ROBINSON, John "Kent"

On September 16, we had a sad and fond farewell with dear Kent / Sir Kently / our Keenie.

Born on July 16, 1944, to wonderful parents Thelma (Hunter) Robinson and John F. Robinson, he was also big brother to his four sisters Linda (Brian Walsh), Nancy (Garnet MacDonald), Jacquelin (Davis) and Marcia (Robinson).

He deeply loved, sang to, teased, entertained, encouraged, bragged about, and created nicknames for his children - Kari, Jay, Lara and Tania, and his grandchildren – Andreas, Grace, Rowan, Evan, Seamus, Kate and Claire. With his wife Sue (Shaw), he shared 50 years of adventures, quests, and a deep, loving commitment and companionship - what an indomitable partnership!

Throughout his life, he was deeply engaged in each moment –parenting, studying, creating, teaching, golfing, mowing, supervising, making pickles, playing, partying, discussing, cooking/BBQing, listening to music, watching sports, researching, telling stories... He summoned his kids outside to look at bugs, dead birds, shooting stars and the like; he wanted them to observe all the small and big wonders of the world. We all learned (sometimes with waning interest) about cloud formations, rock types and settlement theory, as he shared his passions with us.

Kent was an attentive and engaged listener, and could cheer you on, help you clarify your thoughts, ruffle your feathers, inform you, challenge you, draw out your feelings, offer a comforting hug, provide new insights, or soothe your aching heart. He was always keen to explore any topic (sometimes with more enthusiasm than his listeners!) and was the favoured family speechmaker: you could be sure of being regaled with amusing anecdotes, phenomenal reminiscences, warm appreciation, and some risqué jokes.

Kently was never burdened by the need to meet others’ expectations; he was comfortable travelling his path, very often humourously late for appointments and gatherings. Kent had a strong B.S. detector, was quite generous in broadcasting its findings, and was known to be a great friend to the F-bomb! Big Daddy Keenie was a physical guy; some of his highlights include wrestling and tormenting his kids and grandkids, A Hole In One, tackling and apprehending a neighborhood burglar, and tossing squealing, delighted kids into ocean waves. All were terrified and delighted by the “Power Diving Eagle” attacks.

Over the years, wherever we went, Kent encountered many acquaintances and former students, and a reconnecting chat was always a joy for him (cue impatient eye-rolls from waiting family).

As his health gradually declined, he remained a reliable rogue, larger than life - he charmed and occasionally frustrated his caregivers and his loving family. Ahhh, there was nothing like seeing the pure joy in his face when he got snuggled in a freshly heated blanket!

Gentle passage, dear Kent... Whenever we see a shooting star, a rainbow, a flaming sunset, a hummingbird, a raucous crow… when we hear an off-colour joke... when we engage on a risky adventure... when we read a gentle poem... we will know that you are with us.

The family sends heartfelt thanks to all the members of our South Shore Community Care, especially the Palliative Care team, and the local VON, who helped us with such efficiency and sweet compassion during these final months.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 3, Lunenburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kent’s granddaughter’s Charity Association: Got Your Back (gotyourback902@gmail.com), or a charity of your choice.

A joyous and fitting celebration of life will be held sometime in the near future, as we navigate COVID-19 protocols together. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca