Carole Pauline Robinson
September 30th, 2020
Carole Pauline Robinson passed away peacefully in Vancouver, BC on September 30, 2020. Carole is predeceased by her son Jeff, in 2003; Mother & Father, Pauline (nee) Presley and Bryan Smith; and is survived by her loving Husband, Robert (Red) Robinson; Daughters, Sheri and Kellie; Grandchildren, Mazzy and Aidan; Brothers, Tony, Paul, Michael, Simon and Gary; Brother and Sister-in-law, Bill and Donna and their families; Nieces and Nephews.
Carole was born in Bromley, England and came to Canada with her Dad and brothers after finishing school. After a couple of winters in the Maritimes, the family moved to Vancouver in the early Sixties.
Carole Smith met Red Robinson on a blind double date while he was the evening DJ at C-FUN. Carole was with newsman Cameron Bell but Red couldn't get her off his mind. The next morning, he began calling every Smith in the Vancouver phone book. “I was determined to find her no matter what it took. Luck was with me, as she’d mentioned that her father’s first name was Aubert, and when he answered the phone with a British accent, I knew I had the right place.”
Red asked Carole for a date, and by 1963 they were walking down the aisle.
Daughter Kellie says, “Dad wouldn’t be where he is today if Mom hadn’t stayed at home, taken care of us, and kept the family together. With this support, Dad was able to have a stellar career, and all she asked in return was to not be included in the limelight: she much preferred being a great behind the scenes talent.”
Carole was active in community theatre, volunteered in Girl Guides, was a girls' soccer manager, a concierge at Park Royal, a production assistant for Timmy's Telethon, and an Expo '86 volunteer. She enjoyed playing tennis and bocce, and was an avid reader. She loved listening to music, going to concerts and movies and playing gin rummy.
Carole was always thinking of others. Selfless, with a cheeky sense of humor and a great laugh, she was a natural at throwing parties or hosting gatherings. She always added little extras that made the occasion memorable and fun. Carole always looked ”put together” - she freshened her lipstick before heading out the door - even if it was to simply fetch the mail!
Carole loved to travel to new places with Red and the kids: Europe, Australia, South America and the Caribbean. She enjoyed many trips to England to visit family. Carole loved the warmth of the California sun and spent lots of time in Palm Springs.
Carole loved visiting her grandchildren in Bellingham, penguins, Nutella, and movies that told a good story. A good crime show, British programming - especially a murder mystery with a solid cast. She made the best coffee, roasted potatoes and homemade gravy!
Carole celebrated her 70th birthday with a food fight! It was something she'd always wanted to do. She insisted that all participants wear goggles and coveralls!
Longtime friend Katyann Davidson summed it up beautifully at Carole's birthday party:
”Carole is much more than 'Oh Carol' by Neil Sedaka or 'Mrs. Robinson' by Simon and Garfunkel. She is an amazing woman whose eyes twinkle when she sees you. She always has a kind word and a willing ear and great insight. The best part is... she usually has a pithy comment to sum it all up. She has a joy of life and a quiet strength that runs deep and strong.”
Given the current Covid situation, a private family Service will take place and Carole’s Cremated Remains will be inurned with their beloved son, Jeff. A Celebration of Carole’s Life will be announced at a future date once Covid restrictions are removed. Should friends desire, donations to the CH.I.L.D Foundation, Ste 201 – 2150 Western Parkway, UBC Campus, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1V6, or at child.ca/donate, appreciated.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
So Sorry to read about Carol's passing Red has told many good stories about his and her relationship and marriage over the years she will be missed
I was fortunate to be part of the Robinson family for about two decades. Carole always made me feel like part of the family and was the best Mother-in-law a guy could ask for. I’ll always remember her warmth and sense of humor, talking about books, movies, and how Kevin Costner would magically appear in family photos. Thank you for everything, Carole, and much love to Bob, Sheri, and Kellie. ❤️
So shocked and saddened by the news of Carole’s passing. We worked on, and co-produced many productions at Deep Cove Stage and Carole was a genuine delight to work with and a good friend. I will miss her and always remember her dearly. My deepest sympathy’s to Red and the Robinson family.
To Red, Sheri & Kelly: I am shocked and saddened after having just learned of Carol’s passing and am completely lost for words. It has been a long time since I last saw Carole but I will always remember her ready smile and knowledge of music and movies. My boys spent spent many an afternoon in your house because it was always the coolest!! We go a long way back but I know your world now has a big void. My condolences for each of you. You were a wonderful team. Wishing you peace and comfort. Love from Linda and her boys!
What an exceptional life!
Red: my deepest sympathy. You and Carole were an absolute super couple and an unstoppable force in life. May you find peace in the days ahead and God bless Carole!
Red, my condolences to you and your entire family. Carole was such a lovely and kind lady. May her memory forever be for a blessing Howard and Cassiana
Red So sorry to here about Carole's passing. My memories of her is her Smile. With love Al and Laura Lynds.
