Michael ROBINSON

ROBINSON, Michael
Mike died suddenly on Canada Day at his beloved home in Normandy, France, at the age of 65, leaving behind his large, loving family and a legion of friends and colleagues in public life and business. He is survived by his wife, ML Walsh; four children Craig (Katherine), Drew (Vanessa), Stuart (Jodi) and Katie (Sean); four grandchildren (John, Ellie, Charlotte and Jacob); and his mother Jan Robinson. He loved and doted on them all-family was his touchstone and driving force. His relationship with ML was an inspiration. They were married three years after meeting on a blind date while both were working in Parliament's East Block. Married for forty years, they loved each other deeply and were each other's best friend. Mike and ML were the happiest when in each other's company. Whenever you saw Michael or ML, you knew the other was nearby. Travel was a big part of Mike and ML's lives. In 1986 the Robinson family moved to the South of France, which started Mike and ML's love of the countryside and they finally fulfilled their dream of buying a home there, spending as much time in it as they could. They often gathered as a family and vacationed together regularly. Even after their children created their own families, they continued to travel together as a "small army", most recently spending time in Normandy, where the entire family last got together on his 65th birthday. Family was the most important thing in Mike's life. He took immense pride and satisfaction that his kids were happy, independent, successful in their own right and had wonderful spouses. He looked forward to Nekabong weekend every year where he, Craig, Drew and Stuart would gather their closest friends for a weekend of camaraderie and bonding. He was in his element fishing from the porch, where he would share stories and provide guidance to a rotating cast of friends. In addition to spending time with his sons, he truly cherished time with his daughter, Katie. Activities together would range from dinner dates to sitting by the fire playing quiet (and very competitive) games of Scrabble. Mike would always pick Katie up for their morning commute, revolving his office routine around when they could spend time together. His love for his grandchildren was palpable; he celebrated the arrival of each, and told endless stories of their latest milestones. He was often seen puzzling, watching movies or cuddling in Papa / Pop Pop's Chair watching soccer (specifically his boyhood club Crystal Palace) with a grandchild on his lap and his one of a kind grin on his face. He and ML made their homes a welcoming place to visit for their large network of close friends, with warm hospitality, endless good humour and "joie de vivre." Regular dinners, weekends and longer visits together were always part of their ongoing relationships with friends. Euchre and poker nights were memorable as was Mike's propensity (with very little urging) to belt out Don MacLean's "American Pie" and Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz". No occasion was complete without heartfelt renditions of both. Mike leaves an important legacy and a list of significant accomplishments-personal, professional and in public life. He transformed the lives of everyone he touched, brought grace to politics and then to business, and was always a source of support, joy and laughter to friends, family, and colleagues. Mike was a trusted friend and advisor to many of the most respected politicians, business leaders and government affairs professionals across Canada. His relationships transcended partisan politics and business competition-to know Mike was to like him. Mike was born outside Calgary and split his adolescent years between London, England and Exshaw, Alberta. He studied at Dulwich College in England and received his undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Calgary. That led to a lifelong relationship with the Liberal Party, politics, government and public policy. He started his career as a Parliament Hill staffer in the 1970s and went on to hold a number of senior volunteer positions with the Liberal Party of Canada including a stint as Chief Financial Officer from 1986-90. A close friend and confidante of Prime Minister Paul Martin, he was Chair of Mr. Martin's leadership campaign in 1990 and headed the transition team in preparation for Mr. Martin assuming office as Prime Minister. Mike began his consulting career as a partner with one of Canada's first public affairs companies, Public Affairs International. With Harry Near and others, he founded Earnscliffe in 1989, committed to building a different kind of public affairs firm, one based on long-term relationships with senior business leaders. Mike was a mentor, leader, friend and role model for the dozens of current members and alumni of the Earnscliffe family as well as too many others throughout the broader political community. His community work was equally important to him as a way of giving back. It started with his beloved fraternity days at Zeta Psi but later moved on to multiple memberships on community boards including chairing the Board at Ashbury College and directorships at the United Way, The Stratford Festival, the Ottawa Airport Authority and Carleton University. His many achievements were notable (including his World Famous Caesar Salad) but his warmth, open and generous personality and unbounded loyalty to family and friends are what most people remembered and reflected upon first when they heard of his passing-a proud and enduring legacy of one who made a real difference to those he loved, worked with and befriended. A private funeral has taken place. A public celebration of Mike's life and many accomplishments will take place at a later date to be announced. In keeping with Mike's long standing commitment to charitable organizations, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to Harvest House Ministries or United Way, organizations Mike long supported.