Obituary of William Robertson

ROBERTSON, William (Bill) George - Peacefully with the loving touch of his family surrounding him, at the Hamilton General Hospital on Friday, February 19, 2016 in his 73rd year. Bill was born in Brantford on January 1, 1944 to the late James Robertson and Elizabeth Mastervick. Bill’s family is deeply saddened and their lives are forever changed. Family include his wife Marlene Conacher of fifty years, his children Shawn (Lynn), Dana, Jamie (Kathy), and the late Warren (2006), beloved grandchildren Hayden, Julia, Sabine, Simone, and Shea, and brothers James (Betty), the late Jack (Annette), and Mark (Jessie). Bill also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his 103 year old mother-in-law Leola Conacher. Bill will also be missed by his many colleagues and employees, both past and present, especially his long-time employee Hubert Pilz (Nancy), who is a great friend of Bill and who has worked closely with Bill for the past 20 years. From a young age Bill found interest in a very unique line of work, in 1972 co-founding his first company, Ontario Restoration Ltd. with his partner Harry Doherty, also of Brantford. In 1989, Bill incorporated what is today Robertson Restoration, and during the next twenty-seven years led the company as one of the most respected and well known figures in the industry, completing countless significant national historic sites and landmark projects throughout Ontario. As a father and business owner, Bill gave of himself in everything he did, he has left his creative and uncompromising mark on so many things he touched, and he has created a legacy that his family will continue to expand upon and grow in his honour. In keeping with our business slogan “Preserving The Past, Building The Future”, we reflect lovingly and proudly on our past, and with all that Bill has given us, we are left with strength and look hopefully and confidently to the future. Bill was a very caring and positive person who loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his friends, and his cats Lucifer and Maggie. His interaction with children, in particular with his grandchildren and friends of his grandchildren was wonderful to watch…he was always willing and able to connect with them so meaningfully. The family wishes to thank all the exceptional Nurses and Doctors at Hamilton General Hospital Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) for their wonderful care and compassion, as well as Dr. Jon Miklea and Dr. Juneau for their amazing support throughout. Friends will be received at the BECKETT-GLAVES FAMILY FUNERAL CENTRE, 88 Brant Avenue, Brantford on Friday February 26th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday at 1:00 pm in Bill’s honour. Donations to the SPCA to assist all of the Lucifers and Maggies of this world would be greatly appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Bill in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.