, driven by her love for the game, her team, and the fans. Known for her stoic and competitive nature, she was a motivating force, pushing her teammates to rise to the occasion and often turning the tide in crucial matches.

Robin's fierce independence was evident from an early age; she prided herself on her ability to handle things on her own without needing help from others. This self-reliant attitude extended to all aspects of her life, but it was especially prominent in her role as a mother. Her two beautiful children, born from a relationship with a handsome, intelligent young man from out of province, were the center of her world. Although that relationship didn't last, his mother remained a devoted presence in the children's lives, often whisking them away to exciting destinations like Hawaii and Disneyland.

Despite Robin's direct and straightforward nature with others, her approach to parenting was marked by an extraordinary blend of calmness, patience, and unconditional love. It was through her children that her softer side truly shone. Her ability to connect with them with such warmth and practicality highlighted her deep, unwavering love and commitment. Robin's dedication to her children was a testament to her nurturing spirit, proving that her strength and independence were matched by a profound, tender affection for her family.

Robin also loved her siblings where support and love for each other was always present. Her three younger brothers looked up to her with brotherly affection and respect while her older twin sisters were the proverbial mama bears who guarded her, in fact, most family pics show Robin between the twins; they are currently ensuring all is done in the way they feel most honours their little sister for who she was and will always be to us. Robin also had beautiful siblings through her dad's side and they were as close as they could be, having loving relationships; Robin's older brother in Penticton especially enjoyed going to her house from time to time for movie nights. In another area, her long-time beau spent much time with her and, when all is said and done, they were probably soulmates and he very much respected her and she always stood up for him; they enjoyed a loving, caring and long-term relationship with each other.

In closing, Robin's favorite good guy hero was Conan, a barbarian warrior. He portrayed superhuman strength, being a disciplined warrior who persevered, never giving up but doing what needed to be done for the good of things, surveying the next mountain or plains with discerning eyes. Well, that seemed to be who Robin vibed; her hands always reminded me, her mom, of solid strength and there was a warrior resemblance which sometimes appeared in how she carried herself. In the past year though, Robin tentatively shared a tiny bit by expressing herself through posting the odd video on family msg chat. These few videos expressed the longing to share inner feelings and I only wished I was brave enough to approach this fierce and independent warrior about sharing our true feelings and vulnerabilities. When she left us, a gentleness was present, her hands were delicately soft, pliable, and she was serenely beautiful. Robin has joined her beloved son; she would not leave her beautiful beloved daughter if it were possible to stay awhile longer. This young lady is her mother's daughter, also a strong, intelligent, and independent one who is held dearly by both sides of her family.

Our beautiful Robin leaves 9 siblings, her loving mom, her loving dad, and numerous aunties, uncles, nieces & nephews, cousins, and friends young & old.

She will be missed so much more than we can say... but will always and forever be carried in our hearts. Safe journey our beloved, rest well for you have earned it, and then.... fly high lalaʔ!!!

A funeral service will take place on Monday August 19, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Sensisyusten Gym 1920 Quail Lane Westbank, BC. Burial will follow at 3255D Shannon Lake Rd, Westbank, BC. Please join the family for a luncheon following the burial for a time of sharing memories at Sensisyusten Gym 1920 Quail Lane Westbank, BC.