December 22, 1955 to May 14, 2012.
Robin passed away peacefully while holding her husband’s hand. Robin was born in Victoria, and apart from two years living in Port McNeill, she spent her entire life in Victoria. After learning she had cancer 22 months ago, Robin showed everyone how to seize life and find joy in every day. Armed with her positive attitude, along with tremendous support from so many who loved her, Robin enjoyed a very good quality of life and demonstrated unparalleled dignity and strength of spirit along the way. She maintained her signature smile to the last and was very much an inspiration to behold. Robin’s children represent the greatest personal achievement and triumph of her life. Her family was always her highest priority.
Left behind to honour Robin’s memory are her husband, Chris Blaney (a partnership spanning 37 years); son, Sean Blaney and daughter, Taryn Blaney. Robin was predeceased by her father, Hugh Reston (in 2006). Robin’s mother, Kay Reston; siblings, Laura, Jean, Ian (Kate and nephews, Brodie and Peter), Kathy (David) and Robin’s other relatives will miss her with all their hearts. On Chris’ side of the family, his siblings, Mark (nephew, Traven, and Traven’s mother Jodi), Debi and Kevin, plus all of Chris’ other relatives will miss Robin dearly.
Robin dedicated her energies away from home to the teaching profession. Robin’s teaching career began in 1977 at Sunset Elementary School in Port McNeill. Two year’s later, Robin returned to Victoria to complete her Education degree at UVIC (majoring in physical education and language arts). She taught one year at Monterey Elementary, then started working in the Sooke School District in 1982. Over the next 30 years, Robin taught at Colwood, John Muir, Happy Valley, Millstream, Willway, and Lakewood. Robin was one of the original group of teachers that opened Lakewood Elementary School and she stayed there for the remainder of her career. Robin loved teaching. She taught over 1000 students in all subject areas during a very rewarding career. Her areas of expertise were mathematics, language arts and physical education. Her students were often reminded there was “math in everything”, and she was instrumental in ensuring the school had a Math Resource Centre (MRC). At Lakewood, the MRC is now a place called “Robin’s Nest”. She always coached cross-country, volleyball and track and field and she did her best to promote participation, having fun, and good sportsmanship. For 2012 only, through private donations, a Grade 12 Belmont student will receive the “Robin Reston Honourary Sports Scholarship”. In addition, Lakewood School in conjunction with the Lakewood PAC have established a perpetual “Lakewood PAC Robin Reston Scholarship” to be awarded to a Grade 12 Belmont student for all-around achievement each year.
In her leisure time, Robin loved taking advanced jazz dance lessons at the “Y”. She and the rest of the jazz dance troupe performed in many “Y” dance displays over the years. In her prime, Robin’s beautiful image once graced the cover of the “Y” activity brochure for all to see. Robin was quite athletic and enjoyed playing tennis, volleyball, softball, golfing, cycling, skiing, bowling, swimming, badminton, hiking, aerobics and especially strolling along Victoria’s gorgeous waterfront. In high school, Robin was a competitive sprinter and she did very well in the 200 metre event. Robin was very skilled in hobbies such as sewing, cross-stitch and other arts and crafts endeavours. Robin was also quite fond of gardening and travelling. Most of all, Robin loved to spend as much time as possible doing many of these things with her husband, son and daughter.
For those familiar with the Shine Cafe, Robin Reston is the “Robin” in the Shine’s menu item “Robin’s Hash”.
One of Robin’s most endearing qualities was her determination for finding ways to turn any negative situation into a positive. Her joyous existence since learning she had cancer would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of family, friends and colleagues, along with the exemplary care provided by everyone working at the Cancer Agency, VIHA, Victoria Hospice, Beacon Services and especially from Dr. David Bell and his staff. Robin sincerely felt she received the best possible care from all the dedicated healthcare professionals helping Robin maximize her quality of life.
