Carole Pauline Robinson

Carole Pauline Robinson passed away peacefully in Vancouver, BC on September 30, 2020. Carole is predeceased by her son Jeff, in 2003; Mother & Father, Pauline (nee) Presley and Bryan Smith; and is survived by her loving Husband, Robert (Red) Robinson; Daughters, Sheri and Kellie; Grandchildren, Mazzy and Aidan; Brothers, Tony, Paul, Michael, Simon and Gary; Brother and Sister-in-law, Bill and Donna and their families; Nieces and Nephews.

Carole was born in Bromley, England and came to Canada with her Dad and brothers after finishing school. After a couple of winters in the Maritimes, the family moved to Vancouver in the early Sixties.

Carole Smith met Red Robinson on a blind double date while he was the evening DJ at C-FUN. Carole was with newsman Cameron Bell but Red couldn't get her off his mind. The next morning, he began calling every Smith in the Vancouver phone book. “I was determined to find her no matter what it took. Luck was with me, as she’d mentioned that her father’s first name was Aubert, and when he answered the phone with a British accent, I knew I had the right place.”

Red asked Carole for a date, and by 1963 they were walking down the aisle.

Daughter Kellie says, “Dad wouldn’t be where he is today if Mom hadn’t stayed at home, taken care of us, and kept the family together. With this support, Dad was able to have a stellar career, and all she asked in return was to not be included in the limelight: she much preferred being a great behind the scenes talent.”

Carole was active in community theatre, volunteered in Girl Guides, was a girls' soccer manager, a concierge at Park Royal, a production assistant for Timmy's Telethon, and an Expo '86 volunteer. She enjoyed playing tennis and bocce, and was an avid reader. She loved  listening to music, going to concerts and movies and playing gin rummy.

Carole was always thinking of others. Selfless, with a cheeky sense of humor and a great laugh, she was a natural at throwing parties or hosting gatherings. She always added little extras that made the occasion memorable and fun. Carole always looked ”put together” - she freshened her lipstick before heading out the door - even if it was to simply fetch the mail!

Carole loved to travel to new places with Red and the kids: Europe, Australia, South America and the Caribbean. She enjoyed many trips to England to visit family. Carole loved the warmth of the California sun and spent lots of time in Palm Springs.

Carole loved visiting her grandchildren in Bellingham, penguins, Nutella, and movies that told a good story. A good crime show, British programming - especially a murder mystery with a solid cast. She made the best coffee, roasted potatoes and homemade gravy!

Carole celebrated her 70th birthday with a food fight! It was something she'd always wanted to do. She insisted that all participants wear goggles and coveralls!

Longtime friend Katyann Davidson summed it up beautifully at Carole's birthday party:

”Carole is much more than 'Oh Carol' by Neil Sedaka or 'Mrs. Robinson' by Simon and Garfunkel. She is an amazing woman whose eyes twinkle when she sees you. She always has a kind word and a willing ear and great insight. The best part is... she usually has a pithy comment to sum it all up. She has a joy of life and a quiet strength that runs deep and strong.”

Given the current Covid situation, a private family Service will take place and Carole’s Cremated Remains will be inurned with their beloved son, Jeff. A Celebration of Carole’s Life will be announced at a future date once Covid restrictions are removed. Should friends desire, donations to the CH.I.L.D Foundation, Ste 201 – 2150 Western Parkway, UBC Campus, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1V6, or at child.ca/donate, appreciated.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.