Obituary of Duncan Roderick Robertson

Duncan Roderick Robertson December 9, 1931 - September 27, 2015 It is with great sadness that the family of Duncan Roderick Robertson announces his passing, in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 27th, 2015. Duncan fought bravely against the ravages of bladder cancer and inspired us all with his unfailing optimism and courage. Duncan was born in 1931, the youngest of five, in 'The Gulch' in Trail BC. He spent his childhood roaming the West Kootenay hills in search of fish and huckleberries. At the age of 16, he took advantage of an opportunity to work at Cominco, becoming a skilled machinist and earning the nickname 'Doc'. His 42 year tenure at Cominco started in Trail, led him to Riondel, and ended in Kimberley. A seemingly confirmed bachelor, Duncan had his share of Kootenay adventures, from helping to build the golf course in Riondel to racing cars in Spokane. Bachelorhood ended when Duncan met Anne Scott. They married in 1968 and together raised two boys, Ross and David. Duncan was a dedicated father, enduring AC/DC on hunting trips and travelling to every hockey rink in Western Canada. After Duncan's retirement in 1993, he and Anne delighted in taking trips and becoming grandparents, cherishing their time with Megan and Jamie every Friday. After Anne's passing in 2005, Duncan continued to enjoy golf and curling, including a memorable eight-ender and several runs at the BC Seniors' curling championships. Duncan relished his role as head baby whisperer, when Skye and Kirk arrived on the scene. In the last couple of years, Duncan found love again with his fiancée, Goldie Pedersen. Duncan and Goldie enjoyed many trips to the West Kootenay as well as seniors' bowling, where Duncan parlayed his curling skills into the 'rookie of the year' bowling award, at the tender age of 82. Duncan was predeceased by his wife, Anne, his siblings, Connie, Isobel, and Doug, and his infant grandson, Ewan. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy (Chuck), his sons, Ross (Lynnette) and David (Laura), his grandchildren, Megan, Jamie, Skye, and Kirk, and his fiancée, Goldie Pedersen. The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Clay and the homecare staff for helping Duncan to stay at home as long as possible and to the staff at The Pines for ensuring that his final days were as comfortable as possible. In keeping with Duncan's wishes, there will not be a funeral. Instead, there will be a celebration of life come and go tea, on Saturday, October 3, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at the Kimberley Curling Club. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society Financial Support Program at www.cancer.ca or 19 - 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2L9. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com