Robinson moved back to Toronto in the mid-1980s, both to pursue his long-time girlfriend, Lorin Medley, who was trying to break up with him and to take advantage of the hot construction market. He and Medley each had a measure of success. Robinson had his most productive years as a tradesman but found himself single again.
One evening at the Suddons’ home, Robinson was introduced to Elizabeth Valleau. They spent the evening talking about their shared interest in books, especially those of Henry James. In Robinson’s words, “… I had pretty well written off women and then, out of left field, I met the love of my life. She was English, worked as executive secretary for the Ontario NDP, loved to read, loved music, was an accomplished cook, and entirely wonderful. We had a truly great romance and I asked her to marry me. We had the best wedding I’ve ever been to.”
Comox Valley AgainIn 1991, they moved to the Comox Valley. Robinson continued to work steadily in construction.
Robinson was also active in the community. He volunteered for many years at the Comox Valley Art Gallery and was a prominent member of the local provincial NDP association. Robinson was president for a term and worked hard for former MLA Evelyn Gillespie's campaign. Brad was also very involved as an Area B Residents Association board member.
By 1997, however, work had slowed to a trickle. He was not writing, and the drink was having a serious impact on his marriage and friendships. Robinson and Valleau soon divorced.
Robinson decided to make some changes, and began to seriously consider a move to Thailand. He had visited a few times before, and may have been inspired by Maugham to take a chance on the East. Teaching seemed a likely way to make a living, and in 1999 he completed a certificate program in teaching English as a second language. In 2002, at age 60, Mr. Robinson arrived in Bangkok to begin a new chapter.
ThailandOver the next six years Robinson taught English at three schools, a Catholic school at Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in northeast Thailand and two schools in Prachaup Khiri Khan on the Gulf of Thailand. From letters, emails and conversations with friends, it is clear that Robinson had great respect for the culture and everyday people of the country. He often noted the many kindnesses he received, and empathized with the difficult life that most Thais faced. Robinson met Phonthip Prachaup, who became his close companion for much of his time in Thailand. She helped him navigate the complexities of Thai life and provided emotional support that Robinson greatly appreciated.
There were periods of frustration in Thailand, especially with the country’s politics and educational system. Basic resources like chalk were scarce, and the school curricula seemed irrelevant. When he discovered that one school had no idea what he was actually doing in the classroom, Robinson simply dropped the assigned material and taught using the literature he loved. “The first two years were both the toughest and happiest,” he wrote a friend. “I had to learn how to perform in a classroom and that kept my interest keen. I loved going to work each day. The kids were a joy to work with - they were the only thing that kept me going.”
Robinson will perhaps be best remembered for his entertaining monologues and conversations. He was often engaging, insightful and hysterically funny. There were sharp-tongued exchanges, too, stropped at times by excessive drink that led, unfortunately, to long-standing estrangements from friends and associates.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, and after surgery in Thailand, journeyed to Canada for follow-up treatment. He returned to Thailand in August 2008, but a year later the cancer reappeared. He made his last voyage out of Siam, and back home to die, in October 2009.