JOHN J. L. ROBERTSON (JOCK)

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JOHN J. L. ROBERTSON (JOCK) It is with mixed emotions that we announce the passing of John (Jock) Robertson at the age of 88. John passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on January 24, 2005 at the Victoria General Hospital (Winnipeg). Jock will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Jennie of 63 years; his daughter Marion Dearlove (Keewatin); son Ian and wife Donna Collins (Winnipeg); and daughter Sheila and husband David Jennings (Winnipeg); Papa will be missed also by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Renee and David Baker and son Emerson (Kenora); Allison Dearlove and Eric Lovas and sons, Zachary and Jordan (Kenora); Julie D'Avignon and Mike Bessette (Victoria) and Heather, Bryan and Karyn Robertson (Winnipeg); John also leaves behind many nieces and nephews in the Toronto area. Jock is survived by his younger brother Jimmy and Martin in Dunoon, Scotland. He was predeceased by his older brother David of Edinburgh (2001), his son-in-law David Dearlove of Keewatin (2004) and Bob (1977) and Christine (1993) Reid of Mississauga. Jock was born in Edinburgh on the 7th of May 1916. He started his working career in 1932 as a legal conveyancing clerk in an Edinburgh law firm, later moving to the company now known as Scot-Rail. A keen hobby of Jock's was compiling crosswords, which were published for several years in British and Empire newspapers. Jock's career with law and crosswords was interrupted from 1940 to 1946 when he worked as a wireless telegraphist in the British Navy. In June of 1941 he married the love of his life Janet (Jennie) MacMaster Barrie, who cared for his home in Glasgow and their two children Ian and Marion with supreme love and efficiency for the lonesome five years of warfare. In 1950 Jock and Jennie had a visit from Bob and Christine Reid, Jennie's sister and her husband; Christine was a war bride and very impressed with Canada, its people and scenery. The following year Jock sailed from home and was welcomed for some five months by Bob and Chris in their home until Jennie, Ian and Marion joined him in their new Winnipeg home. A few short years later daughter Sheila was born. John worked five years for Bubbs Electric on radio, T/V and appliance sales and repairs; then with B.A. Robinson, Genser and Sons, and Freeman Television; he ended his career as a safety surveyor and instrument technician with Atomic Energy of Canada's reactor laboratory in Pinawa. He retired in 1981. While in Pinawa, as a member of the Lions Club Jock devised a biweekly crossword, which was published in the Free Press and the Tribune for two years. This harvested over $30,000 for various Lions Club charities. Jennie and Jock moved back to Winnipeg in 1983. Retirement meant travel and in subsequent years many miles were covered in Canada and the United States. In 1987, a return trip to Scotland offered a nostalgic and wonderful few weeks in the land of his birth. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Victoria General Hospital and of St. Norbert Personal Care Home for their care and kindness shown to John and his family during his stay with them. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Honorary pallbearers include Merv Krupka, Raymond Bird, Bryan Robertson, David Jennings, David Baker, Eric Lovas, Mike Bessette, Bill Reid, Barrie Reid and Larry Reuben. Visitation will take place on Friday, January 28 between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jock's memory to The Alzheimer Society or to your favourite charity. Lang mae your lum reek THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray Blvd. - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 27, 2005