Obituary of Shane Robinson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lieutenant-Commander (Retired) Charles Gerrard “Shane” Robinson on Thursday, 11 July 2024, at Bobby’s Hospice, in Saint John, NB. Shane was born in Saint John, on 26 February 1955, to the late Charles Elmer and Bernadine (Berne) Robinson.

Shane graduated from St. Malachy’s High School in 1972 and the University of New Brunswick in 1984, achieving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Immediately after high school he joined the Naval Reserve at HMCS Brunswicker, where he would make many life-long friends. Shane began his career as a Supply Technician. From August of 1974 to February of 1975, he served on a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Middle East. In 1985, he was promoted to the highest non-commissioned rank in the Royal Canadian Navy, that of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class, and in 1992 he was appointed as HMCS Brunswicker’s Coxswain. In 1996, he took his commission as a Logistics Officer and ultimately was appointed as the Commanding Officer of HMCS Brunswicker, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. During his 4-year tenure as CO, Shane served as the Aide de Camp for three of New Brunswick’s Lieutenant Governors. Following his retirement from the Naval Reserve, Shane served on the Board of Governors for the Corps of Commissionaires of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Shane will be dearly missed by his wife of 37 years, Katherine (Chalmers) Robinson. Kathy and Shane married privately in Fredericton, in 1987. They built their home in Chapel Hill 20 years ago.  Their door was always open to friends - particularly on Rum and Spaghetti Friday nights celebrating the conclusion of the week. They could always be found attending Saint John Flames (and Sea Dogs) games as season ticket holders. Kathy and Shane lived quietly, their love shared with family and friends, and with their many four-legged companions.

A very special thanks goes to dear friends Sue and Greg Carr; Lieutenant(N), the Rev. Canon Greg McMullin; Patti and Andy Creelman; and, Paul and Rena Smith who all steadfastly supported Shane and Kathy in recent years.  

Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3, 506-634-1701. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Reception will follow, from 2 to 4 pm, at HMCS BRUNSWICKER. A Royal Canadian Legion Naval Tribute Service will be held at 2:30 PM at HMCS Brunswicker.  In lieu of flowers donations in Shane’s memory can be made to Bobby's Hospice.