We Remember
ROBERTSON, George William
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
George (also known as Keoki, Geordie, Georgie, and Gentleman George) passed away in Kelowna on March 17, 2020 just shy of his 85th birthday. He leaves behind his loving wife Jill Robertson of 37 years, son Scott Gordon Robertson (Jim Barr) of Powell River, B.C., daughter Shauna Lee Robertson (Mat Burjaw) of Winlaw, B.C., granddaughters Sierra and Makala Burjaw, and nephew William Morrish of Calgary, A.B. He was predeceased by his daughters Jill and Jane-Ann, Scott’s mother Nancy, sister Catherine Morrish, brother-in-law Hugh Morrish and his nephew Thomas Morrish.
George was born April 24, 1935 in Regina, Saskatchewan to William Stanley Robertson and Winnifred Evelyn Robertson (nee McKay) who, along with his sister Catherine, had moved from Calgary years earlier. George attended Lakeview Elementary and Central High in Regina before the family moved back to Calgary in 1949 where he attended Crescent High School. The sudden passing of his father in 1951 led to a move to Edmonton where George and his sister would attend the University of Alberta. George received his BA in Economics, then enrolled in Law graduating in 1959. The comradery and fellowship he found as a member of Phi Delta Theta was of continued benefit in his life. He often said it strengthened his ability to express himself professionally and socially. He relished the sporting activities at the U of A and later on badminton at the Royal Glenora Club. George was politically and socially active being a leader in the formation of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta and the Progress Club of Edmonton. He and Jill thoroughly enjoyed the charitable functions they attended. Season tickets to the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Eskimos were a must along with a Sunday game of touch football when the weather permitted. Practicing the law that he loved until his retirement in 1991, George and Jill moved to Kelowna where he frequently referred to himself in jest as “a recovering lawyer”. Kelowna opened up a new chapter in his life filled with joyous gatherings of family and friends, wine making, golf, skiing, tending to his orchard, and gardening. He tackled and perfected many new skills as diverse as framing concrete footings to grilling pizza on the BBQ. His granddaughters loved “Grandpa’s Salmon”. For all the international travel he enjoyed his favorite place was home.
He enjoyed the love, respect and comradery of a diverse group of friends – a gift at any time but never more so as later in life.
“Unable to perceive the shape of you I find you all around me. Your presence fills my eyes with your love. It humbles my heart for you are everywhere.” Jalal al-Din Rumi. My love always, Jill.
The date for the Celebration is yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice House, hospicehousekelowna.com.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Hospice House Link: hospicehousekelowna.com
Condolences
We send our sincere condolences to you , Jill, and your family. With love and friendship.
My condolences to you Jill.
George and you were such great friends from years gone bye and I had often thought about you over the years with memories of the Switchboard.
RIP George.
Agree, Ron..great times at the Switchboard…George was a friend to many.
Jill,
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your soulmate. George was a sweet man who was kind and caring and did so much for so many. The party was always at your house and George worked tirelessly to keep everyone happy.
So many great memories over the years which will keep George in our hearts forever. Look after yourself Jill and know all of your many many friends are here for you always. Love Gloria and Ken
Jill – we are saddened to hear of Georges’s passing. He was the love of your life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
For my loving dad and my children’s grandpa:
Our Wise Old Owl has taken flight
His journey now beyond
A gentleman, of days gone by
Was always seen as kind
A perfect host, to fill your drink
A cup was never dry
So many gestures, loving gifts
Memories of which I cry
Our great debates, of differing views
Of which we philosophized
Are now the whispers, I hear as echoes
Like ashes in my mind
Each passing moment, I learn to love him
In a whole new, unknown way
As he journeys now, amongst Ancestors
I reach him as I pray
For those who know him, all agree
A kind and gentle soul
We all will hold him in our hearts
And love him forever more
Jill and family
Our thoughts and wishes are with you. We shared such good times and those we will always treasure.
A life worth celebrating. Be strong be well Jill
Our love
Many years ago George and I practiced law together in the same firm. We were also close friends. I have missed him since he moved away from Edmonton. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.. Thank you.
Hal Veale
George and I were close friends and practiced law together in the same firm. I have missed him since he moved away many years ago. I send my sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
Hal Veale
I was so sorry to read of George’s death in the Edmonton Journal. I knew George in high school and in law school. I had heard that George was not well when he could not attend our 60 year graduation celebration last September.
I was a friend of Mr Robertson’s daughter Jane. I have thought of Mr Robertson and Scott many times over the years, the fun times at the house and the lake (and in that white Oldsmobile convertible…) and their kindness and outreach at a time of tragedy. I’d like to extend my sympathy to the family for the loss of this lovely man… and a big hug for Scott!
Jill & Family
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and our very good friend George. He was an amazing person who will be terribly missed and always loved
My sincerest sympathies to the Robertson family. George & I were classmates in Law at the U. of A. during the Dean Bowker
era. I have fond memories of those days and a number of our Anniversary Reunions. I always enjoyed our conversations & his company. May he Rest in Peace. Memories Eternal.
Julian F. Ulan
Please forward condolences to Jill and loved ones – from Jim & Dianne Johnston (Le Marchand Mansion era in Edmonton.
Kind regards.
Jill, we have many memories of George and yours smiles, conversations and welcomes while in Kelowna. Our sincerest prayers and thoughts for you and family at this time.
Jill, our sincere condolences on the passing of George. I deeply valued his friendship. His kindness and good humour touched my heart. Golf and pool were extra special when George was there. I’ve attached a photo from my 2015 “Guys Dinner” Lynda sometimes put on for me. George’s qualities as a friend and gentleman have positively impacted my life. We wish you peace.
Paul & Lynda Durose
Jill, I am so sad to hear about George. You were the light of his life. He was always one of my favorite people. His warm, kind and welcoming smile was so comforting. He will be missed by all of our family. The world is less without George.