Coming Together to Remember

Red Robinson wanted to be remembered as a good father and “a contributor”. He will certainly be remembered for those things and for so much more. Fifty-seven years married to his darling Carole who went ahead of him in 2020, and father to three children. Most of us grew up with Red’s voice ever-present on our radio airwaves. He was in our homes, rode with us in our cars, and infused everything he did with wit and enthusiasm. “Red’s Classic Theatre” became a KVOS staple as his television hosting entered our living rooms and introduced us to the best of cinema.

On April 16, Vancouver’s legendary Commodore Ballroom was packed with friends, colleagues, and fans who came to say goodbye and to remember Red Robinson, Vancouver broadcasting icon. The list of attendees and speakers who eulogized him represented virtually every on-air voice in the city for the last fifty years.

Music manager Bruce Allen acknowledged the inspiration and influence that Red had on him in his own journey from Dunbar teen to becoming one of the most powerful people in the music business. As he spoke, Bruce became visibly emotional twice, remembering his close friend.

What really shone through at this gathering was that Red Robinson will be remembered as a terrific human being who always had time for people, who supported charities, and who gave support and inspiration to everyone coming up the ladder in broadcasting. Bluntly, everyone respected him and everyone who met him, well, we all loved him.

Video clips of Red played. Larry Hennessy presented audio of Red’s early shows and snippets of songs that Red had helped to “break”, sometimes by putting a test pressing straight onto the radio airwaves. Gutsy, with sharp instincts, Red Robinson himself was a world class talent and a studied and perfected media craftsman. A video clip of Vancouver musical favourite Jim Byrnes spoke volumes. “We shall not see the likes of him again.”

Or maybe we will. If people were listening in the room – and they were - Red himself appeared ten feet tall on a video screen and had the last word as he spoke of the need for passion and drive. “Whatever your dream”, he said, “pursue that dream.”