It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of Robbie Blinkhorn after a sudden but serious illness. Robbie passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 26, 2025. He was a devoted father, proud grandfather, loving son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and a loyal friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debbie (Brown), whom he loved deeply and carried in his heart every day. He was also preceded by his father Kevin, brother Bernard, father-in-law George, mother-in-law Betty, and grandparents David and Olive Bailey.
Robbie is survived by his children Trevor and Travis (Megan), and his grandchildren Liliana, Priya, Miles, Adeline, and Claire, whom he absolutely adored. He is also survived by his mother Marie; siblings Kevin (Elizabeth), Ann Marie (Kate), and Wendy (Brian); sisters-in-law Nona and Julie; nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Robbie—Bettyrae, Jorja, Dovi, Tyler, Kyle, Kimberley, Jaylee, Bryson, Jason, Cody, Jillian, and Courtney; and honorary daughters-in-law Mandy and Carrie. Robbie had a special bond with his large extended family, the Brown Clan, from Atlantic Street and beyond, whom he loved dearly.
Robbie had a deep passion for hockey and was a dedicated coach who impacted countless lives through the sport he loved. He had probably coached over 1,000 kids on the Northside throughout the years. He played Triple A hockey in the 1980s with the Cape Breton Trailblazers and competed in tournaments throughout the Maritimes. He was also a champion horseshoe player and a proud member of the Rovers Horseshoe Club, which his father founded and ran for many years when Robbie was a teenager. Robbie was the youngest player to ever win the Provincial Men’s Championship when he was just 14 years old.
More recently, Robbie took up fly fishing and enjoyed travelling throughout Cape Breton, including the Margaree River, North River, Baddeck River, Whycocomagh Bay, and the Bras d’Or Lakes, always searching for the best pool. Robbie and Debbie loved to camp, and it all began with a beautiful lot of land on the Baddeck River when the boys were small. He was also an avid hunter and enjoyed many trips with his sons and grandchildren. These trips often resulted in funny stories and cherished memories.
Thank you to the staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the Cancer Centre, and his family physician, Dr. Peter Poulos, for their care and support during the last couple of months. A deep thank you as well to Nurse Carrie, who lovingly gave special care to Robbie in his final hours.
Robbie’s guidance, encouragement, and commitment to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the lessons he taught, and the lives he touched both on and off the ice. Robbie and Debbie are together again, and their spirits will fly over Cape Breton often as they keep a watchful eye over Trevor, Lilliana, Priya, Travis, Megan, Miles, Adeline, and all those they loved.
There will be a Celebration of Robbie’s Life held Tuesday, December 30 (visitation 3–5 p.m.) at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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