Donald Robertson
1931-03-31 2016-05-24
ROBERTSON, DONALD JAMES March 31, 1931 - May 24, 2016
The family of Don Robertson sadly announces his passing on May 24 at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon.
Don was born in Saskatoon. He lived with his mom and dad at the Westside Library which at that time was located on the northwest corner of 20th Street West and Avenue F South. He attended Princess School and Bedford Road Collegiate, where he met his life partner, Maggie Leith, and was a member of the St. Thomas Wesley Boys' Club and the Sons of England. In his early adult years, he was a military Reservist, a member of the 21 Battery RCA.
After completing high school, Don apprenticed as a Printer with the Star Phoenix, a career which spanned 41 years and saw a change from metal type to electronic production. Although Don loved his work, he fully participated in the life of his four children. He was a Cub master, ball and hockey coach for his three boys, and attended sports and ballet events for his daughter. He rarely missed any event his children participated in. An avid sports fan, he instilled in his children a love of team sports and sportsmanlike values.
Don's greatest joy and most lasting contribution to his family was the many family camping trips in Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC and trips to Jackfish Lake with their Uncle Stan and his friend Ed Bodley. He passed on to his children and grandchildren a love of the outdoors and the importance of family. When the kids started to pursue their dreams, Don and Maggie started their own travels. First cross country skiing the hiking trails of Banff that they had enjoyed with their children but also travelling extensively in the UK, US, Europe and South Asia.
When the children were grown, Don and Maggie moved to an acreage. They joined with some of their neighbors to create the Merrill Hills Subdivision. With that complete, they moved into the Valley Road area and started a vegetable market called Robertson Valley Farm which was Don's most satisfying achievement. Robertson Valley Farm was taken over and expanded by Don Jr. and his wife Joan, and it still operates today. Many family events are enjoyed throughout the year not the least of which is a "Robertson Christmas" rarely missed by any family member.
Don was predeceased by his parents Bob and Elizabeth Robertson, his brothers Doug, who was killed in the line of duty in WWII, Bob (Audrey), sisters Beth (Frank) Thompson and Peggy (Tom) Ivision, great-great-grandson, Porter Robertson, sister-in-law Belle Grosy and brother-in-law Stan Leith.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Maggie Robertson and their children Don Robertson Jr. (Joan Merrill); Kevin (Leslie) Robertson; Daryl (Kathy) Robertson; Leslie (Darcy) Sigurdson as well as his grandchildren Claire Robertson, Ian Robertson, Jennifer Robertson (Troy Yamniuk); Mike (Kendra) Robertson; Nick (Sasha) Robertson; Rachel Robertson (Mike Kristoff); Amy Sigurdson and Katie Sigurdson, great-grandchildren Austin and Zak Robertson; Jensen Kristoff, Lila Robertson, great-great-grandchild, Nyxon Robertson. He is survived by special nieces and nephews Lois and Stan Geisbrecht, Doug Robertson, Carol Hyswick, Wendy Bozek, Ritta Ivison, sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Mel Heath and special cousin John (Anne) Coutts and family of Inverness, Scotland.
Throughout his illness Don was lovingly cared for by his wife, Maggie, and his children and grandchildren. They were always there for him as he was for them.
Thanks to Dr. S. Classen, Dr. P Wright and dedicated caregivers at RUH and St. Paul's hospital. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 28 at 1 p.m. at Windsor Chapel, 704 Windsor Street. Those wishing to watch online webcasting please go to www.windsorchapelsaskatoon.com. Arrangements in care of Mourning Glory Funeral Service (306) 978-5200. Cremated remains will be interred at St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Merrill Hills in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Canadian Red Cross, 443 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon S7K 2C1.
The family of Don Robertson sadly announces his passing on May 24 at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon.
Don was born in Saskatoon. He lived with his mom and dad at the Westside Library which at that time was located on the northwest corner of 20th Street West and Avenue F South. He attended Princess School and Bedford Road Collegiate, where he met his life partner, Maggie Leith, and was a member of the St. Thomas Wesley Boys' Club and the Sons of England. In his early adult years, he was a military Reservist, a member of the 21 Battery RCA.
After completing high school, Don apprenticed as a Printer with the Star Phoenix, a career which spanned 41 years and saw a change from metal type to electronic production. Although Don loved his work, he fully participated in the life of his four children. He was a Cub master, ball and hockey coach for his three boys, and attended sports and ballet events for his daughter. He rarely missed any event his children participated in. An avid sports fan, he instilled in his children a love of team sports and sportsmanlike values.
Don's greatest joy and most lasting contribution to his family was the many family camping trips in Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC and trips to Jackfish Lake with their Uncle Stan and his friend Ed Bodley. He passed on to his children and grandchildren a love of the outdoors and the importance of family. When the kids started to pursue their dreams, Don and Maggie started their own travels. First cross country skiing the hiking trails of Banff that they had enjoyed with their children but also travelling extensively in the UK, US, Europe and South Asia.
When the children were grown, Don and Maggie moved to an acreage. They joined with some of their neighbors to create the Merrill Hills Subdivision. With that complete, they moved into the Valley Road area and started a vegetable market called Robertson Valley Farm which was Don's most satisfying achievement. Robertson Valley Farm was taken over and expanded by Don Jr. and his wife Joan, and it still operates today. Many family events are enjoyed throughout the year not the least of which is a "Robertson Christmas" rarely missed by any family member.
Don was predeceased by his parents Bob and Elizabeth Robertson, his brothers Doug, who was killed in the line of duty in WWII, Bob (Audrey), sisters Beth (Frank) Thompson and Peggy (Tom) Ivision, great-great-grandson, Porter Robertson, sister-in-law Belle Grosy and brother-in-law Stan Leith.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Maggie Robertson and their children Don Robertson Jr. (Joan Merrill); Kevin (Leslie) Robertson; Daryl (Kathy) Robertson; Leslie (Darcy) Sigurdson as well as his grandchildren Claire Robertson, Ian Robertson, Jennifer Robertson (Troy Yamniuk); Mike (Kendra) Robertson; Nick (Sasha) Robertson; Rachel Robertson (Mike Kristoff); Amy Sigurdson and Katie Sigurdson, great-grandchildren Austin and Zak Robertson; Jensen Kristoff, Lila Robertson, great-great-grandchild, Nyxon Robertson. He is survived by special nieces and nephews Lois and Stan Geisbrecht, Doug Robertson, Carol Hyswick, Wendy Bozek, Ritta Ivison, sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Mel Heath and special cousin John (Anne) Coutts and family of Inverness, Scotland.
Throughout his illness Don was lovingly cared for by his wife, Maggie, and his children and grandchildren. They were always there for him as he was for them.
Thanks to Dr. S. Classen, Dr. P Wright and dedicated caregivers at RUH and St. Paul's hospital. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 28 at 1 p.m. at Windsor Chapel, 704 Windsor Street. Those wishing to watch online webcasting please go to www.windsorchapelsaskatoon.com. Arrangements in care of Mourning Glory Funeral Service (306) 978-5200. Cremated remains will be interred at St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Merrill Hills in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Canadian Red Cross, 443 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon S7K 2C1.