Daniel Leroy Robertson

Daniel Leroy Robertson was born March 16, 1943 in Richmond Virginia. The son of Patricia Coan Robertson and Daniel LeRoy Robertson, he grew up in Houston, TX, but held dual citizenship in Amarillo where he spent many summers and went to college. A graduate of Jesse Jones High School and West Texas State University. He studied Political Science at the graduate level at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dan worked for the Austin Independent School District for 37 years in a variety of positions including Desegregation Specialist where he led his beloved School Community Liaison Group (with Trilogy). He became Director of Planning Services and took special pride in building Pickle Elementary School, a unique venture between the city, the district, and the community.

Dan was an enthusiast of life. He preferred to drive old cars (not to be confused with antiques), to drink coffee from Anderson's and beer from all over town, and to wear interesting watches and ties. He was a regular at Quality Seafood and Boggy Creek Farm, visiting almost every week and making friends from strangers. He collected hippos because "they were large vegetarians." Dan played golf and tennis, but nothing compared to his passion for watching baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants. He and his companions traveled by train for many years to watch their favorite teams at spring training; the trips were legendary. In addition, Dan was mad about all kinds of music, from gospel to country western to jazz and opera. Evidence of all this is in his robust record album collection (over 1,000 titles). He read anything in print, usually several books at a time, juggling poetry and the New Yorker. Travel fed his soul and his trips to Ireland, Paris, and New York quite simply made him happy.

Always a leader and always committed to making the world a better place, Dan was active in the Girl Scouts, becoming Council President for 6 years. His most recent effort to help others was through Micah 6, a consortium of churches providing a food bank for those who need assistance. As President, he tried to follow the charge to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. He was a Deacon at his church and a yellow dog Democrat, two roles he felt were well aligned!

Dan filled up a room and his loud voice and laugh told you the fun was about to begin. His children Kendra Robertson, Leah Robertson (Jim Eno), and Belle Miller (Joe Goss) adored him and he adored them. His grandchildren, Mia T. Goss and Drew Eno loved him without reservation and his new grandson Finn was one of the greatest delights in his life. His wife Maggi (Margaret) Miller was once described as "loving that man more than was reasonable," but she believed that he was worth every minute of her time; they inscribed "always" inside their wedding rings.

Dan is survived by his mother-in-law Peggy Miller; wife Maggi Miller; children Kendra, Leah, and Belle; sisters Nancy Feagan, Patricia Fuhrback, and Roses Robertson; brothers-in-law Bruce Miller and Patrick Miller (Kate Miller); a host of nephews and nieces; former wife and mother of Kendra and Leah, Jo Dawn Noble. Countless people grieve the loss of "Big Dan."

A service to remember and honor Dan's life will be held at University Presbyterian Church (2203 San Antonio Street) on Tuesday, December 29th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Girl Scouts of Central Texas or to michah6austin.org.