Canandaigua, NY – Surrounded by his loving family, Tane Ray Robinson passed away peacefully at home on June 2, 2025. He was 47 years young.

Tane was born in New Zealand and named for the Maori god of the forest and the birds. He grew up in Naples, New York with his parents and sisters, Amy and Sally, and embraced curiosity and adventure.

Tane’s positive impact was incredibly far-reaching. He was a connector at heart and maintained meaningful relationships with people from all areas of his life. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Alfred University, where he played rugby and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. While in college he worked at Camp Onseyawa and the Rotary Sunshine Camp, creating memorable summer experiences for children with disabilities. In more recent years, Tane brightened the lives of others as part of the tennis community, Heart & Seoul Camp, and Camp Mujigae. He touched countless lives in the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District through his work as a counselor, dean of students and coach. He cared deeply for people, listened closely, refrained from judgement and always assumed positive intent.

Seeing the good in everyone, Tane approached his professional work with compassion and care. He was an incredible listener, and each day he focused on developing deep and trusting relationships with kids, families and teammates in the Pal-Mac school community. An outspoken and relentless advocate for children, Tane focused on ensuring equity for all. He had an innate ability to see all sides in any conflict or disagreement, and he could diffuse a tense situation through logic, reason and reassurance. He also shared his knowledge and insights as a mentor to other school counselors in the greater Rochester area. In all the roles he held, he was committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.

After school, you could often find Tane on the tennis court either playing or coaching the game he loved with Pal-Mac students as well as his own children. He got to know each athlete as a person, celebrated their uniqueness, taught them how to strengthen their skills, and mentored them in all aspects of life. While not his primary motive, Tane’s tennis teams achieved remarkable success, winning 15 league titles and 6 sectional titles while compiling 343 wins. He found immense fulfillment in serving others through his work, and he truly loved the Pal-Mac school community.

Tane understood the power of relationships with family and friends. He enjoyed meeting up with friends to play basketball, swim, or cheer on his favorite team. Go Bills! He would read and share the latest dystopian novels, make new friends through online gaming, and dominate his fantasy football league on an annual basis. He will forever be remembered as a true fantasy football legend. He was also beloved by his nieces and nephews for always being ready with a thoughtful gift (or dad joke) that he knew would bring them joy. Whether it was planning trips to visit his siblings and dear friends, organizing the annual family gathering on the Cape, or orchestrating elaborate tailgating adventures in Orchard Park, Tane found joy in spending time with the people he loved. He celebrated their accomplishments and always appreciated their insight and unwavering support.

Tane met Kristin, the love of his life, when they both worked at Sunshine Camp. They married in 2003 on the shores of Canandaigua Lake in one of Western New York’s most epic weddings. Their relationship was grounded in love, mutual admiration and care, and it will continue to be an example of partnership and devotion for all who have known them.

Spending time with Kristin, Mitchell, and Hanna was incredibly important to Tane. From traveling together to being at home, he cherished his time with them. He loved playing games, going to camps together, and cheering on and supporting his children at volleyball games, concerts, tennis matches, and theater productions. He was so thankful for the 2023 family trip to South Korea to meet Hanna and Mitchell’s foster parents and connect with their Korean roots.

Above all, Tane was the most proud of being Mitchell and Hanna’s dad. His family brought him so much joy and he deeply, deeply loved them.

Tane was a loyal, loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was predeceased by his mother, Janice Robinson (Mueller). Tane is survived by his wife, Kristin; their children, Mitchell and Hanna; father and bonus mother, Dan and Karen Robinson; sister, Amy, her husband, Brendan (also a dear friend since high school) Harrington, and their daughter Macy; sister, Sally Cluchey, her husband Jeremy, and their children Rose and Fred; and many beloved family members and close, wonderful friends who miss him so much.

A Celebration of Life is planned for July 12 at King’s Catering, 4031 Routes 5&20, Canandaigua from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the “Tane Robinson Memorial Fund #2424”, established to support his children’s education. Donations can be sent to Canandaigua National Bank, 72 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424.

Tane spread so much kindness in the world and we will continue to honor him as we show compassion and love each day.