Obituary of Garda Lynn Robinson

August 17, 1940 – Ottawa, Ontario

October 21, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Garda Robinson, beloved wife of the late Glenn Robinson, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the age of 81 years.

Garda grew up in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley. After completing grade 13 in Arnprior she attended Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston and graduated as a Medical Records Librarian. She worked in hospitals in Ottawa, Kingston and Calgary. After marrying in 1965, Garda and Glenn moved west in 1966 and settled in Calgary. As she was raising her family, she continued her interest in learning at Mount Royal College (now University) and the University of Calgary where she studied psychology and sociology. These studies led her to interesting jobs at half-way houses (where she took her dog Rusty on the night shifts), Spy Hill Correctional Centre and the Elizabeth Fry Society. Her desire to help others was always important to her. An invitation to her home was appreciated by family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and made everyone welcome in her comfortable home. Even though she was separated from family and friends she always made an effort to stay in touch and over the years she organized many reunions in Ottawa. She printed a family cookbook named “Garda’s Kitchen (A Collection of Keepers)”. It was dedicated to Grandma Johnston and all the family and friends who taught us that women live on through their words; heart(y) words like Irish stew and hot buttered biscuits. Garda’s creativity led her to painting and poetry classes, starting at the Leighton Centre then moving to a collective studio in Turner Valley (The Tumblewood Collection). She eventually built an art studio at her home for painters where classes were taught by guest artists. When Garda learned that a distant ancestor, Sir Francis Younghusband, led a British expedition into Tibet in 1901 she became interested in the Tibetan people. Her final art show, a successful fundraiser, honoured the Tibetans with a collection of paintings featuring Buddhist monks. She supported the Tibetan community in Calgary and as a result of her efforts and family history she was granted a private meeting with the Dalai Lama when he came to Ottawa. Garda was a gifted writer of poetry and even had one of her poems displayed on Calgary Transit as one of the winners in a local contest. Her grandchildren are following in their grandmother’s footsteps, pursuing their own passions in art (Kiera), music (Neil) and photography (Holly). Royce writes poetry and has dedicated his collection to his grandmother. Not only did Garda write words, she was also a voracious reader, often having many books on the go at one time. She was a member of a nonfiction book club and hosted many meetings at her home which always included a great lunch, a lively discussion and many laughs. Although she faced many physical challenges, Garda lived her life with grace, courage and determination. She was a gift and an inspiration in the lives of those who loved her.

She loved her family with a great passion and will be missed by her children, Peter and Patty; and grandchildren, Neil, Royce, Kiera and Holly. She was a dear sister to Brenda and brother John (Janet).  They were best friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring of 2022. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, www.heartandstroke.ca; the Canada Tibet Committee, www.canadatibet.com/support-Tibet-2/donate; or the Leighton Art Centre, https://leightoncentre.org/join-us/donate/. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Garda Robinson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.