“Citizens generally will learn with regret of
the untimely death late Saturday afternoon of Lieut. George Victor Robinson,
only son of George W. and Mrs. Robinson, Ravenscliffe avenue, and to the
sorrowing parents, a deep and sincere sympathy will be extended.”
Hamilton Spectator. October 21, 1918.
In the Monday morning
edition of the Hamilton Spectator, October 21, 1918, the news of the Spanish
Influenza epidemic’s effects in Hamilton made for grim reading.
Acknowledging that it was
believed that the epidemic had not reach its crest, the numbers of Hamiltonians
afflicted by the scourge over the weekend were dreadful. Eighty new cases and
12 deaths was the toll since Saturday, and Board of Health officials were confident that not every case had been reported to them.
The effects of the epidemic
were not confined to any section of the city, nor to any economic class. Being a
member of rich family, and living in one of the city’s greatest mansions, did
not prevent the contracting of the disease.
Lieutenant Victor Robinson
was on leave from his duties and visiting his parents at the luxury family
home, Ravenscliffe. He started to show signs of being affected by influenza,
and his condition deteriorated rapidly dying that very day:
“Of a particularly lovable
and unassuming disposition, which had endeared him to a host of warm friends, Victor
Robinson’s passing removes from the young life of the city one who was at the
very threshold of a career of exceptional promise. On his entering the
department store of which his father is the head, his association with the
management of the business soon proved that he was possessed of the qualities
that makes for business success, and it is certain that he would, had he been
spared, follow in the family traditions by attaining prominence in the
mercantile world.
“Lieut. Robinson was born in
Galt 23 years ago, but the greater part of his life had been spent in this
city. He was educated at Highfield school, afterwards entering the employ of
the G. W. Robinson company and becoming associated with the management of the
business.
“About two and a half years
ago, he became attached to the A.S.C. He had been at Petawawa with his corps
and obtained four days’ leave to visit his parents prior to proceeding to
Kingston in connection with his military duties. It was while at home on his
leave that he contracted Spanish influenza, which rapidly developed into
pneumonia, terminating fatally on Saturday.1
1 “Lieut.
G. V. Robinson Called By Death : Influenza Cut Off Another Fine Life : Young Officer Home On Leave When Stricken”
Hamilton Spectator. October 21, 1918.
Victor Robinson had attended
the private school for boys, Highfield, located just a few blocks from
Ravenscliffe. The headmaster at Highfield, J. H. Collison provided the
following tribute to the young man who had attended his school, and who had just
died at far too young an age: “Victor
Robinson was at Highfield for six years and was the contemporary of many who
have given their service, and their lives, for the empire. Like all the others,
he was imbued with the spirit of patriotism which surged within him from the very
beginning of the war. From the first, he longed to do his part, and he was not
happy until he was wearing the khaki. His disappointment at being refused for
overseas service was intense, and when he had to relinquish his duties for a
time to take a necessary rest, he expressed envy for those who were privileged
to make the great sacrifice at the front. His spirit was as true and his
service as complete as though he had died on the field of battle. He did his
duty nobly to the every end, and was worthy to join the gallant throng of brave
souls who have saved a world from wrong.”1
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