There will be a casual gathering for remembrance for Robin announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vancouver Island Cancer Agency, Victoria Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
Robin believed she will return to the spiritual realm from which she originated. She will become part of all natural things – it’s her reincarnation. She had a rich and meaningful life. Robin will live on in your memories and through her children and all generations that follow. Someone as special as Robin will not be forgotten and just thinking about her smile will cause one to feel joy and take on each day with a positive resolve.
To share a wish from Robin for all of us left behind, she offers the following primary message from a children’s book entitled “Reggie’s Last List” by Caren Cameron: “Look after each other.”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Helen (Paterson) Rose
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linda kaser Dear friends and family and author –
this is the most beautiful and heartfelt description of a wonderful educator that i have ever read. I feel that i know Robin. What a phenomenal contribution she has made to her family, community and profession.
Linda
NOII
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Danielle Vernon I am very saddened to hear of Robin’s passing. I was fortunate enough to have Robin as my mentor teacher at Lakewood Elementary. She was always kind, patient and supportive as I figured out the whole teaching thing. She gave me drive and the commitment to be an excellent teacher. I hope she knew how much I appreciated her generiousity as she shared her knowledge and tricks of the trade with me.
To her children, she spoke of you constantly and I knew she was a very proud mother.
May Robin rest in peace.
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Avtar Bains There was a most special class that graduated from Reynolds High School in 1973. The memories are all positive and ever lasting. Last evening, Jan Moreside and Margery Zapf visited our home for dinner…..during our time together, we went down memory lane and I learned of Robin’s passing. Although I have not seen or spoken to Robin since June 1973, she was an integral part of our fraternity and we are most saddened by such an early demise. Robin’s smile, energy, intelligence, and positive aura will remain with us forever. I note with great comfort messages from Sue and Patti…..we remain bonded from a brief 5 year experience !
To Chris, Sean and Taryn, your wife and mother was so special and made our early years together such a wonderful experience !
Our sincerest condolences to you and your extended family.
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Wendy Mann Dear Chris, Sean, and Taryn,
Robin and I worked together for several years at Millstream, and we also saw each regularly during our early parenthood years. Robin always brought such a positive energy and spirit to all that she did, and will be remembered for her gracious nature and, of course, her beautiful smile!
My sincere condolences to you and your extended family.
Wendy
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Diana Carlsen Chris,
I had the pleasure of working with Robin for 4 years at Lakewood. In both her teaching life and her personal life, she was an inspiration of how to be. Her legacy for me has been and will be that little voice and smile in my head, that will appear with the comment, “Don’t get your knickers in a knot” when I am facing something that seems insurmountable. Then I am also reminded that “this too shall pass.”
My condolences to you, Sean, and Taryn.
Diana
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Gary Beyer Chris;
I wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of your wife and the Kids Mom.
No amount of euphamistic jargon could hope to express the grief you are feeling. But please know that there are people out there who you can turn to if needed.
Gary
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Lynda Powell Robin is one of those infectious indivuals who has a place in everyone’s heart who knew her….I had the pleasure of working at Lakewood with Robin…she cared about everyone and had such spirit and grace in her presence…I feel blessed to have known such a kind and devoted friend, mother, teacher and colleague…
Lynda Powell
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April Harbottle (Sharon & Jim's Daughter / Chris' Cousin) Sorry to hear about the loss. I did not know Robin well, but always considered her a part of our family. It really hits home when someone so active and young and full of life and love, can be taken from us. Her “earthly shell” has been laid to rest but her spirit will live on forever in all the hearts that she has touched. Thank you Robin for the lesson … that life is precious and we should be thankful for each and every day that we can spend with the ones we love.
Love to Chris, Sean and Taryn in your time of sadness and loss.April
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Ron Regan I had the distinct privilege of giving Robin refreshments @ BC Cancer Agency. Her gracious , friendly, and caring attitude was an inspiration to me and always helped me to keep me wanting to help others while I was on my shift volunteering.
My sincere condolences to Robin’s family at this loss, and may the peace of God, which defies understanding , be with you at this time.Ron
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Mike Clermont Dear Chris and family,
My most heartfelt condolences for the loss of Robin. I remember so well when Robin met Ambriss at Costco and they shared there cancer journey. Ambriss is also at rest and I know the feelings and struggles of your loss. Stay strong and may God bless you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mike Clermont
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Joanne Gregory I too feel very fortunate at having taught at the same school as Robin. A very special soul. My condolences to all her family.
