Gordon George Christopher Robinson

Dr. Gordon Robinson passed away in Winnipeg at the age of 79 after a brief illness.

Left to mourn his passing are his children Chris Robinson (Louise), Morgan Robinson (Shawna), and Shan Rogers (Dave), and his grandchildren Sarah Robinson and Conner Rogers. He is survived by siblings Frazer Robinson (Janette), Catherine Masterton (John), and Maureen Hanley, all of whom reside in the United Kingdom. Gordon was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Mary, in 2011.

Gordon was born in Shetland, Scotland, and grew up in both Scotland and South Africa. After receiving his BSc (Hon) from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, he and Mary emigrated to Vancouver, Canada, where Gordon successfully pursued his PhD from the University of British Columbia. He joined the Botany Department at the University of Manitoba in 1968 and began a long and distinguished career in research and teaching, including serving as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science from 1997 to 2005. For nearly a decade, from 1988 to 1996, Gordon was Director of the University Field Station (Delta Marsh), a beloved location where many happy memories were made spending time with his family, undertaking research, and supervising students. He was both a Senior Scholar (2014-16) and Professor Emeritus (2014) in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Gordon’s academic interests focused on algal ecology and aquatic toxicology, and, later, sustainability science. He brought his passion for the environment and sustainability to the classroom, for which he was recognized with several excellence-in-teaching awards. In his later years, he promoted access to, and success in, math and science education in primary and secondary schools, inspiring generations of young scientists. He will be remembered for his generosity, spirited conversation, and love of family and the New England Patriots.

Gordon’s family wishes to thank the staff of Grace Hospital for their compassionate care of Gordon in his final days.

In accordance with Gordon’s wishes, there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, an organization whose mission was dear to Gordon’s heart: PO Box 26092 RPO Maryland, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3R3, (yourcier.org).