Dawn Roberta Robinson

Dawn was born in Nanaimo on August 8, 1946 to the late Robert James and Irma Louise (née Andre) Armishaw.

Dawn passed away peacefully at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit on September 27, 2023, lovingly surrounded by her family. She leaves us all with lasting memories of her kindness, her endless smiles, her wondrous heart and the incredible love she had for everyone fortunate enough to be a part of her life. Dawn saw the beauty in everyone, and the genuine warm-heartedness she embodied will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her son Bob (Diana), daughter Jodi (Randy), grandchildren (Tatum, Trentyn, Hailey and Kai), her 3 sisters, Linda (Rob), Gayle, Bobbi Joy (Stu), her brother Rob (Mahri), husband Clay (Dorothy, Katie, Jacqueline, James and Travis) along with many other loving family members.

Dawn grew up in the countryside of North Cedar, just outside of Nanaimo. In the summer time she loved swimming in the Nanaimo River, family trips to Newcastle Island on Dad's boat ("Mi Babe") and playing ball with the gang. She learned how to play the piano, she sang in the United Church choir and, of course, she absolutely loved getting together for family sing-alongs. In the winter time, Dawn loved skating on the local ponds, sleigh riding and many other outdoor adventures. Dawn loved her childhood and the happy memories that came along with it.

After her father's untimely passing, Dawn, aged just 15, took on the role of ‘2nd mom’ to her younger siblings. They knew they could count on her for her unwavering support because Dawn always had their back. Times were tough and with so many responsibilities Dawn had to put off graduating from Nanaimo District Secondary but, in typical Dawn fashion, she persevered and graduated.

Before starting a family of her own, Dawn worked at Cooper's Store, Dalmy's Dress Shop and eventually at the Bank of Montreal. She then went on to work for Sears Nanaimo. It was at Sears that she discovered her love of the cosmetics world and she went on to have a long and successful career working at the prestigious Lancome counter. Not surprising to anyone, it wasn’t enough for Dawn to have the most beautiful smile, she had to make sure everyone else did as well.

Dawn chose to raise her family in Cinnabar Valley, it became not just a home for the family, but a community where close friendships were formed and many good times were enjoyed. Dawn loved to celebrate and boy oh boy, she did.

Her days were full with involvement in the lives of her children, whether cheering from the sidelines or coaching Bob and Jodi. Being known as "Mrs. Bobby's Mom" reflects the impact she had on her community, not just as an individual but as a supportive (and fun) figure for her children's friends as well.

Dawn's green thumbs and pride for her gardens mirrored her nurturing spirit, creating healthy beginnings & habits for her family. Summers were filled with outdoor adventures, with the family camping across Vancouver Island, particularly on the shores of Saratoga Beach. You could find her on the beach at sunset and sunrise, a deep rooted love for the ocean, and this Island she called home.

In 1991 Dawn moved to the Lower Mainland and in the summer of 1995, Dawn and Clay were married. After stops in Langley, Vancouver and Port Moody, the happy couple finally settled in Coquitlam. They enjoyed taking long walks around Rocky Point, cheering on the Canucks, playing golf and get together's with friends. They took holidays far and wide but their two favorite spots were undoubtedly Osoyoos and Savary Island. They spent many days and nights making happy memories with their loved ones, of which we are all grateful for.

Dawn and Clay loved their time together in the Lower Mainland, but the Island was always in their future and in August 2023 they moved back to Nanaimo. These were going to be wonderful years, especially for Dawn, because she was surrounded by her loving family. To our lovely Dawn, everyone’s Mom, Gramma, Sis and sweetiePie, this meant more than anything else in the world. Although this final adventure for Dawn was cut short, our girl had made it back home.

To know Dawn was to know an angel. We will never forget her and we will be endlessly grateful for the gifts she gave us every day in the form of her breathtaking smile, her overwhelming thoughtfulness, her sparkling eyes and the most generous heart imaginable.

We will miss her every day and we will forever cherish the beautiful times we shared with her. But, it gives us great comfort to know that our lovely Dawn is once again holding hands with Mom and Dad.

God bless you sweet angel.

We love you.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Dawn in the spring of 2024. Details of the event will be forthcoming.