JOSEPH DUNCAN ROBERTSON, C.M.

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOSEPH DUNCAN ROBERTSON, C.M. Died peacefully in his 94th year on Sunday, October 7, 2007, at Dauphin Regional Health Centre. Loving father of Linda Robertson of 150 Mile House, BC, and Joan Robson of Prince George, BC; grandfather of Betty/Norm Goriak, Jack/Sandra Robertson, Sheavaun/Kevin Gales, Jaret/Robyn Robertson, Krista Robson, Kirby/Dan Arronge; brother of Irene and her husband Bill of Georgetown, ON, Lillian Gilbert of Evansville, IN, and Dolly Mihura of Bastrop, TX. He is also fondly remembered by sister-in-law Mary Robertson of Sturgis, SK; daughters-in-law, Sheila Robertson and Marilyn Robertson Friesen of Winnipeg, MB; 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States. Joe was predeceased by his parents Jack and Violet Robertson; his wife Kathleen; sons, Donald and Richard; brothers, Russell and Samuel; sisters, Kate, Evelyn, Mabel and Florence. Joe was born and raised on the family farm in the Fork River area. At the age of 14 he went to Moose Lake to trap with his father and brother from 1927 to 1937. From 1937 to 1943 he operated a fur trading store at Cedar Lake and a fish-buying shed at Moose Lake, then worked for the provincial government. He served as a Corporal in the Canadian Air Force from 1943 to 1946. Upon returning from his war service, he joined the Manitoba Government and had a distinguished career in the Conservation Branch of the Department of Natural Resources until he retired as Regional Supervisor for the Western Region of Manitoba in 1976. Joe became a Member of the Order of Canada in 2007. He was a founding member of the Manitoba Archaeological Society and a founding member and Chairman of the Dauphin Chapter of the Manitoba Archaeological Society; he was also a founding member, President and Director on the Board of the Fort Dauphin Museum. He was a proud member of the New York Explorers Club, Rotary International, Manitoba Wildlife Federation, Dauphin Fish and Wildlife Association and the Fort Dauphin Snowshoe Club. Joe was an outstanding citizen and contributor to society. Of his many awards he was most proud of the Canadian Outdoorsman of the Year Award for Outstanding Conservation Achievement from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Manitoba Premier's Volunteer Service Award and the Rotary Service Above Self Award. The family wishes to thank his friends and assistants in the community, particularly Ed and Doreen Wasik and Nettie Andres. Funeral service was held on October 15, 2007, at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Dauphin, Manitoba, with Rev. Bob Bettson officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fort Dauphin Museum Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 181, Dauphin, MB R7N 2V1, would be greatly appreciated. Joe: the man with the hearty laugh and boundless energy has left this earth. He will be long remembered.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2007