Dr. Harold Speers Robinson

CM,MDCM,FRCP(C), FACP,MACR

Passed away April 3rd, 2014 at the age

of 95. Born in Saskatoon, he grew up in

Banff attended medical school at

McGill. Upon graduation he enlisted as

a Captain in the Royal Canadian Army

Medical Core (or RCMAC) serving in England, Italy

& Holland. In 1946-47 he did Post Graduate

studies in Rheumatology in London Eng. before

returning to Banff to practice with his brother Alex,

and his father, Dr. Dean Robinson, a pioneer in the

rheumatic field. Harold moved to Vancouver in

1951 to complete his studies in Internal Medicine.

In 1953 he was named Research Director, BC

Division C.A.R.S. and later appointed Medical

Director (1955-83). During these years he was on

active staff at VGH & GF Strong, a Clinical

Professor Dept. of Medicine at UBC & a frequent

speaker at International Conferences. He was

extremely pleased of the development &

application of the team concept in treatment

& rehabilitation of rheumatic patient at the

Arthritis Centre. Harold was a gentleman, quiet,

unassuming and a model of integrity. He was

humbled by the many awards he received: Order

of Canada (1993), Queen’s Silver, Gold & Diamond

Jubilee Medals, 125th Anniversary Confederation

of Canada medal and the BC Medical Assoc. silver

medal for outstanding service. In addition he was

named a Master of the American College of

Rheumatology & a Professor Emeritus at UBC.

The Harold Robinson Arthritis Society Chair in

Rheumatology was established at UBC in 1996.

Harold loved music and it was through his talent as

a pianist that he met Jean his wife of 67 years.

They shared their love of music with family and

friends & if there was a piano in the house he

found it! Harold is predeceased by his sisters,

Helen, Didi and Peggy, his brother Alex and son-inlaw

Kurt. He is survived by his loving wife Jean,

daughter Ann, son Chris (Paddi), grandchildren

Chris, Katherine (Agustin), Caitlin, Jennifer, and

Michaela, nieces and nephews. The family wishes

to particularly thank the Crescent Gardens Care

Staff for their tremendous care and compassion. A

celebration of life will take place on Tuesday April

8, 2014 at 1pm at Canadian Memorial Church, 16th

& Burrard, with a reception following. In lieu of

flowers, donations in Dr. Robinson’s name can be

made to the BC Division of the Canadian Arthritis

Society. For those wishing to share a memory of

Harold, please go to www.hollyburnfunerals.com.