Obituary of Leslie John ROBERTSON
Les Robertson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the age of 78 years.
Les was born in Nipawin, SK on November 5, 1940, but grew up in Snowden, SK.
He graduated in 1962 from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Education and married Doris in September of the same year. He taught school in many small towns across Saskatchewan, before moving to Yellowknife in 1975. Les would eventually become vice-principal at William McDonald Junior High School. He was strict but fair and became one of Yellowknife’s most respected educators.
After retiring from teaching in 1985, Les dabbled in other careers before helping build Robertson’s Taxidermy. His gift of the gab established many lasting friendships with clients throughout North America and beyond.
Les was particularly proud of his children and spent his summers and weekends fishing, hunting and camping with his family. He also claimed to enjoy wood cutting although his frequent tossing of a stubborn chainsaw 40 feet into the forest suggested otherwise.
After leaving Yellowknife in 2006, Les lived in Stony Plain, AB and Gabriola Island, BC before settling down in Calgary in 2012. He was just getting the travel bug when dementia changed his life forever in 2015.
Les was very sociable and will be most remembered for his wit, infectious laugh, and sense of humour, something that he was able to hang onto throughout his illness.
Les is survived by his children; Bradley (Trena) of Calgary, Randy (Darlene) of Yellowknife, Greg (Cindy) of Yellowknife, Richard (Jami) of Yellowknife, Dean (Myra) of Yellowknife; ten grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda, Ashley, Stephanie, Courtney, Joshua, Stephen, Mitchell, Aaron and Emelia; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Jean (Ed) Camrud of Regina, SK, Carol (Fred) Withey of Gabriola Island, BC; former wife, Doris of Yellowknife; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Les was predeceased by his parents, Pete and Mary Robertson, brother Bob (Georgina) Robertson, and brother-in-law Lawrence Gallagher.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Baker Community Centre, 5710 – 50th Avenue, Yellowknife, NT on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Please share a memory or story about Les through www.calgarycrematorium.com. If friends so desire, a donation may be made at your local SPCA.
The family would like to especially thank the staff at Rocky Ridge Retirement Community for their kind attention and care of Les.