Margaret Dorothy Robertson

The matriarch of our family was born in Vancouver, December 25, 1927, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a long courageous, stubborn battle against several health issues November 18, 2021 at Rotary Hospice House.

Predeceased by her parents Acton and Jessie Kilby, husband Robbie (Earl), daughter Louise, partner Ted Turvey, brothers Gordon, Acton (Bud), and Peter Kilby, sister-in-law Loretta, brother-in-law Norman, and sister-in-law Leona. Survived by sons Dave (Lisa), and Gord (Terry), daughter-in-law Sandi Ernst, grandchildren Drew (Krysta), Jessie (Bryce) Richardson, Bree-Anna, Sarah Bancroft, Great-Grandchildren Riley and Jaysa Richardson, and James Kelly, two sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Mom lived life on her own terms, fiercely remaining as independent as her health would allow her until the last two weeks of her long life, with trips to the hairdresser, lunch, and then a beer and dinner at her beloved Legion every Friday.

She grew up in Harrison Mills in the Fraser Valley, at what is now the Kilby Heritage Site, attending grades 1 and 2 at the Harrison Mills school, then moving to Taunton House boarding school in North Vancouver for grades 3 to 11. She graduated from St Margaret’s High School in Victoria in June 1945, did her Senior Matriculation at King Edward High School, and attended Normal School in Vancouver, graduating in 1947 with her teaching certificate. After teaching in Whonnock for one year, she moved to Quesnel where she taught for 4 years before retiring to raise a family. More than once she was approached by former students in her later years to say hello.

It was while teaching in Quesnel that she met Earl (better known as Robbie). He had spotted her in the bus station diner and set his cap for her, finally meeting her at a dance at the old Kersley Hall. They were married on December 27, 1949 at her family home at Harrison Mills. Mom told many stories about their years in Quesnel, where they had many great friends. While they were in Quesnel their two oldest children were born, Louise in 1952, and David in 1954. Dad worked for a couple of years on the Trans-Canada Pipeline, which took them to Ontario, where Gordon was born in 1958. When that job finished, they returned to BC, and ended up in Prince George in August of 1959, eventually moving to the house on 15th Ave in 1963, where Mom lived until 2006, when her health forced her into assisted living.

Mom was very proud of her family, and always shared her love unconditionally. She loved to play an active role in the lives of all of her grandchildren, and they will miss her dearly.

The Legion was a major part of Mom and Dad’s lives, both in Quesnel and especially Prince George. Both were life members of Prince George Branch 43, and while Dad was the one serving in various offices at the Branch, Zone, and Provincial levels, Mom was always there to support him. After Dad’s passing, Mom took a more active role, including serving as President of Branch 43 for 1 term. She attended many Provincial and National Conventions, and attended every Zone meeting she could possibly get to until Covid put a stop to in-person gatherings.

Mom ran a daycare from our house for many years, touching the lives of countless children. She managed to keep track of some of them over the years, and was very excited to hear that one of them, Cliff Warner, was recently named as the new fire chief here in Prince George!

She was an avid supporter of the cadets in Prince George, attending as many of their events as she could, and was appointed as the Regimental Grandmother of one of the groups.

Mom belonged to both the Prince George Kinnette Club, and of Knox United Church, receiving a life membership in the UCW. She was also very active with the Girl Guides of Canada for over 20 years, serving as Division Commissioner for 6 years and Area Commissioner for another 5 years. She was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1977. She led several camps at Camp Ispah, doing her best to make sure that packs that otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity were able to experience the fun of Brownie camp.

Many thanks to the staff at Gateway Assisted Living, Minor Treatment and IMU at UHNBC, and the staff at Hospice House. A special thank you to all of her friends at the Legion, especially Genny Ryder and Jim Hubbard, and to Shirley Bond, who always went out of her way to make Mom feel special. A service will be held once Covid conditions allow.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mom’s name to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 43 in Prince George.