Red Robinson, legendary Vancouver radio personality, passes away at 86

Legendary Vancouver radio personality Red Robinson passed away Saturday morning after a brief illness, according to his family.

Robinson began his career as a teenage DJ in 1954 before adding advertising and TV work to his resume.

For many Vancouver listeners, he wasn’t just a part of radio history, he defined it.  He famously introduced Elvis Presley and The Beatles on Vancouver stages. Robinson enjoyed a remarkable six-decade run in broadcasting.

“I started in 1954 in November and I’m going, what a fantastic ride I’ve had, unbelievable! I’ve met everybody I wanted to meet, from Nat King Cole to Elvis, from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, you name it. But I miss people most of all.”

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Robinson said he was just grateful to be part of his listeners’ lives.

“That’s what you always strive for, doing nice things to people, working your craft whatever it is, and making good product and that’s what I work for.”

He would continue to be on the air until he hung up his microphone for good in 2017.  The last song he played, as chosen by his wife Carole, was “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.  And he did.

Robinson’s daughters Kellie and Sherrie Robinson shared the news of his passing Saturday evening on his Facebook page.

“Most people knew our Dad as a rock’n’roll DJ, a TV personality, an ad agency owner, a spokesperson, or through his philanthropic work. He was larger-than-life in a lot of ways, but to us he was a devoted father and grandfather, a loving husband to our late mom Carole, and a loyal friend to everybody.”

They said a celebration of his life will be announced soon.

Red Robinson was 86 years old.