Robin Denton

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear father, Robin Denton.   He died peacefully at Lions Gate hospital in North Vancouver on June 9, 2023, surrounded by much love.

Robin was born in Vancouver in 1925 to parents Ivan Denton and Edith McConnell.  Being the child of writers, he was destined to fall in love with language, literature, and storytelling.  His loving father immersed his young mind in art; engaging his passion for writing, theatre, and the wonders of the natural world.   Dad often spoke fondly of sailing on their boat, The Saga, on the Salish Sea.   Robin studied under Bert Binning at the artist’s beachside cottage in Ambleside and with Lawren Harris on a Carnege grant at the Vancouver School of Art.   Both parents encouraged his many interests.

At age 12, Robin published his first newspaper, Children’s Chatter, and sold advertising to Lonsdale merchants.   His next publishing venture, Freedom, covered international affairs and had subscribers from around the world.   He attended UBC in the 1940s focusing on philosophy, literature, politics, and worked on the student newspaper The Ubyssey.

To help pay for his tuition, he worked at the Sullivan mine in Kimberly, BC.   A member of the Mine Mill union, he was elected as a delegate to the International Conference of Working Youth in Warsaw, 1948.   His travels in war-ravaged Europe formed his lifelong support for peace.  

“The shock of what human beings could inflict on other human beings taught me to treasure every moment of life, that life is to be enjoyed and contributed to."

Robin loved to socialize and met many incredible people along the way.   He aligned himself and especially appreciated those who spoke out against oppression.   When he had the honour of meeting the bass-baritone singer and activist Paul Robeson he wrote “When I met him, he lurched up and extended his big hand, "Well, and how are you?”   My shirt was vibrating on my chest because of his booming voice.  He radiated greatness."  

Dad settled in Edmonton where he co-founded the commercial real estate firm, Longson Tammets and Denton.   He hosted a travel show on cable TV there, called Travels with Robin and was frequently interviewed for his commentaries on current affairs.   However, his heart was always in Vancouver, and when he retired from real estate he moved back to B.C.

Throughout his lifetime he travelled to over sixty countries.  He lived off and on for several years in the Philippines where he built his house, Bahay Na Anahow, and sailed on the Pacific Peacemaker.  

Robin never ceased learning and had an insatiable mind.  He was a lover of world cultures and languages. He had an uncanny talent to pick up on slight differences in regional accents and be able to tell not only what country, but the town or area that a person grew up in based on a single spoken sentence.  We thought he was brilliant but, he would only say “I have a wide general knowledge of many things but am master of none.”  

Robin remained an advocate for human rights, a peace activist, and environmentalist throughout his life.  He was an excellent speaker and participated in world peace talks, meeting with UN delegates and activists from around the world.   He was a great cook and loved food from all over the world.  Cooking for others was an expression of love for him.  He would put on the most amazing dinners for large gatherings of friends and family.

In his last years of retirement, he enjoyed life in Lynn Valley of North Vancouver where he made many new friends.  He continued to attend humanitarian and environmental events.  In his 90s he devoted much of his time to helping international students with their studies.

Pondering our mortality, he quoted from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep."

Our father’s life was defined by his love of people and all living things and by his deep sense of hope.   In his last days he said, "I love life. Life is beautiful.” 

Robin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by daughters Sherry, Michele (Robert), Jana (Vic); grandchildren, Allison (Jeremy) and Ethan; great-grandchildren, Elliot and Zsofia, and a multitude of friends who he dearly loved.   He was predeceased by his beloved son Patrick.

His family extends heartfelt gratitude to his many friends who visited and called him during his time in hospital and to the doctors and staff at Lions Gate Hospital for their care and support.

A private gathering of family and friends will be planned at a later date.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a good cause such as Doctors Without Borders.