Ian Douglas Robinson

ROBINSON, Ian D. - Bedford, passed away October 17, 2017. Born in Montreal, PQ in 1940, he was the son of Ruth (Seeley) and Barclay Robinson. Ian was with Prudential Assurance in Montreal and later moved with Prudential to Halifax with his family. In 1971 he joined Bell & Grant Consultants as Executive Vice-President. In 1981 Ian joined Johnson Higgins Willis Faber as Senior Vice-President, Atlantic, now known as Marsh Canada. He left the insurance business in 1990 and became Vice President and General Manager of H.H. Marshall News Group. In 1999 he started a new adventure, which he loved, in the investment business with Merrill Lynch, and CIBC Wood Gundy as an investment adviser. At the time of his retirement in 2016 he was Associate Investment Advisor with the Doyle Hunter Group. Ian received the designation of CLU and AIB. Community involvement was a major part of Ian’s life. He was a long time member and past Vice Commodore of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, Director of the Canadian Progress Club, past Chairman of OTANS now known as The Maritimes Energy Association, Chairman of the Halifax Board of Trade and a member for 47 years. The Board of Trade remains the oldest established business association in North America. Ian was the past Chairman of both St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Ignatius Parish Councils. He was a long time director of St. John Ambulance serving as President, Vice President and Chairman. Ian was member of the Board of Governors of the Halifax Grammar School, President, Nova Scotia Chapter of Rothesay Collegiate School Old Boys Association. Ian’s greatest joy was time spent as Akela of both the 25th & later the 36th Halifax Wolf Cub Packs. Still to this day, young men, former cubs, greeted Ian with a cheery, “Hi, Akela!” For 25 years Ian served in various positions with the Life Underwriters Association of Canada (LUAC). Ian was a Knight of The Order of St. John and a recipient of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Ian and family share many fond memories of all their years spent at Corlear Bay Club on Lake Champlain, NY. He and his children always looked forward to the historical Robinson-Cowan canoe trip, 45+ years strong! Even with all his accomplishments his first love was always family. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sue (Capon), sons, Chris (Paula), Porters Lake, Brian, Toronto, daughter, Gail (Padraec) Baird, Bedford; grandchildren, Padraec, Nathan, Phoebe, Damon, Peyton, Ryland, Kaleigh, Maddy and Charlie. As well as several nieces and nephews, brother Gordon (Andrea) Toronto, predeceased by brother, David. There will be a visitation from 6-8 Friday, October 20th at J.A. Snows Funeral Home on Lacewood Dr. A funeral service will be held 1pm Saturday, October 21st in St. Ignatius Church, Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalice and St. John Ambulance. Special thanks to the Oncology staff at the VG. Online condolences may be sent to www.jasnowfuneralhome.com