MURRAY ROBERTSON

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MURRAY ROBERTSON It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Murray Gerald Robertson, on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at the age of 82, in Victoria, BC. He was a devoted husband and will be deeply missed by Harriet, his wife of 58 years. He will always be the cherished dad of Jane (Hart), Ian, and Anne (Nigel); beloved grandpa of Elena (Steve), Ian, Thea and Aaron; and proud great-grandpa of Josephine. He is survived by his brother Calvin (Noreen) and sister Bev (Denis). He was predeceased by his parents, Wilfrid Robertson and Anne Gamsby Robertson. Dad had a long and satisfying career at CN, retiring in September, 1988, as Assistant Works Manager, CN Rail, Transcona Motive Power Shop. He began his career at Canadian National Railways as an apprentice machinist and was one of the last workers trained to repair steam engines. The last steam engine was decommissioned just a few years after he completed his apprenticeship. From then on, all the way through to his retirement, his work focused on diesel-electric engines. His career took him from Winnipeg to The Pas, Gillam, Saskatoon, Montreal and finally back to Winnipeg. Congenial, responsible and conscientious, Dad could always be counted on to keep things well-organized and running smoothly. Moving to Vancouver Island in his retirement gave Dad full opportunity to pursue his love of gardening and lawn care. The first year he cut the grass on New Year's Day, just because he could. In later years, he enjoyed lawn bowling and caring for the lawns at the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club. He was very involved in the operations of the condo board and was always willing to help out with repairs, painting and gardening. Dad's philosophy was to leave things better than they were when he got there. If something needed to be done, Dad would do it, or make sure it got done. He also made sure to look after people along the way. He had a kind and gentle spirit, always willing to take the time to understand others and help them when he could. Dad, you did well, the world IS better for you having been here. We would like to thank the staff on the 7th floor of Selkirk Place for their care over the past few months. At his request, there will be no service. Donations can be made to The Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmy.ca/), if so desired.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2016