Dr Anthony “Hugh” Robinson, 1947–2026

Dr Anthony “Hugh” Robinson was born in Saltash, Cornwall, England, to Tony and Joan Robinson. He attended Sherborne School in Dorset and, as a young man, developed a lifelong love of sailing, working as a sailing instructor in Saltash.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Hugh pursued a career in medicine, qualifying from Middlesex Hospital Medical School in London in 1972. That same year, he immigrated to Canada and began working as a family physician in Vancouver.

Hugh met his wife, Caroline, in 1975, and they married in 1976. Their daughter, Claire, was born in 1978, followed by their son, Jamie, in 1980.

Hugh worked as a full-service family physician until retiring from his practice in 2013. He cared deeply for his patients and practised medicine in the truest sense of “cradle to grave”—from delivering babies to caring for the elderly, including his work as medical coordinator at St. Jude’s Anglican Home in Vancouver.

Hugh lived life to the fullest. He was an avid skier and sailor and later became a passionate road cyclist, completing numerous races and Gran Fondos, including the Maratona dles Dolomites in Italy. He also completed three Vic-Maui Yacht Races.

Retirement did little to slow him down. Hugh enjoyed his Probus groups, investment club, and book club, and he especially valued time spent with his many dear friends. He continued to travel and seek out new adventures, including recent family trips to Patagonia, hiking in New Zealand, and travels throughout Europe.

Above all, Hugh was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was immensely proud of his three equally adventurous grandsons, William, Benjamin, and Oliver, and he loved sharing his spirit of adventure with his family. His many friendships also meant the world to him, and he was fortunate to have wonderful friends throughout his life.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Caroline; his children, Claire and Jamie; his grandchildren, William, Benjamin, and Oliver; his brother, Jo, in England; and his nephews, Charles, Miles, and Alexander.

Hugh passed away on 30 July 2026, surrounded by his family, just 11 days after being diagnosed with lung cancer. His loss was sudden and profound, and he will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hugh’s memory to Doctors Without Borders.
—Claire Robinson, MD, CCFP
Vancouver