Our condolences to Judy and family.
Obituary for Grant "Tink" Robinson
Tink Robinson had a most interesting life. He was a professional entertainer for 60 years. His theatrical journey as a Director, Producer, Writer, Choreographer, Singer, Dancer, Actor, Comedian, Emcee and Guest Speaker included vaudeville, summer stock, nightclubs, radio, opera, live television, ballet companies, dealers' shows, magic, satirical revues, dinner theater, T.V. commercials, recordings, film, kids' shows, conventions and professional theatre. Tink was a master tap dancer and regular adjudicator for festivals of the arts in the disciplines of tap and music theatre.
Tink worked on more than 200 CBC television shows, and for five seasons was a choreographer and performer with Wayne and Shuster. He performed with Andy Williams, Robert Goulet, Carole Lawrence, Rosemary Clooney, Shirley Jones and the late Danny Kaye. He had the privilege of choreographing and performing in a television special, Christmas At Rideau Hall, with former Canadian Governor-General Ed Schreyer and a host of Canadian stars. He wrote, directed and performed in the touring show for Imperial Oil’s 100th Anniversary celebration.
For 13 summer seasons (1972-76 and 1982-89), Tink and his wife, Judy Armstrong, created their theatrical shows in the Wild Horse Theatre at Heritage Fort Steele, BC, where Tink wrote, directed, produced, choreographed and performed for close to half a million tourists from around the world. Tink and Judy also created a popular recording, KIDS (for all ages).
He taught at universities, worked in advertising, sold cars, rugs and jewelry. He owned and operated an eighteen-wheeler, worked as a janitor, painter, carpenter and cab driver. Tink sailed on schooners, drove a four-horse hitch stagecoach, jumped horses, drove sulkies, earned a gold shield pistol shooting, survived three car crashes and a boating accident. He had the privilege of flying with his son, Capt. Dan Robinson, on a media flight with the famed Royal Canadian Airforce Snowbirds and also flew solo himself at age 62. He was also the original A&W Root Bear.
Tink was an ordained New Thought Minister, a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He was a Director at the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton for 8 years. Tink is also an author and published his book of inspirational poetry, “I AM Here”.
Tink Robinson was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, Mason and friend. He passed into Spirit in his home in Calgary on October 31, 2015, surrounded by his wife, Judy, son, Dan, and daughter-in-law, Tammy. He was born in Vancouver, BC on June 4, 1937. Tink was married to Judy Armstrong for 48 years. Tink will be remembered for his smile, his zany sense of humour, talent, wisdom, quick wit and his unconditional love.
Tink was predeceased by his brother, Dave (2010) and nephew, Ken Robinson (2005). He is survived by his wife, Judy Armstrong, son, Dan (Tammy) Robinson, granddaughters, Allisha and Klara Pelletier; brother, Malcolm (Dawn) Robinson; nieces, Holly (Mike) Butterfield, Susan (Terry) Palasty, Wendy (Kevin) Batch; great nieces and nephews, Robbie, Devon, Bre, Brock, Beau; sister-in-law, Terry Robinson; niece, Debbie Robinson, great nieces, Jennifer McClintick, Kristin Lefler, David (Aima) Lefler and great great niece, Megan. There are also multitudes of cousins living in many regions of Canada, including New Brunswick. One of the last messages Tink said to his family beside saying over and over, “I love you” was “Be happy”.
A Celebration of Tink's Life will be held at a later date in the New Year, perhaps spring. Date and time to be announced.
Tink worked on more than 200 CBC television shows, and for five seasons was a choreographer and performer with Wayne and Shuster. He performed with Andy Williams, Robert Goulet, Carole Lawrence, Rosemary Clooney, Shirley Jones and the late Danny Kaye. He had the privilege of choreographing and performing in a television special, Christmas At Rideau Hall, with former Canadian Governor-General Ed Schreyer and a host of Canadian stars. He wrote, directed and performed in the touring show for Imperial Oil’s 100th Anniversary celebration.
For 13 summer seasons (1972-76 and 1982-89), Tink and his wife, Judy Armstrong, created their theatrical shows in the Wild Horse Theatre at Heritage Fort Steele, BC, where Tink wrote, directed, produced, choreographed and performed for close to half a million tourists from around the world. Tink and Judy also created a popular recording, KIDS (for all ages).
He taught at universities, worked in advertising, sold cars, rugs and jewelry. He owned and operated an eighteen-wheeler, worked as a janitor, painter, carpenter and cab driver. Tink sailed on schooners, drove a four-horse hitch stagecoach, jumped horses, drove sulkies, earned a gold shield pistol shooting, survived three car crashes and a boating accident. He had the privilege of flying with his son, Capt. Dan Robinson, on a media flight with the famed Royal Canadian Airforce Snowbirds and also flew solo himself at age 62. He was also the original A&W Root Bear.
Tink was an ordained New Thought Minister, a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He was a Director at the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton for 8 years. Tink is also an author and published his book of inspirational poetry, “I AM Here”.
Tink Robinson was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, Mason and friend. He passed into Spirit in his home in Calgary on October 31, 2015, surrounded by his wife, Judy, son, Dan, and daughter-in-law, Tammy. He was born in Vancouver, BC on June 4, 1937. Tink was married to Judy Armstrong for 48 years. Tink will be remembered for his smile, his zany sense of humour, talent, wisdom, quick wit and his unconditional love.
Tink was predeceased by his brother, Dave (2010) and nephew, Ken Robinson (2005). He is survived by his wife, Judy Armstrong, son, Dan (Tammy) Robinson, granddaughters, Allisha and Klara Pelletier; brother, Malcolm (Dawn) Robinson; nieces, Holly (Mike) Butterfield, Susan (Terry) Palasty, Wendy (Kevin) Batch; great nieces and nephews, Robbie, Devon, Bre, Brock, Beau; sister-in-law, Terry Robinson; niece, Debbie Robinson, great nieces, Jennifer McClintick, Kristin Lefler, David (Aima) Lefler and great great niece, Megan. There are also multitudes of cousins living in many regions of Canada, including New Brunswick. One of the last messages Tink said to his family beside saying over and over, “I love you” was “Be happy”.
A Celebration of Tink's Life will be held at a later date in the New Year, perhaps spring. Date and time to be announced.
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