Obituary of Robin Banks

It is with great sadness that the family of Robin Banks announces his peaceful passing at Freeport Hospital, Kitchener on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 after a battle with cancer, aged 78 years. Beloved husband of Marjorie for 54 years. Loving father of his daughter, Katharine and her husband Greg Murdoch and his son, Peter and his wife Jennifer. Robin was a proud and adoring granddad of Robert and Grace Murdoch. Dear brother of John Banks. Predeceased by his older brother, Richard. He will be greatly missed by his sister-in-laws, Bonnee McBride (John McBride, deceased) and Rosemary Banks and his nieces and nephews Lisa Hoadley (Steve), Kevin Dale (Gail Edwards), David Banks (Isabel), Megan Banks and Judy Banks. Adored cousin of Nancy McPhee and her family. Robin was born at home in the Rectory at Erindale, Ontario to Reverend George and Grace Banks. He arrived just after tea time! He attended Erindale Public school and reluctantly left for Ridley College School at age 11. As a boy, he was interested in bikes and milk trucks. At Ridley he blossomed through his participation in many sports and activities, winning the Mason Gold Medal during his last year. Upon graduation, he was faced with the decision of becoming a truck driver or continuing his education. He attended the University of Toronto, eventually earning a Ph.D. in Psychology. He was appointed as a lecturer in Psychology at University of Waterloo in 1962 where he was promoted to Professor, Chairman of the Psychology Department, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Associate Provost of Academic Affairs. After a rich and distinguished career he retired in 1996. Being of use to others was always important to Robin so it was natural that he became involved in Restorative Justice at Community Justice Initiatives, Governance at St. Mary's Hospital, the University of Waterloo Retirees Association and Hospice. Robin enjoyed everything that life had to offer. Always an athlete, he learned and excelled in sports such as skiing, sailing and tennis. Robin was an active member of the Waterloo Tennis Club and the Jekyll Island Tennis Club in his beloved winter home, Jekyll Island, Georgia. His greatest passion was his family. Robin was proud of his family and we benefitted from his unconditional love, support and gentle guidance. Robin's family wishes to thank the many family members and friends who visited him in the hospital and supported his wife and children during the past six months. We would also like to thank Dr. Kelly and Dr. Schwarz as well as the outstanding nursing staff at Freeport hospital who took such wonderful care of him! Friends are invited to share their memories of Robin with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 3-6 pm. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home, on Sunday, March 24 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow. Cremation will have taken place and interment in Erindale Cemetery will be completed at a later date. In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the University of Waterloo Undergraduate Scholarship Fund may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.