David S. Robinson of McAdam, NB, passed away peacefully on Friday April 19, 2024, at the age of 97, at the Charlotte County Hospital, St Stephen, NB.

He was born in 1927, to the late James and Rowena Robinson.

Dad graduated from McAdam High School in 1944 and along with some classmates, immediately signed up with the Canadian Army.  Fortunately, the war was over before he saw any fighting and to his end, Dad was somewhat embarrassed to be considered a Veteran.  Like most men in McAdam, he went to work for the Canadian Pacific Railway and had a forty-five year career; first working in the freight shed and then retiring as an Assistant Chief Clerk in the yard office.

Dad’s life was full of volunteering his time and looking out for others, especially the less fortunate.  He was a member of the Rockland Drive United Baptist Church where he was treasurer and in charge of ushers for many years.  He also served three terms as a councillor with the Village of McAdam.  He established the McAdam Recreation Council and through TV Bingo, purchased community passenger vans for the schools and community organizations to use.  He was there for the start of the McAdam Fish and Game Association and was instrumental in bringing the annual derby to the "dam".

Dad was also a very proud member of the Royal Legion Branch #7, where he served as service officer and started a drum and bugle marching band by recruiting many of the local young people.  They travelled to parades both New Brunswick and Maine, USA.  As usual, there were always stories told.  However, his most cherished time spent as a volunteer was that of a coach.  Dad coached numerous baseball and hockey teams at every level and enjoyed a great deal of success although his goal was for the kids to just have "fun".  He helped establish Little League baseball and the McAdam Minor Hockey Association.  He encouraged girls to play hockey, well before girl’s hockey was a thing.  Dad told them" They were just as good as the boys".  Dad travelled to all parts of the province with young athletes first in his blue station wagon and then in the legendary van with the benches in the back.

So many stories to tell about those trips although some probably shouldn’t be shared.  He saw stop signs as a suggestion and not the law.  When pulled over by the police for an infraction, he routinely said the kids/players were making so much noise they had him rattled.  Inevitably, he would be sent off with a warning and the officer would lecture the players. 

Dad was also a proud member of the Masons and was quite distraught when the McAdam chapter became no longer sustainable and had to close.  He did everything he could to keep the hall open.

Dad had a deep affection for the New York Yankees and instilled that pride and passion in his three children, especially Jill.  He travelled to "the stadium" with his family dozens of times and occasionally set foot in Fenway Park usually with a van load of former players.  Those trips to Boston will live on forever. 

Dad’s other passion was that of sailing.  He bought a sailboat in the early seventies and invited anyone who would dare go with him out on Oromocto Lake where he and Mom had built their camp in the sixties.  He was most content there and frequently could be heard saying his patented line "I wonder what the poor people are doing".

Dad lived life to the fullest and would do anything for anyone.  The stories of his generosity and caring are well known.  He was embarrassed by recognition and would always help others behind the scenes.  He loved his community and his country.  He was not a flag waver but always said how lucky we were to be born Canadian.

He touched so many lives and his smile and the twinkle in his eye will be missed by everyone.

David is survived by three children, Jody, Charlotte Robinson-Rocca (Luigi) and Jill, five grandchildren, Liam, Noah, Hannah, Olivia and Isabella.

In addition to his parents, Dad was predeceased by his loving wife, Myrna (Innes), who left us in 2014, siblings, Charlotte, Ruth, James, Patricia and Robert.

In keeping with Dad’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

A Celebration of Life at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #7 and a graveside service will be at a later date.

Fittingly, arrangements in the care of The S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home Ltd, 23 Main Street  St. Stephen, NB., where Dad had such a great relationship and respect for Alward and the staff.

For those wishing to donate in Dad’s name, we would suggest the Rockland Drive United Baptist Church or perhaps pay it forward by volunteering a few hours of your time in his memory.

We will miss your terribly Dad but knowing you are with Mom gives us comfort.

Give her a hug for us.  We love you both always.