Canon Tom Robinson

Canon Tom Robinson, 72, a key figure in the Anglican Church of Canada’s evangelical movement, died of cancer in October in Saint John, N.B.

Mr. Robinson’s ministry extended more than 40 years, in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and England. He helped to found both Barnabas Ministries and the Essentials movement.

In June, at an Essentials conference outside Vancouver, organizers started a scholarship in Mr. and Mrs. Robinson’s name. Although ailing, Mr. Robinson attended the conference and was an active participant.

Mr. Robinson earned a reputation as a “preacher’s preacher,” and organized conferences which attracted hundreds of people from across the Maritimes. He also started a ministry to poor children and a prayer breakfast for doctors. Bishop William Hockin of the diocese of Fredericton said his ministry “had a profound effect.”