A member of the Lethbridge College Hall of Fame, former vice-president academic and first executive director of the college foundation died Friday in Lethbridge. Dr. Keith Robin was 92.
Robin joined the college in 1967, as the first director of Continuing Education. In 1973, he became Dean of Instruction, and later served as Vice-President Academic until retiring in 1983. He then served as the first executive director of the college’s foundation, organizing the inaugural fundraising golf tournament, an event that continues to this day. He retired from the foundation in 1987, having kicked off an ambitious effort to raise $1 million for what’s now known as the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.
Robin served on the University of Lethbridge Senate for more than 10 years, and was appointed Chancellor from 1987 to 1991.
He was instrumental in establishing the Lethbridge College Hall of Fame in the early 1980s, and was inducted in 1991. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the U of L in 1992.
“Dr. Robin was a visionary leader in the early days of the college who helped form the legacy we enjoy today,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “His guidance in helping to create and lead the college’s foundation was invaluable as it has led to the completion of many projects and assisted countless learners. It is an excellent legacy to leave to the students he so passionately instructed during his time at the college and beyond.”
Robin served in executive positions of a number of professional organizations provincially and nationally.
His commitment to the community extended well beyond post-secondary circles. He was a long-time member and volunteer with Kiwanis, as club president and governor of the Western Canada District, and he supported the Kiwanis Music and Speech Arts Festival, organizationally and as a volunteer. He played a key role in establishing the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, serving on its first board, and was a tireless volunteer for the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation. He was active in his church, McKillop United. In recognition of his extensive community work, he was named Lethbridge Citizen of the Year in 2009.
Robin was born and raised in Lethbridge and received his early education here before earning his bachelor of education degree from the University of Alberta. A master of arts and doctor of education followed from the University of Colorado. His teaching career began in Picture Butte in 1951. He became principal of Turin School in 1954. From 1957 to 1967, he worked in Lethbridge school as teacher, counsellor and vice-principal, before joining Lethbridge College.
Dr. Robin is survived by his wife Jean, their children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. June 18 at McKillop United Church, 2329 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge. A private family burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery. For those who wish, charitable donations may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation (P.O. Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7) or to McKillop United Church “Growing the Dream” Fund (2329 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 0X5).