It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Lyle Purmal Robertson, who died peacefully at the age of 92 in Victoria on January 5th, 2026.
Lyle was born in Vancouver BC, the first child of Nicholas and Violet Robertson. He moved to Victoria early in his life and grew up in the Fairfield district, where he met his future wife, Mary Lorraine Brown, at Sir James Douglas School. After graduating from Victoria High School, he went on to the University of British Columbia, where he earned a PhD in Physics. Following a brief post-doctorate appointment in England, Lyle returned to Victoria where he took up a position as Professor of Physics at the University of Victoria.
Lyle spent the remainder of his working career at the UVic Physics department, including a term as Chair of the department. He was actively involved in research and teaching, inspiring generations of physicists. Even after retirement, Lyle continued working with science teachers in local high schools, helping to fuel curiosity and the love of science in young student minds. He was a true academic, maintaining his passion for learning and connection to UVIC until his passing.
Lyle was a loving family man and actively involved in the community. Lyle married his high school sweetheart in 1956, and they were inseparable until her passing in 2013. Together, they enjoyed travelling, particularly exploring the corners of Europe. But most of all, they enjoyed time with family and close friends. Many happy memories were created at the family cabin on Hornby Island where Lyle built strong friendships with neighbours. An avid cyclist, Lyle continued riding into his late 80’s. He had a kind heart and is remembered by all as a true gentle man.
Lyle was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years Lorraine, and by his brother Terry. He is survived by his daughter Katherine Anne, and son, Brian Christopher (Carole); his four grandchildren Sean Alistair, Paul Mathew, Andrew Nicholas and Danielle Marie; and his two great-grandchildren Eleanore Lorraine and Calvin Norman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a date later in the spring.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Robertson” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Margarert Kilshaw
-
Teri Paterson Moncrieff Wow! What a life and what a special man. He has left behind a loving family with wonderful memories. How lucky is that Hugs to Kathy and Brian and their extended families.
-
Ann Scarfe A true gentleman, always with a smile…those are our memories.
Ann and Colin Scarfe
-
Reid and Laura Carter Kathie, Brian and families please know our thoughts and love are with you! Lyle and Lorraine, as our neighbors, brought real joy to our new home when we met them 26 years ago. Always warm, smiling and loving. Lyle was an absolute gentleman, curious, knowledgeable and thoughtful – also an impressive repository of Whaling Station History.
We will always have a smile on our face when we think of our lovely Neighbours!
Reid and Laura
-
Jim and Betty Hesser During my directorship of NRC’s Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, my interactions with Lyle when he was Department Head at UVic were very helpful in addressing issues and opportunities that arose. In retirement, Betty and I greatly enjoyed meeting Lyle at concerts and and catching up on our mutual interests. He was a very fine human being and we feel very fortunate to have found our common interest in beautiful classical music. Betty and I offer our sincere condolences to his family on their loss.
-
Richard Keeler Lyle was a wonderful kind man. He was a member of my PhD experiment at TRIUMF and he recruited me to work at UVic. Lyle and Lorraine were both incredibly kind to us and helped us in so many ways. He was a founder of the TRIUMF project and enormously respected scientist.
-
Jayne / Grady Owen Kathy, And Family, Brian & Carole and family ,
So saddened by the loss of your dad , father in law, grandpa. I have many fond memories growing up around your family and will always treasure those times. Your dad was a very special, smart & kind man.
Our thoughts are with you at this time and may the memories you hold close be some comfort during this tough time of loss.
Thinking of you all,
Jayne ( nee McCliggott) & Grady Owen
-
Alison Peterson Sincere condolences to you Kathy, Brian, Carole and the family from Joe and I. Lyle was always kind and friendly, much like your grandpa Nick. I will remember him as an avid summer fisherman on Hornby, a cyclist from Kulshan and world traveller with your mum. He was generous with knowledge and once explained in scientific detail the source of my well water on Hornby. He also assisted in my physics 11 project which earned me an “A”, (no small feat!).
Hold tight to your happy memories!
-
Dianne Heinrichs You know my heart is with you all as you deal with the loss of your father. I was so lucky that both your parents from an early age included me in your family in so many ways! The vacations to Hornby, getting up at 5:00 am to go fishing with your Dad, and so many cherished memories, including him helping us with physics. He was a great soul and I know you all will miss him dearly! Love always Dianne Heinrichs
-
Elizabeth Coey Brian and family,
I am sorry to hear of your father’s passing. As you know, his enthusiasm for life affected all of us who came in contact with him. I have fond memories of visiting you all at Hornby and of my many interactions with Lyle at UVic. I hope you can take comfort in knowing how much respect we had for your dad and that his passing leaves a sadness as well as gratitude for having known him.Sincere condolences to his family; he was so proud and lucky to have you all. Elizabeth
-
Ted Mathie Lyle was an outstanding leader in physics with wide ranging interests. He was a wonderful mentor to my own graduate studies, many years ago, and remained a friend throughout my career, always interested in new and exciting areas of physics, physics education and experiments. Lyle set a high bar. My most sincere condolences to his family.
-
ilka & Allen Olsen To the family of dear Lyle,
I knew Lyle through CCCTS and had many interesting conversations with him about the Triumph Accelerator and his role in its establishment. I always greeted him as ‘my favourite phycist’ which always brought forth a big grin. I had wanted to renew our friendship after Covid but was unable to learn what might have happened to him. Very sad not to have reconnected–such a great guy! Sincere condolences to his family, ilka Olsen on Saturna Island
I always valued my interaction with Lyle, his quiet modesty hiding his intelligence, knowledge and wisdom. A genuine and kind man. We will miss him but his legacy will live on in in his children and grandchildren.
Thinking of you all at this time.
Margaret Kilshaw