Sincerely,
Joanne (Gregory)
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Susan Taylor Dear Chris, Sean and Taryn,
You do not know me. I was a friend of Robin’s from our old high school days at Reynolds, Grades 8 through 12. I was fortunate to see Robin from time to time through mutual friends from those school days. Most recently we enjoyed a lovely evening together with a potluck dinner at Kathy (Johnson) Booth’s house just a few months ago. Robin was so proud of you all, particularly you Sean and Taryn. Her composure broke on several occasions as she spoke of you both. I will remember Robin for her kindness and quiet radiance. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. A donation in Robin’s memory has been made to Victoria Hospice. My thoughts are with you all. Sincere condolences from Susan (Pepper) Taylor
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Phil Duchene Thank you so much, Chris. Your writing caught Robin’s spirit exactly. I remember her at Lakewood with real respect and honest affection as a fine teacher, a principled colleague, and, above all, as a brave, happy spirit. Beyond Lakewood, her memory lives on in my teaching in the teacher education program at UVic when time and time again I share her insights and joy in the art of the thing with student teachers to demonstrate aspects of what quality teaching really ought to look and sound like. She was a Master and is sorely missed…
Phil
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Judith Parish Thank you Chris for your beautiful message about Robin, her character and her life. I taught with Robin at Millstream, and I remember well her joyful spirit, amazing and ever present smile, and huge sense of fun. Her courage and determination to see the positive side in the face of her illness speaks so much to her strong and inspiring character. Her beautiful spirit is now with you, and in you all.
My sincere condolences Chris, Sean and Taryn.Judith
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Carolyn Black Hi,
I am very saddened to hear of your loss. I remember Robin when my children went to both Millstream and Lakewood. The words written to illustrate her and her life are beautiful and express exactly as I remember Robin. Her smile is special and memorable! Blessings to her family and friends.
Sincerely,
Carolyn
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Rhonda Waggoner Robin taught my son Jason Murray at Lakewood school. I remember her teaching him how to tie his shoe so that it would stay tied. A trick she learned from her husband. Robin always went the extra mile in trying to help Jason succeed! I remember her bright and cheerful disposition. Sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
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Carolyn Ingbritson Dear Chris,
thank you for such a lovely message about your wonderful wife. It shared many aspects of Robin’s life with those of us who had known her intermittently through work.
Robin led with her smile. It gave us all a hint of what a truly beautiful spirit lived inside of her. Her brilliant smile is what I’ll remember most fondly.
My condolences to you and your children, and to the rest of her family and friends who knew her well. Wishing you peace.
Carolyn
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Karen Richard I had the great pleasure of working with Robin at Lakewood since 2000. She was both an inspiration and a joy to work with. We spent a great deal of time sharing information, planning for the future and being very proud moms while talking about our ‘same aged’ kids. It was obvious how much joy her family brought her. She will be in my heart forever, Chris, Sean and Taryn. My thoughts are with all of you.
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Brenda Penston Robin was a very good friend and colleague at Lakewood School. I remember her devotion to family and friends, her enthusiasm and commitment to her teaching, colleagues and students and her support and patience. I remember our long walks at school and in Fairfield. I am so sorry for you loss Chris, Sean and Taryn. My deepest sympathies to you and your extended family.
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andy robertson Working with Robin for 11 years at Millstream and a few more at Lakewood gave me the opportunity to work with one of the most positive people that I’ve have ever known. Even when someone did something unkind, she found a way to see the sadness and hurt that would compel someone to lash out. MANY students benefitted from her presence and her kindness. Lastly, she was one of those rare people who inspired me to strive to be a more compassionate person. Love, Andy Robertson
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Kathy Shaw Dear Chris,
You also are too young to be a widow… How time flies though. I am rermembering a tacky tourist party at Norm Gregg’s in 1981! Robin’s smile IS truly amazing, and does give me a peaceful resolve in life. You were blessed to have 37 years together and I am so glad you two decided to have children. Robin’s spirit will shine through them. If I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to call. Kathy
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Patricia Blonde (Watt) To all of Robin’s family – my sincere condolences – while it has been years since we have seen each other, my childhood memories of the Reston family remain strong. I remember so well Robin and the happy little girl she was all those years ago. While so sad to see she has left her family, it was wonderful to read what a full and inspiring life she led. I hope we can touch base some time soon .
