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Darrell Robinson was a gentle gentleman |
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Written by Al Hollingsworth
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Saturday, 08 August 2009 |
Hundreds gathered on Saturday, August 8th, to say good bye to Darrell Robinson, one of the most decent individuals to have ever trod this earth. Darrell had lost his battle with cancer on August 4th.
A native of rural New Brunswick, he and wife Marilyn called Halifax home for the last 40 years. In 1970, he bought Alf Hamshaw’s garage in Rockingham and opened Scotia Tire. Through his hard work and dedication, the business thrived and today consists of four outlets. Both of his sons, John and Bill joined him in the business as did his grandson, Phillip.
I first met Darrell in 1976. It was in his capacity as president of the Halifax Lions Junior A Hockey team. The late Louie Lewis had approached me about taking over as coach, shortly before Christmas of that year, and took me to a meeting at Scotia Tire where I was introduced to this gentle gentleman.
There was no bravado, nothing phony or self-serving, he was a hockey fan and besides being the team president was the principal sponsor. As such, he poured thousands of dollars into the team over a number of years.
Had Darrell not dipped into his personal wealth, there would be no junior A team in Halifax today. Hundreds of young men owe him big time. And after stepping down, he became one of the team’s biggest fans.
He and his closest friend, the late Gerry Amey, rarely missed a junior hockey game. For a number of years we were a threesome, as I joined them for not only the Lions games, but weekly treks to Dartmouth and Cole Harbour to see the Arrows and Colts
Frankly, I think we had more fun than the players, especially when we travelled with the team in provincial and Maritime playoffs.
As I listened to his sister Lynn recall her brother’s life, and Rev. Patricia Malin reflect on his character, I thought back on those years and could not recall one word ever spoken by Darrell in anger.
I smile when I think back to when I had a beverage room. and told Darrell and Gerry that if they would supply the trout, I would have our chef cook them and provide the suds. When they arrived with a bag full of trout, I informed everyone that they had used dynamite instead of fishing poles!
It has been said, in an old folk song, that the only thing we can take from this earth is what we give away. That being the case, Darrell left us far too soon, but a very wealthy man.
(Al Hollingsworth is a retired journalist and broadcaster)
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