Donald Alexander Robertson

He leaves behind his wife, Beverly, of 49 years; sons, Cameron (Holly), Michael (Andrea) and David (Jill); grandchildren, Emily, Maya, Cameron, Cole, Matthew, Emma, Owen, Anna, Elijah, Lauren and James; brother, Robert; and sisters, Eleanor, Flora, Effie and Marion.

Don was predeceased by parents, Sarah and James Robertson, parents-in-law, Maxwell and Kathleen Eyers, brothers, Cameron and Frederick, and sisters, Effie Maria and Olive.

Don was born and raised in Norway House, where he spent most of his youth on the land with family, or in the water at the shore on Robertson's Bay. Mentors and Elders in the church influenced Don, and this led him to Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended Cook Christian Training School. Becoming an ordained United Church Minister out of the University of British Columbia, Don was given the pastoral charge of a congregation in Melita, Manitoba. The church was across the street from the Eyers' residence, and his future wife, Beverly. They moved to Russell, Calgary, Brandon and finally, Winnipeg. During the 1970s, Don switched careers and became involved in Indigenous Education, a field where he had a profound impact. He received honorary doctorates from the University of Manitoba and Brandon University, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Order of Manitoba.

Don's greatest love was family, and probably golf. His days were best spent with Bev, driving around the city to watch his grandchildren's many sporting events, at The Players Course in Winnipeg, and for two weeks every summer at Clear Lake. There, he would walk down to buy cinnamon buns every morning for his children and grandchildren, beat his sons at golf at Clear Lake Golf Course (repeatedly), or sit at the pier to look out over the water. Every morning at home in River Heights, he would do the crossword puzzle, and make Bev an egg and coffee for when she woke up.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, his family, and the many people he touched.

A funeral service will be held at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue, on Monday, January 6, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will take place at a later date in Melita.

Instead of flowers, donations to the United Way or Siloam Mission would be appreciated.