REV. JOHN EDWARD ROBERTSON

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REV. JOHN EDWARD ROBERTSON
August 24, 1955 - March 14, 2021

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Rev. John Robertson - spouse, foster father, brother, uncle, cousin, in-law and friend.
John was born in Edmonton, Alberta, the first adopted son of Jack and Norah (Johnson) Robertson.
His adoptive parents; nieces, Angel and Chantel, and several aunts and uncles predeceased him.
Left to remember his life are his spouse of 41 years, Rev. Ken DeLisle; foster children, Abe Rampl, Shell, Victoria Flett, Chris Moehling, Shayna Keesic, Jamie Murphy, Johnathan Kopchuk, and Frank Nausigmana; and very close friend and companion, Aileen Urquhart.
He will also be remembered by his five sisters, Margaret, Mary Jane, Susan, Alice, Kristina, and four brothers, Mark, Charles, David and Sandy from his adoptive and birth families. His birth mother, Donna Blanchard and husband John MacNaughton and his daughters, Gail, Maggie and Carol are also grieving.
He will also be missed by his in-laws, Calvin and Brian (Noella), sister Bonnie (Terry), and several nephews and nieces from all the families.
John graduated with a BA from the University of Calgary in Special Education; and later became an Ordained Minister 2005 in the United Church of Canada through the In Community Program for Ordination at the University of Winnipeg.
He worked with children in Palliative Care at the Foothills Hospital till 1978 when he moved to Winnipeg to be with his soulmate, Ken.
John spent some time as Secretary at Young United Church and then worked with the Society for Manitoba with Disabilities until he decided to leave to become a minister.
Most of his ministry was with United Churches in Beausejour, Pine Falls and Stonewall. He and Ken were also the first staff hired to work in the Rainbow Ministry of Winnipeg Presbytery.
He served on several Presbytery Committees and was currently serving on the Executive of Prairie to Pine Regional Council.
John was also an accomplished and wonderful harpist. He played at the Velvet Glove for several years and played more weddings than he performed as a minister!
He met Ken on May 27, 1978 in Ottawa at the first Dignity/Canada/Dignite conference. It was truly love at first sight and a year to the date they held a Witnessing at the University of Winnipeg Chapel.
One of his greatest joys was being a parent and when things got rough with one of his foster children, he just told himself, "Buck up. You wanted to be a parent. This is what a parent does." He loved them all.
John was a marvellous cook, loved tea and all things British. He was witty, fun, caring and compassionate. Many remember him fondly in his top hat and cape. He adored his pet cockatoo, Oscar, who laughs like Elmo and screeches as loud as a 747 engine (that is true, not an exaggeration). Goldie, the best mouser ever, will also miss him.
John's goal in life was to help others love themselves. He wanted everyone to know they are loved and lovable. This desire sprang from his faith.
To honour John, help someone. Be kind to all. Contribute to your favourite justice-seeking committee.
John has been cremated and a celebration will take place when the borders are open so that friends and families will be able to attend.

Blessings and peace to a gentle soul.

A condolence book is available through Thomson Funeral Homes, 669 Broadway, www.dignitymemorial.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2021