Robin John Le Brasseur passed away peacefully on March 24, 2016 in Nanaimo, BC. He was 87. Predeceased by his parents Henry (Raymond) Valentine Le Brasseur in 1955 and Florence Le Brasseur Somner (Pyrah) in 1993, and his beloved wife, Shirley May Le Brasseur (Gowe) in 2011. Left to mourn are his four children: Ian, Keith (Marion), Louise, and Barbara. He is also survived by grandchildren Leron, Barclay, Daniel and Kevin; great grandchildren Landen and Angus, as well as extended family and many nieces and nephews. He deeply loved his family and friends and will be very much missed.
Robin grew up in Port Alberni and liked to tell stories of his mischievous antics there and often showed his children the places he frequented as a youth. He attended the University of BC in the 1950’s and went on to obtain his PhD from the University of Glasgow in 1970.
Robin’s career spanned several decades as a research scientist at the Pacific Biological Station. It was a fulfilling career and he particularly appreciated several crossings of the Pacific Ocean to Japan doing research there and back—he loved the high seas. He wished to teach in Japan as well, and that came to pass for two years in the early ‘80’s at the University of Tsukuba.
In his spare time Robin enjoyed playing bridge, table tennis, and badminton. He was a good photographer and a not-so-lucky fisherman. He thoroughly enjoyed many summers lodged at the Bracht residences at Sproat Lake which provided companionship with the Brachts, a larger playground for his kids, a welcome reprieve for Shirley, swimming and fishing for himself, and camping adventures with his sons. In recent years he continued to spend time there each fall, still taking in an afternoon swim followed by his favourite part of the day: reading a novel and wondering when happy hour would be served.
He and Shirley took many adventurous trips around Canada, Asia, Scotland, and the US. Robin was always writing, reading, and discovering new ideas right to his last days.
Robin will be remembered by many as open-minded and generous of spirit. He was an engaging conversationalist with a good sense of humour. Robin supported many charities and always spoke up for justice toward less-advantaged people.
Memorial donations may be made to Haven House in Nanaimo, or the BC Schizophenia Society.
There will be a Celebration of Life held on Saturday May 28 at 2pm at the Coast Bastion Inn in Nanaimo, BC.