Red: Condolences to you and your family. May the Lord be with you all at this time. I know what you are going through; my twin brother Michael died last November from cancer in Toronto. Many memories from General Brock Elementary School. I remember that your brother Bill was in our 1953 graduation class from General Brock; and our graduation class from John Oliver Secondary School 1957. During February, 1980, I remember visiting with you and family at a McDonald's restaurant in North Vancouver..Best wishes to all. Dave Sinclair.
Dear Uncle Red, You and your family are in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan & Craig Revill
Dear Red and family, We were shocked and saddened to read of Carol's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family as you adjust to this new life without her at your side. Always enjoyed visits with the two of you. Love and Hugs, Shell & Frankie
Dear Uncle Red, You and your family are in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan & Craig Revill
Dear Red We were so sorry to hear of Carole's death. Our deepest condolences. We enjoyed joining you and Carole on a Rock and Roll Caribbean cruise several years ago and have fond memories of our time with the two of you. With love, Steve and Judy
When The Red Robinson Theater opened up in Coquitlam I was fortunate enough to be hired on as an usher. I would see Red Robinson and Carole on a regular basis as Red would MC and introduce the musical guests on a regular basis. Carol was always very friendly and easy to talk to she will be missed.
Dear Red,Sheri and Kellie, The Hot Mammas send you much love and condolences! We had so many good times with Carole and we will miss her greatly. She was sharp and witty. She has been an amazing support and friend of The Hot Mammas from day 1 and we will be forever grateful for that. We lovingly called her our agent as we know she worked the back door for us many times. Her smile lit up the room! We will hold that in our hearts. Much love, Julie, Georgina and Mary Ella
Dear Red. Tom and I are very sad to hear about the loss of Carole. It seems like just yesterday you were sitting with her in our living room in Palm Desert laughing and enjoying life. She will be missed and we are thinking of you
Red My deepest sympathies to you and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you Bob S
Dear Red, We are so sorry to learn of Carole's passing. Our sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time, Carlyne & Ray Gora
So sorry, Red, to read about Carole's passing. I'm sure she was the "rock" behind Vancouver's first & best rock DJ. My thoughts and condolences to you and your family. Brian Tarling
My deepest sympathies to the Robinson and Smith families.
Dear Red and Family, we would like to extend our deepest condolences for your great loss. May love surround you during this difficult time.
My friend Carole…..with all the things Carole did …and there were many. Carole belonged to a GANG…yes, a Gang!! We were called the Red Purse Gang…all dragging our Red Purses when we would go anywhere. The gang was smart enough to ride on Carole’s shirt tails to see many concerts… need I say, with the BEST seats in the house. Carole was aways game for all the crazy good times we had. I will miss your contagious smile..and great laugh! Sending Virtual Hugs, Maureen and the Red Purse Gang
Red and the girls, we are so heart broken to hear of Carole's passing. Red, I know she was the love of your life and you cherished every minute with her. I hope the girls will be able to be come up and be with you during this very hard time. You have many good friends and we are here to help at what ever we can do for you. All it takes is a call. Please be safe and give the girls a hug.
I am very saddened by Carole's passing. What a pillar and good friend she was! My love and sincere condolences to Red, Sheri and Kellie.
Heartfelt condolences to Red and family. Carole's kindness, generosity and spirit will be deeply missed. I am grateful for the times I shared with her and Red and know she brought much joy to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. May the many great memories of Carole bring some comfort to you during this difficult time.
I wanted to send my respects to the Robinson family for the loss of a mother and a wife. Carol was a lovely lady and I always thought of her as my second mother. I have so many memories of the time I lived in North Vancouver and spending time with the family and of course the time I went with them on a family vacation to Scottsdale. I send my love and hugs to all
No offence Red, but the old saying "behind every great man there is a greater woman", that woman was Carol. I didn't know her well, but every time and I mean every time, I saw her at an event of any kind, she was welcoming, generous in spirit and kind. She was lovely. Deepest condolences to the entire family.
Dear Red and Family, We are so sorry to hear the loss of your true rock, Carole. My father Jack McIver, loved the times he came to your home and the conversations he had with you and Carole. On behalf of the McIver family, please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family. May her life be a blessing
I very fondly recall our first day opening at the Strathcona store. It was the Labour day long weekend and you and Carole came into look around and get some ice cream for your walk. We saw you both often and were invited to your home. You are the Legand and Carole was the light that shined brightly with you. So kind, so warm and a remarkable sense of humour. All the good memories will be with you forever. I wish you peace Red, a star is shining overhead tonight, Carole is as bright as can be.
Red, Sheri & Kellie: Carole was most definitely a wonderful partner and mother. My most sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. Virtual hugs to all of you.
Carol was a loving caring wife to her sweetheart Red and cared for her family immensely. My condolences to you all and may God's strength be with you all during these times of sorrow.
Heaven has a new beautiful angel. Here are earth we loss a beautiful person with a smile that went on forever. My condolences to the family and friends.
Sheri I am so deeply honoured to have known your mum - such a wonderful person. She will be deeply missed, and always loved. My prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Love Theresa
Dear Sheri and family, I’m so sorry about your mom’s/Carole’s passing. You will always share your hearts with each other. With love, Margaret
She now is with her husband rest in eternal peace