Sincerely, Pat
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Sue Panton I taught with Robin at Lakewood for 15 years and she was a Master teacher. Just being around her made you want to reach for excellence in your own teaching. She and I would giggle over her ‘Robin smile’… as we would call it. She was always able to get her point across with that incredible smile. I can close my eyes and picture her bounce up the hallway, students milling around, with her special positive energy. This sums Robin up for me:
“But possibly I am something more than I suppose myself to be.” René Descartes
My thoughts are with you, Chris, Sean and Taryn…Sue Panton
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Kathryn Turnbull Robin: “you is kind, you is smart, you is important.”
Robin had a sense of gratitude and grace that was special; she always saw the positive in everything and everyone. She is a true inspiration for all mothers, teachers, wives, friends and people. Her legacy lives in you, Sean and Taryn and Chris. My thoughts are with you all.
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Susan Rock Whosoever brought me here is going to have to take me home ~ Rumi
With sincere condolences to Chris, Sean and Taryn.
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Bonnie Stacy Robin’s tremendous courage and sparkly spirit will endure in all of us forever. Her positive way of looking at life will continue to inspire. I’m sure she will be an ever present spiritual force walking alongside you, Chris, and Sean and Taryn.
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Sherri Fawcett Robin is one of the most amazing individuals that I have had the privedge of getting to know. She was always smiling, always so positive and always found the good in everything and everyone. She has truly been an inspiration to all of us. Robin will forever be in my thoughts and in my heart here at Lakewood.
My sincere condolences to you Chris, Sean, Taryn and the extended family.Sherri Fawcett
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Aunt Sharonm, Uncle Jim and family Chris, Sean and Taryn: You already know how sad we feel about Robin’s passing. She was a special person and her loss will leave a big gap in our family. Our sincerest condolences to you and all of Robin’s family.
Love, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Jim and family
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Patty Jeffs The time I was so lucky to have spent with Robin on her journey these past months, reuniting friends from the past is something I will always cherish. May we all be blessed with Robin’s tremendous love, strength and spirit of life. Her words of wisdom and smile are engraved in my mind. My sincere condolences to her family who have lossed an extremely valuable treasure. Her memories will live in our hearts forever!
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Heather Hebden This obituary has so poignantly described the very essence of Robin. I will always remember her beautiful smile and her warm disposition. She was an inspiration to all teachers and to the many children she taught. Please accept my condolences on your profound loss.
Heather Hebden
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Sharon Jorgensen To Chris and Family ….. my deepest condolence to you all. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You have such great memories of Robin and that will help you through this sad time.
Take Care
Sharon
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Brenda Gaskell Thank you, Chris, for the lovely tribute to Robin. She will be in our hearts forever. My condolences to you, Sean and Taryn and the extended family. She was my special teaching partner for years and I will always remember her talents and wit.
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Doris Ayles I am so sorry for your loss. Your wife sounds so wonderful and she will be missed by you all.
I am Cindy Kocol’s mother.
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Dale Miller So sad to hear about Robin. My condolences to the whole family. I will always remember Robin has a happy, warm and full-of- life
spirit.Cousin Dale
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Lynne Cousins & family Dear Auntie Kay, Laura, Jean, Ian, Kathy, Chris, Sean & Taryn
So sorry to hear of Robin’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Robin leaves a legacy of fond family memories and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Love Lynne, Dale, Van & family
I personally did not know Robin; however, after reading the words of celebrating her life, I feel I did. I knew her husband, Chris from Oak Bay High School. My sincerest condolences Chris to you and your children.