Obituary of Russel John Robertson

Russel John Robertson has sadly left this earth Monday, October 1, 2018. He was deeply loved and as a family we are experiencing a pain in our hearts that will never be completely healed until we see him again in Heaven. He was 74 years old, born on Saturday, March 11, 1944. He grew up in Ice Lake, Ontario, helping with the family farm alongside his five brothers and sisters and attended a one room school house. He married Dianne on June 1, 1963 and by the age of 26 had 4 children he was responsible for. He worked for INCO as a Stationary Engineer most of his career and retired from there in 2005. After what probably seemed like many years, his children eventually grew up and launched out on their own, only to return with spouses and a total of 10 grandchildren. The years have been full of many happy times, including the birth of two great grandbabies Aubree and Daxton. Russ enjoyed the outdoors, particularly fishing and camping. He loved playing games like Crokinole, Cribbage and Euchre which children and grandchildren loved to try to beat him at. He looked forward to cheering on the Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also took satisfaction in watching his Canadian Tire money grow…it was one of his favorite gifts he often received in a birthday card. Russ was an ordinary guy doing ordinary things each and every day of his life but he somehow made ‘being ordinary’ into something very special. He loved God, his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren unconditionally and somehow made each and every one of us feel important and cared about. He quietly served in so many ways, helping out where he could for family and friends alike. Day or night he would come to the rescue for someone needing something fixed, never complaining or wanting any credit, only wanting to help. Russel held on as long as could and tried to be there for all of us as best he could even though he struggled physically the last couple of years. His last conversations were of making sure we were all going to be okay. Saying goodbye was very difficult for him and us alike, but his strong faith reassured us all that it wasn’t really goodbye but ‘so long’ until we all see each other again. Russ leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Dianne and their children, Tammy (Steve) Robinson, John (Carol) Robertson, Tracy (Glen) Fournier, Mark Robertson, and Kyleen Robertson (Matt Elgie). He is survived by brothers Roy (Mary Anne) Robertson, Les (Ellen) Robertson, and his sister Cathy Robertson. He is also survived by grandchildren Zachary (Jen), Alisha, Taylor (Ken), Jacob, Cassy, Chelsea, Kyler, Brandon, and Abby as well as great-grandchildren Aubree and Daxton and brother-in-law Bill Hayden as well as many inlaws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Russ is predeceased by his parents John and Elizabeth (Pickard) Robertson, brother Bobby and sister Lyla in infancy, and sisters Eva Hayden and Zelda (Paul) Sanders Visitation will be held at the SIMPSON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday October 4, 2018, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, where the funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 am. Interment Gordon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Little Current Hospital Auxillary, Gore Bay Medical Centre c/o The Rotary Club or Strawberry Point Christian Camp and may be made through www.simpsonfuneralhome.ca