John Lewis “Lew” Robinson was born in 1918 in Leamington, Ontario. He completed his BA at the University of Western Ontario in 1940. He went on to study geography earning an MA from Syracuse University (1942) and a PhD from Clark University (1946). At the request of President Norman Mackenzie Robinson came to the University of British Columbia to establish a Geography Division within the Department of Geology. He became chair of the division and, in 1958, established a separate Department of Geography. Robinson served as head of the department until 1968. In addition to his contributions as an administrator, Robinson also remained very active as an academic, particularly in the geography of British Columbia and northern Canada. His extensive publication list includes contributions to both important academic journals and as well as more popular publications such as magazines and encyclopedias. His textbooks, particularly the Geography of Canada, were used in university and secondary schools throughout the country. Throughout his career, Robinson earned a reputation as an outstanding teacher. He was able to consistently communicate his enthusiasm for geography to graduate and undergraduate students alike and to groups within the general public through his lectures and writings. In recognition of these contributions UBC awarded him a “Master Teacher Award” in 1977. Following his retirement from UBC in 1984, Robinson remained a very active force at the institution. He played a significant role in organizing services for alumni of the Geography Department and for establishing the Alumni Association’s Professors Emeriti Division, the first organization of its kind in Canada. He was also an avid supporter of UBC sports programs.

In recognition of his significant accomplishments Lew Robinson has received numerous honours and awards. Some of these include the Centennial Medal and the Silver Jubilee Medal from the Government of Canada, the Massey Medal of the Royal Canadian Geographical Service and the Distinguished Teaching Award for Canada of the National Council for Geographic Education. He has also received honorary degrees from the University of Western Ontario (1984) and the University of British Columbia
(1994).

(Above text from J. Lewis Robinson fonds – UBC Library)

To learn more about Lew’s life and legacy see his In Memoriam from the Geography Alumni Geogramme newsletter and his obituary.