Don Robbie 2012

Don Robbie is what we affectionately call “a lifer”, most of his adult life he has worked in the field of education at Okanagan College. He was hired to teach in the Adult Special Education Department in September of 1984. At the point when he submitted his retirement letter he was second on a very long seniority list. It isn’t the same as a life sentence though. Don and I have talked often, over the years, about how much we value this work and how lucky we have been to work in this institution with such good students and colleagues. Don is one of those good colleagues. The ASE Department and Okanagan College have been very fortunate to have had him for these 28 years.

Don has taught a wide variety of courses throughout his career. He taught PACE (Preparing for Access to Careers and Education) our work experience program, Basic Academics Literacy and Math, creative writing and many life skills courses such as cooking, banking and budgeting and driver’s training. We’re generalists in ASE and Don approached new courses with interest and enthusiasm. He made teaching students with special needs a vocation rather than a job. His commitment to his students was apparent in all aspects of his work. As Department Chair I have had several opportunities to observe Don in the classroom and to meet and talk with his students. I have always been impressed by his calm, gentle, humorous manner. He consistently treated his students as though they were intelligent, capable adults with something important to bring to the class. He had very high expectations. He was demanding and very clear that he expected his students to rise to their best. It takes a special talent as a teacher to make this work and the way Don’s students responded made it clear that it did work.

In our department we work primarily with students who have cognitive disabilities. Don was the leader in opening our offerings to the community of students who have psychiatric disabilities. He developed course outlines and worked closely with the department and the community to find the best way to meet the needs of this very complex group. Years ago, he developed a course with this population in mind called Effective Interpersonal Techniques. The course covered Assertiveness Skills, Communication Skills, Stress Management, Anger Management, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution and Study Skills. The material was so effective that portions of this course are now found in the PACE Program in the course called Workplace Interpersonal Skills, in our Human Relations course, in the exit transition course Employment Connections and in the Access and Support course that supports our students in the inclusive education program called the SAME program (Supported Access to modified Education).

Don also formed a very effective, long term relationship with the school district in Vernon and the Canadian Mental Health Association that allowed him to offer a cooking course for students with psychiatric disabilities. Don and his students used a cooking lab in the high school. CMHA funded the supplies, and two evenings a week he met with his students to cook and learn about nutrition and safety in the kitchen and to eat and socialize together. The course was practical, entertaining and comforting, providing his students with an enjoyable success experience on their path to health.

It is the practice in our department to share material we have developed. Don has always been ready and willing to share his work and expertise. We have received many novel studies, writing lessons, units and lessons for the PACE program, as well as descriptions of process for offering courses such as Cooking and Safety and Driver’s training.

At the Vernon Campus Don served for several years as a first aide attendant. It was important to him that people be looked after.

In his quiet, self-assured way Don has been a champion for students, for instructors and for Okanagan College. We wish him all the best in retirement with many years to enjoy his grandchildren and the woods and streams of BC. He will be greatly missed. It feels like the end of an era.