Nelson Ray Robertson was born just after midnight on December 26, 1928. He was the seventh child born to William and Florence [Shaw] Robertson of Rugby. Nelson died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of July 20, 2019, at Trillium Manor in Orillia.
On September 12, 1953, Nelson married Margaret McKenzie in Orillia, the love of his life. Nelson was the loving father of Anne [Fred Kallin], Mary [Wes Harpell], and David [Lanette], and proud grandpa of Megan Kallin [Alexei Svidski], Robert Kallin, Jeffrey Robertson, and Nicholas Robertson. He was the cherished brother of Margaret [Gordon Moore], George [Kay Bell, Vietta Frankum], Hilda [Orville Hill], Reta [Blake Nash], Earl [Mary James], and Les [Audrey Good], and proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was the dear brother-in-law of John McKenzie, Bill McKenzie, and Art McKenzie, and is remembered fondly by their families.
As a descendant of one of the original pioneer families in the Rugby and Oro-Medonte area, Nels had a large extended family, and many dear friends. Nels worked for several companies including Dominion Lumber, GM in Oshawa, and Anderson’s Furniture, before embracing his career as a police officer, first in Uxbridge in 1963 and then he joined the Orillia Police Force in 1964. Nels retired as a Sergeant in 1988, and spent his retirement years enjoying his family, his friends, long walks, card games, and good times. Nels was a member of Equity Lodge 659 AF and AM, and the Orillia Shrine Club.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Trillium Manor for their loving care, in particular the staff of the Oro-Medonte Area. He enjoyed the fellowship of the extended family he found there. Nels will always be remembered for his warmth and his smile. The family would also like to thank the great staff at Orillia’s Soldier’s Memorial Hospital, in particular the Emergency Department and Soldier’s One staff.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2019, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia. The service to celebrate Nelson’s life will be held at Mundell Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at 11:00AM. Reception to follow, with interment at Knox Presbyterian Church, Oro-Medonte, at 2:00 PM.
Memorial donations to Old Knox Presbyterian Church or Trillium Manor – Bus Fundraising would be appreciated by the family.