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Submitted by benoit on Mon, 06/03/2019 - 12:40:PM

Robertson, Major (Retired) John A. “Robbie”, CD

The Black Watch & The Royal Canadian Regiment

John “Robbie” Robertson, CD passed away on May 31, 2019 at 84 years of age in Ottawa. John was born in Toronto on 16 September 1934, the son of RSM James & Audrey Robertson. He was the beloved husband of the late Irene Redpath Robertson (née Young), his best friend for 60 years, and the loving father of Colin Robertson and Gail Robertson and “Boppa” of Zoé, Jessie, Audrey and Greer. He was the brother of the late Gordon Robertson, brother-in-law of the late Patricia & uncle of Glenn & Sandra Robertson of Etobicoke. John served his country for over forty years, 19 as an NCO with the Black Watch and 21 as an officer with The RCR. He was, as stated in a recent military magazine, ‘a first-rate soldier and outstanding officer.’ He was the author of a book about his experiences in the infantry. He graduated from Queen’s University in 1973. After his retirement he volunteered as a guide at the Canadian War Museum and in 2000 was selected Guide of the Year. He also was a guide for many tours of Canadian battlefield sites in Europe. He was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his services to Canada. John was Chaplain and the Master of Ceremonies for the Edinburgh Masonic Lodge. He was on the Board of Directors for the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. He was a raconteur par excellence and known for his unsurpassed renditions of the poetry of Robert Burns and Rudyard Kipling. One indication of his ability to entertain was his being elected “King of the Ship’ at the end of a week-long cruise of the Mediterranean! His infectious sense of humour and sheer enjoyment of life made John a very popular fellow who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Here’s a comment from a letter from one who knew him well: “Robbie: Remember being taught about leadership in the army? We learned that some leaders have that innate natural leadership characteristic while others must be taught. I think the same is true about a man's soldiering potential. Some choose soldiering as a career path, from a host of other occupations while some I believe are natural born soldiers, it’s just in their blood. You, I believe are part of the latter group. You have set the highest example in professional soldiering and have had a positive influence on many. In this I do not intend to flatter but just stats what I believe to be a fact.”(Signed by a friend)

For the funeral service dress uniforms are to be worn by CF personnel and regimental blazers, headdress and medals by veterans.

Visitation will be held at the Beechwod National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Tuesday June 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday after 11 a.m. until time of Service. Masonic Memorial Service & Funeral Service will be held Wednesday June12th at 12 noon followed by Interment at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces at 2 p.m.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/04/2019 - 08:04:PM

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Dave & Tetiana Williams

Great sadness fills our hearts today
As pipes and drums, in slow march play
A comrade's fallen by the way
And now we say goodbye,
This hero to the very end
Was more than just a casual friend
Who would a strangers life defend
And now we say goodbye,
But we shall cherish all our days
The character this life portrayed
With sacrifice so freely made
And now we say goodbye,
The hand salute, o'er Blue Red and White
And distant skirl of highland pipes
Give last farewell with hero's rights
And now we say goodbye,
While here on Earth, you gave your best
Now in the Master's arms you rest
For having known you, we are blessed
And now we say goodbye.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/05/2019 - 04:26:PM

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John and Valerie Eberlee

Our thoughts are with the Robertson family in this time of sorrow.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/05/2019 - 05:23:PM

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Cliff & Elanore McCawley

We were next-door neighbors and friends for almost 40 years. Much laughter was shared with John and Irene -who both played a significant part in the lives of our daughters. Life was never dull with the Robertsons. John-dear friend-your passing will leave a hole in our lives and you will be sorely missed. We can give no greater epitaph than: he made a difference to so many. Thank you for your friendship,
Cliff and Elanore

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/05/2019 - 10:00:PM

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Siobhain Mccawley-Game & Steve Game

Our deepest condolences to Gail, Colin & the family. We will deeply miss you Mr. Robertson. May you Rest In Peace.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/05/2019 - 10:22:PM

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Rod MacKay

My deepest sympathies. I served in,m.

Nah

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/06/2019 - 08:57:AM

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Keith McKelvey

I am sorry to hear of Robbie's passing. He was an amazing friend, man and Mason. He certainly demonstrated to us how to enjoy life!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/06/2019 - 11:15:AM

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Jim Keith

Between us we enhanced our knowledge of Robert Burns .

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/06/2019 - 12:08:PM

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J. R. Digger MacDougall

Nancy and I we're saddened to learn of the passing of Robbie Robertson. Robbie was a friend, a brother officer and a colleague at the Canadian war museum in Ottowa. We extend 2 Robbie's family and friends our sincere condolences with wishes for peace and comfort at this time.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/06/2019 - 07:07:PM

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Eileen & Duncan Carroll

A friend and brother to Duncan. A friend to Eileen (who had her stage "debut") with John during his recitations at various Burns' dinners. What fun we all had, never be forgotten.
Irene and John you are together again, Part ll is just beginning for you both.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/09/2019 - 07:03:PM

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Steve and Elsie Stadler

We are sorry to hear about Robbie’s passing. I will cherish the military and Masonic memories always. Robbie was a great friend. Until we meet again.

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