Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

The Royal Alexandra Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation are mourning the passing of longtime hospital benefactor and dedicated Patron William K. “Bill” Robbins of Houston, Texas. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jo Robbins, who were ardent supporters of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for 25 years.

Bill cherished and respected the Royal Alexandra Hospital and had a deep commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare. His generous philanthropy over the years resulted in the naming of the Robbins Pavilion, home to the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and CK Hui Heart Centre, as well as the Robbins Learning Centre and Lecture Theatre and the Robbins Chapel, Walkway of Hope, and Belltower.

Bill’s support for the Alex began with its operating suites but extended to every corner of the Royal Alexandra Hospital campus, including its centres of excellence Lois Hole Hospital for Women, CK Hui Heart Centre, Eye Institute of Alberta, and Orthopedic Surgery Centre. Through their foundation, The Robbins Foundation Canada, Bill and Mary Jo were sponsors of Speaking of Health, one of Alberta's longest-running public healthcare lecture series.

Bill was especially proud of the accomplishments of the CK Hui Heart Centre and was delighted to Co-Chair the capital campaign for this new and innovative space alongside the Honourable Anne McLellan. Endowed funds in Cardiology and Women’s Health by Bill and Mary Jo have provided a platform for innovation and catalyzed opportunities for advanced learning.  

Bill and Mary Jo, who reside in Houston, Texas, visited the Royal Alexandra Hospital regularly and enjoyed meeting with administrative leadership, healthcare staff, and physicians whenever possible. These visits were special times, especially, for the board of directors and the staff of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.

“The world seems smaller and less vibrant without Bill Robbins in it,” said RAH Foundation President and CEO Sharlene Rutherford. 

“We mourn his passing, but we honour his life of service and the deep and abiding faith that guided and inspired him. The impact of his philanthropy at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and in the wider community of Edmonton is nothing short of transformational. What an honour and privilege to have known this visionary and inspiring man whom we called our Patron and our friend.”

To read the official obituary of William K. (Bill) Robbins, please visit www.forestparklawndalefh.com

Please note that the funeral will occur on Friday, April 21at, at 10:00 am MST (11:00 am CDT) at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Road, Houston, Texas 77024, with a reception following. 

To join this service virtually, you can do so on Friday at 10:00 a.m. MST at either of the links below:

https://tallowood.org/watch

https://www.facebook.com/ForestParkLawndale