Robin Agnes Reston

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.

www.mccallbros.com.

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