John Coburn Robison
1940-2018
John Coburn Robison passed away on September 26, 2018 in Fredericton,
NB, after a long illness. He lived a life rooted in his love of family
and community.
He was born to Myrtle (Coburn) and Marshall Robison on December 19,
1940 on a farm in Harvey Station, New Brunswick. He began his career
in business selling eggs and butter door-to-door as a school boy.
John spent his professional life helping cities and people to grow.
He had a deep interest in the backgrounds and stories of the people he
met. He attended Mount Allison University and earned his degree in
Business from the University of New Brunswick in 1966. John was
Fredericton’s first City Administrator where he helped
amalgamate the communities of Marysville, Nashwaaksis, Barkers Point
and Devon with Fredericton. When he left Fredericton after serving
there for 22 years, he continued a career of public service as the
City Manager for Waterdown, Kanata, and Kawartha Lakes in Ontario. He
served as Vice President of the International City Managers
Association and also served as President of the Canadian Association
of Municipal Administrators and proudly retained an honorary
membership in that association after his retirement.
“Retirement” was something never suited to John. Once he
left public administration, he began a second career as an immigration
consultant. He had a deep belief in people and their ability to
accomplish anything. As an immigration consultant, he helped hundreds
of people start new lives in Canada.
While John left the farm, the farm never left him. He was a lifelong
gardener, planting gardens everywhere he lived and sharing what he
grew. He learned to play piano by ear. He could talk for hours about
Harry Truman, history and politics. Lately, he worked with the Harvey
Heritage Society and he was especially proud of the
“John’s Corner” plaque presented to him to recognize
that work.
He leaves a big hole in the lives of those left behind. He is survived
by his wife, Brenda (Jones), their two children, Carolyn and Brian,
and three grandchildren, Emily, Caitlin and Nyssa. He’s also
survived by his two brothers, David (Anne) of Ottawa ON, and Douglas
(late Norma) of Harvey Station NB, and their sister, Edith (late
Charles) of Magundy, NB; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Jones (Gwen) and
his beloved dog Peanut. John was a mentor to many and had lifelong
friends that he valued deeply. Strong communities were important to
John.
To honour John’s memory, the family suggests supporting the Stan
Cassidy Foundation or Hospice Fredericton or Mount Allison University
where he loved his time spent learning.
A service to honour John’s memory will take place at Gibson
United Church, 183 Gibson Street, Fredericton, NB, close to his home
in Devon, on Tuesday, October 2 at 11 am with Rev. Kelly Higgins
officiating. A reception will follow at the church.
Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Coburn Robison 19402018..
Décès pour la Ville: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
