Robin Smith 1948-1994

Robin was born in Edmonton, Alberta on June 17, 1948. He graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School in Edmonton, and obtained a B.Sc. from the University of Alberta, and a B.L.A. from the University of Guelph, Ontario. He married Evelyn Loewen in 1973, and they had two children, a daughter Amanda, and a son Adrian. Robin passed away on December 18, 1994 after a courageous battle with cancer.

The highlights of his working career began in July 1986 with his employment at Meewasin Valley Authority. While there, he initiated and implemented many projects which reflected his philosophy of 'Design with Nature'. He was a dedicated conservationist, and was involved in many related committees and organizations. His designs and developments have enhanced the quality of life in Saskatoon. Many have viewed his gardens of abundant perennials, wildflowers, and native trees and shrubs. Robin was an eternal optimist who lit up everyone's life with his 'treemendous' enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and humour.

Excerpted from Robin's obituary - Star Phoenix - December 22, 1994

Robin was elected to the Board of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society in 1990 and served as its president in 1991 and 1992. Robin had designs drawn up for the gardens at the Forestry Farm and was in preliminary negotiations for the gardens when he became terminally ill with cancer. In a 1996 article in The Saskatchewan Gardener Grace Berg stated 'Robin's untimely death left us with a plan and a dream which will soon reach fruition. Robin loved to push the limits of plant hardiness, and we will follow his courageous example and experiment with new ferns, ornamental grasses, perennial geranium, and lesser-known cultivars'.

Robin contributed to the Saskatchewan Perennial Society Newsletter. One such article is Naturalizing Your Landscape.

The Robin Smith Meditation Garden was officially opened on July 18, 1998.