John Harvey Robinson
1917 – 2008
John “Harvey” Robinson, formerly of Darlingford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at the Prairie View Lodge in Pilot Mound, MB. He had just observed his 91st birthday a few days before.
Harvey Robinson was born in 1917 in the family farm house which became nearly a lifelong home. In his youth, his friends called him "Hap" or "Happy" because he was fun loving and had a good sense of humour. In 1943, Harvey married Donna Lougheed of Foxwarren, Manitoba. She came to the area as a teacher and taught at both Snowflake and Barclay schools prior to their marriage. Harvey's parents, William and Florence (nee Griffin) Robinson moved to a house in Darlingford, and he and Donna took over the homestead. They became successful grain growers and hog producers and remained on the farm for the 52 years of their marriage.
In 1974, Harvey and Donna went to McAllan, Texas for the winter and continued going for nineteen years because Harvey enjoyed travelling and meeting new people. In his retirement years, Harvey also got a lot of pleasure out of performing with musical groups that played old tyme music for hospitals, homes, concerts, and dances. He is most remembered locally for playing snare drum with the Polka Dot orchestra and later with The Entertainers.
Harvey is survived by one son, Garth and Doreen Robinson, who reside on the family farm near Darlingford, one daughter, Fern and Peter Ives of Fredericton, New Brunswick as well as his five grandchildren and their families.
He was predeceased by his wife, Donna in 1996 and by his brother, Kenneth Robinson in 1984.
As per Harvey's request, his body was donated to “Services After Death Program” at the University of Manitoba - Faculty of Medicine. No formal service will take place.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff and caregivers at the Prairie View Nursing Home for their compassionate care of dad during his stay.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Harvey’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Box 119 Winkler, MB R6W 4A4.
Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden in care of arrangements.