Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Brian Robinson, a brilliant medical research scientist and kind soul, on October 29th, 2021. He was cherished by his beloved wife Joyce, his sons, grandchildren, nieces, brother, sister, and colleagues at SickKids.
Brian was appointed to the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto in 1973. He ran a world-renowned diagnostic lab at SickKids for patients with mitochondrial diseases; genetic disorders that affects energy production in our bodies. He researched these diseases and identified the genetic cause of more than 10 different types. One disorder affected children from the Saguenay region of Quebec. The Mayor of Saguenay personally thanked him for this important work in helping save so many children’s lives there.
His work earned him tremendous respect from both his peers and appreciative families – these diseases are often fatal. His diagnoses and research changed many lives. It allowed affected children to receive better treatments and provided expert guidance for families in need.
Throughout his career, Brian published 290 publications and was invited to speak at many international conferences. In 2001 he was awarded the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism.
Since 1980, he taught medical students, mentored 15 graduate students, and was known for his unwavering support of his staff and immense knowledge of biochemistry. He inspired those fortunate enough to work with him and trained a new generation of researchers. He continued to support them throughout their careers. His motto was “Once you join the Robinson lab, you are part of it for life!”
He retired in 2012 and has spent the last years of his life with his wife and family. A marathon runner, folk musician, an angler, collector of antiquities and steam train enthusiast; Brian loved the outdoors and was creative, humorous, and cheerful.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring in the Haliburton Highlands.
To send flowers to Professor Brian Howard Robinson, PhD’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Professor Brian Howard Robinson PhD October 29 2021..
Huron Shores Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Port-Elgin, Province: Ontario
Brian was one of the good ones – a great neighbour for many years on the 9th floor of the Elm Wing and one of the brightest lights in SickKids’ Research Institute
It is with great sadness I read this. I am however also thinking of all the good memories in Toronto 1988-2011 I spend with ‘the Boss” and team. Brian was my mentor and teacher for many years for which I am always grateful but I also considered him and Joyce friends and there were some really good parties! My condolences to Joyce and the family at this difficult time. With love from San Diego.
As with so many others, knowing and working with Brian changed my life. During a 9-month sabbatical with him in 1988, I learned as much about mentoring others as I did about mitochondrial diseases. He and Joyce were wonderful to me and my family. Brian was an exceptional human being, greatly missed, but very fondly remembered.