This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Glenn Robbins, who passed away on February 24, 2014 at the age of 67. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Glenn was an exceptional man in many ways. He was a man of few words, yet had the best (and driest) sense of humour around! Glenn had a variety of interests, and was equally passionate about them all.
Glenn's family was really important to him and he worked hard at being a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.
A combination of natural ability and hard work resulted in Glenn excelling in whatever he undertook. He loved music of all kinds and learned to play several instruments, including the guitar, banjo, autoharp, trumpet and harmonica. He also had a beautiful singing voice, but was a very reluctant performer.
He was a natural athlete. He loved to play tennis, basketball and baseball. Glenn also liked more solitary activities like swimming and biking. Even with his natural athleticism, he still managed to break multiple bones over the years!
Glenn loved the ocean and learned to sail when he was a young adult. He even built and sailed his own boats off the California coast. He remained passionate about sailing, even while living in the middle of the prairies.
Glenn was a master carpenter and a perfectionist in every project he completed. He built several homes from the ground up and did countless renovations.
Glenn was good with animals and had a number of pets over the years, starting with a desert turtle that wandered into their yard when he was a boy. Many years later, he honored its memory with an extensive turtle collection When he lived in the country, he raised sheep and always had a dog and numerous cats .
Glenn was predeceased by his father, Fred Robbins, who passed away in 1985. He is survived by his mother, Lois Robbins; his sister, Leslie and husband Jack Huber and their two daughters, Emily and Katie; his wife, Susan (Asplund); his son Gregg and wife, Jennifer (Lund), and their daughter Gabrielle; his daughter Leah and husband Ryan Schreiber.
On Susan's side of the family, Glenn is predeceased by Susan's parents, Leah and Wendle Asplund, and her brother Peter. He is survived by the following members of Susan's immediate family: Jim; Allan and wife Diane; Peter's wife Shirley; Wendy and husband Darrel Campbell; Linda and husband Randy Mayne; Pat and wife, Shirley; Lauretta and husband Tom Olsen; Joe and wife Deb; Jaye and wife; Annette; Mark and wife Kenna; Anita and husband Lake Duncan; Lisa and husband Don Takaguchi; and Shirley Asplund. Glenn also had numerous nieces and nephews on Susan's side of the family.
Tributes
Leave a tributeToday is Glenn's 67 heavenly bday. You are all missing him dearly. As I read through all the wonderful tributes- it reminds us of the -full of life person he was. So talented in many ways. He is missed by many. Hugs
Peg XXOO
This is a lovely tribute to Glenn. I am so sorry for your loss, and hope your memories will bring you comfort and peace through this difficult time. Glenn was a dear friend of my mom's (Leigh), and I always enjoyed going into the store and seeing him leaning over the counter smiling. He is so kind, and I am grateful to have known him. Mom always speaks so highly of him. You are all in the thoughts and prayers of our family.
Lyndsey Olsen
We are so sorry to hear about your great loss. We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Dave and I will always remember the great suppers, fun and friendship we shared together.
Berni and Dave
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Glenn was a wonderful, caring man and we are so grateful for his friendship as well as our coffee times we shared together. We will forever miss those times. Neighbors are people you can turn to at any time... please know we are their for you Susan.
Edward and Anne Erickson
I have fond memories of many years ago (40+) of sitting around various living rooms in Lethbridge with Glenn on his banjo and others playing their own instruments and Glenn singing John Sebastian's song "I'm just a daydreaming boy." 35 years ago, I remember going to Iron River to visit Susan and Glenn who were expecting their first child. Glenn was raising sheep and I still have photos of Glenn and Susan holding the young lambs. Glenn seemed to be able to do whatever he put his mind to: building houses, making furniture, baking bread from scratch and even making his own shirts. He seemed to be always following his own path in life -- he always seemed to know how to live a simple life, but one rich in meaning.
It is with great sadness we write on this site. We are so sorry to hear of Glenn's passing but know he is in a better place now. Glenn was a uniquely, special person to us. As a employee at the mill we was always reliable and prompt taking his responsibilities seriously. His work as canter or sawyer was as preciously and careful done as his carpentry. The finished product mattered. At the coffee shack the men reminisced about how easily he was able to step over the logs when others struggle to climb over. He is remembered for consistently bringing peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and somehow fitting his large frame into the smallest trucks. He was a good worker and was missed when he could no longer do the job.
As a personal friend to Tom and I we remember a person who was always there with a serious face but a mischievous smile. You knew he was either thinking about something profound or wryly witty!
My visit at your home in Nobleford made me even more aware of the carpenter's skills Glenn had and of course the creativity you lent to the home, Susan. So much was done often with so little to make a wonderful home. Glenn was truly a master carpenter!
It is with sadness that we heard of Glenn's failing health earlier in the year but hoped that he would pull though and would once again be the Glenn we knew.
Know that our hearts are heavy for you. Wish we were closer so we could help you through this time but know that you are surrounded by people who love you.
Hugs and prayers,
Tom and Helen
David & Sonia.
-Dave and Elaine
Thank you for making this wonderful page about him. It's been really nice to learn more about him and see how he's touched other people's lives too. I miss you Glenn. I hope to see you again.
I will always cherish the memory of my visit to Iron River . Glen was so smart, kind,genuine and gracious (just like you). He didn't need to say much. We are so blessed to have such people in our lives. My sympathies to you and the "kids" and Loretta and Jim and all your families. I think Jane Sibery said "This believing in something is such a hard way to go....but then you would have missed the beauty of the light upon this earth and the sweetness of the leaving" (Calling All Angels).
We are so sorry to hear of Glenn's passing. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Memories are golden. Thinking of you during this difficult time and always.
Rose and Frank Kurek
Ryan and Jen Kurek.
I am so happy I visited Nobleford a few times and got to see the gorgeous work Auntie Susan and Uncle Glenn did to their home there...and not to mention the Milne's street home in Nobleford... WOW... As I was in total awe of the Work and craftsmanship that was done with you all as a family. It was perfect. It was so special to see the photo book of the progression.. and I hope you cherish the memory of working on that place together forever.
The last time I saw Uncle Glenn he was not feeling very well; but still amazingly pleasant and smiling and even took the time to ask about me... It really goes to show what a kind, selfless spirit he has.
Rest in Peace!
Leave a Tribute
I was saddened to learn of Glenn's passing. My condolences to Susan,
Gregg and Leah and their families. May you take comfort in many wonderful memories. I recall visiting Glenn and Susan in Bonnyville and many times at Asplund get-togethers. I will remember Glenn as a quiet man with a great sense of humour. I read about his life with interest, he was a man of many talents. I had no idea of his musical abilities. Gregg, you have done a great job of the memorial site details and photo gallery. Whenever a family member or a friend passes, the adage, "You can never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." comes to mind. Take care and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Fantastic wood working expert!!
I had an antique china cabinet and Glenn was kind enough to re-do the top of it. The wood working skills Glenn had were the BEST . He took extra care at all the jobs he did. I have had the pleasure of being friends with him for at least 30 years. Rest in Peace Glenn - your off sense of humour will be sadly missed.