Joseph Nathaniel Robinson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, on Friday, March 7th, 2025. Age 94 years.

Beloved husband of Elvera for 71 years. Lovingly remembered by his three children: Janice (Mike), Debra (Mark), and Dale (Lynn). Dear Grandpa Joe of Ashley (Kyle), Taura, Bradley (Laura), Jacqui, Joe, and Rob. Joe was blessed to have five great grandchildren: Ella, Anna, and Mitchell; and Carter and Harper. Pre-deceased by his parents, Joseph and Lois. Joe was the youngest and last surviving sibling of the late Cameron, Cecil, Winnifred, Jean, Clara, Elwood, and Albert. He is fondly remembered as “Uncle Joe” by his many nieces, and nephews.

Joe was born in Parry Sound in 1930, where he spent his entire life committed to his family and the community. As a young boy, Joe played the euphonium in the Salvation Army band. As a young man, he joined his father, Joe Sr. and his brothers building cottages on the Bay. He later chased the fire wagons when his Dad became the Fire Chief in 1943. Joseph Jr. took over as Fire Chief in 1962 until his retirement in 1993. Joe was also the building inspector for the Town of Parry Sound.

Joe was passionate about many things beyond his strong bond with family. He loved to be at the family cottages in Nobel that he helped to build along with his father and brothers.

In his early years he was a member of the local curling club, that he, his dad, and brother later helped to re-build.

Joe and Elvera were both devoted members of St. James United Church.

Joe served as a long-time member of the Rotary Club for 60 years, holding the position of President, and retiring as an honorary Rotarian. Joe was a proud recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

Joe took up sailing and bought himself a Wayfair that he sailed on Georgian Bay for many summers.

In his retirement, he teamed up with his buddies and enjoyed the hobby of beekeeping and couldn’t be prouder when he passed out a precious jar or two of honey to some special friends.

“What we leave behind is not what’s engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”.

Resting at St. James United Church, 24 Mary Street, Parry Sound, where friends will be received on Thursday, March 13th from 12:00 – 1:00 P.M.

Funeral Service will take place at St. James United Church on Thursday, March 13th at 1:00 P.M.

Reception to follow at the Logan Funeral Home, 81 James Street, Parry Sound.

Spring interment Hillcrest Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre, or St. James United Church (donations by cheque or e-transfer to [email protected]) would be appreciated.

Condolences

We rented our very first apartment from Joe…was a great landlord…so sorry for your lost Dale and Lynn and families, He was a great man and very respected person in the community…our sincere condolences

We are so sorry to hear the passing of Uncle Joe. He was a very kind man and lived quite a full life. Lots of fond memories from our childhood at the cottage and when he and Aunt Elvera visited us in Sebringville. He will be sadly yet fondly remembered by everyone. We all see him on the other side someday.
Rest in peace Uncle Joe

We are so sorry for you loss. He sure will be missed by his wife, family and friends. Deb, Mark and Taura, you were by his side when he needed you the most. Sending you our condolences and thoughts. Stu and Sandy

Deb, Mark and Taura, We are so sorry about the loss of your dear dad, father-in-law and grandpa. I really enjoyed reading his obituary and learning more about him. What an amazing man he was and life he had!! Brian and I send you and your entire family our sincere condolences. Thinking of you as you go through this difficult time. xo

A life well lived. A family blessed. Condolences from afar for a hometown hero.

My sincerest condolences to the family. I did not know Mr. Robinson but I am a friend of Debbie's and saddened to hear of her father's passing. My thoughts are with Debbie and the family during this difficult time.

Deb, So sorry to see that you have lost your dad. Like Margie I was so glad to read about him and his very full and beautiful life. A community pillar. He will be greatly missed. Big hugs to you, Mark & Taura

Great friend and fellow firefighter.

I am sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, I hold him in high regard and wish I was in town so that I could honor him with my fellow fire fighters.
Rest easy Joe.

We enjoyed knowing Joe through the Fire Service and have many good memories of time spent with him and Elvera. Our condolences to Elvera and the family.

I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Joe. He will sure be missed and I am so happy we were able to visit with him last summer. I am so very sorry we will be unable to make it to his funeral today. My thoughts and prayers will be with the Robinson family throughout these sad and difficult days.

Elvera, Janice, Jacqui, Joey, Rob and family. I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I was lucky enough to be invited on many trips to the family cottage on Georgian Bay where I had the pleasure of meeting Joe. The first time I went fishing or went boating was with Joe and the family, he even taught me how to filet a fish! I will always remember those times. Joe was a great person and lived a great life! I am thinking of you all in this difficult time.
Zach Green

Dearest Elvera and Family: I am so so saddened to hear of the passing of your dear Joe. Elvera, I know what a loving, kind wife you were, just like you were a friend to Mom. I am so sorry for all the sadness your family has had in these past days. I will hold you close in my thoughts and prayers. I know you’re a strong lady but these are difficult days. Sent with love & friendship, Teresa. (Dunnigan)