February 16, 1928 – March 2, 2012
John was a proud Canadian. His mother’s family, the Trudells, came to Canada (New France) in 1645, and his father’s family to New Brunswick in 1808. John was born in Victoria, B.C. After more than 60 years of marriage, he leaves his loving wife, Dorothy; daughters Margaret (Bret Wallach) and Heather (Patrick Kenny); grandchildren Brenna Wallach, Nessa and Siobhan Kenny, Clara and Sarina Robertson; step-grandchildren Maya and Sandro Wallach and their families. He was predeceased by his son, Ian James Robertson, in 2005.
John began his rewarding teaching career in 1946 at age 18 and taught in Nelson, Trail and Victoria school districts. He was a teacher, vice-principal and principal at several Victoria schools.
A service of thanksgiving for John’s life will be held at St. Matthias’ Anglican Church on Tuesday, March 6 at 1:00pm with the Reverend Doctor Robert Arril officiating followed by a reception in the church hall. Private interment of ashes in the family plot at Ross Bay Cemetery.
In John’s memory, donations may be made to the North Oyster and Area Historical Society (NOAH) c/o Irene Trudell, 13601 Michael Rd., Ladysmith, B.C., V9G 1G7. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Julie Mannix Kirzinger
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Judith Krause I arrived at Shoreline as a substitute teacher, as we were called then, in the mid-70’s, when John was principal. He was involved in every aspect of school life and enjoyed staff members as much as he did the students! He was supportive of every kind of activity and turned a listening ear to every request, from teachers and students alike. My temporary job became permanent under his tenure, so I owe him a debt of gratitude. He was supportive of the learning assistance program that I was responsible for and for the yearbook, which I sponsored. John was opinionated and outspoken and he loved to find the humour in any situation, even laughing at himself–I still remember his pants falling down in a staff meeting when he was showing everyone how much weight he had recently lost! He just roared with laughter, reached down, pulled them up and carried on with the business at hand.
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Bob and Linda Coates Our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Our thoughts are with you, Dorothy, and all the Robertson family.
We are very glad to have known John over the years. Beneath that booming voice was a heart of gold and a generous nature. His friendship has enriched our lives; he will be remembered.In sympathy and friendship; we are thinking of you.
Bob and Linda Coates
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Martin Scott On behalf of President Bill Hadden, and all the Members of the Evening Optimist Club of Victoria, I wish to extend our condolences to the family of John Robertson. John was the living embodiment of the words of the Optimist Creed: :”To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.”
Martin B. Scott
Secretary
Evening Optimist Club of Victoria
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Shannon (Munn) Misiak Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
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Kelly and Linda Sendall Our hearts go out to Dorothy, Heather, Margaret and the extended Robertson family. I always respected John’s resounding advice. I will never forget his contagious laugh, so potent and powerful. John spoke passionately about his opinions which made us think more about what was important in our lives. Any room became much more with the impressive presence of John. He will be dearly missed.
with our condolences,
Kelly and Linda Sendall
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Janice Sexton John came to Shoreline School when I was a beginning teacher in the 70’s. He was a force to be reckoned! He always had the students’ best interests at heart and worked very hard to do his best for them and knew how to work the system. At the time we were very short of shelf space for English books as the curriculum had been recently changed and we had a big influx of books. John explained to me that ordering bookcases came under a budget that would mean a year’s delay but he would put in a requisition to “repair bookcases” which would be dealt with in a week or two. He was confident the workers would come and just build them since the time had been requisitioned. To my amazement he was right! He definitely knew how to get things done and I remember him fondly. My sincere condolences to all the family.
To Dorothy and your family,
John was Principal for two generations of our family. My Mother, Ruth Mannix taught with him at Strawberry Vale and I was with him in those exciting years when Blanshard first opened. We both celebrate his mentorship and leadership as a colleague and as a friend. Yes, sometimes he would take a long time for announcements and we knew he had a presence , but I have taken the lessons I learned from him as a beginning teacher and applied them to the end of my career this year. I am saddened for you that after so many years you are without your partner. But he is remembered by us, for all he gave to students and teachers.
Julie Mannix Kirzinger