Me and my Dad
November 19, 1939 – November 6, 2009
This site is dedicated to my father, Gene Robertson.
Anyone is welcome to leave comments.
Greg
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November 19, 1939 – November 6, 2009
November 19, 1939 – November 6, 2009
In Memoriam: Gene Robertson
1939 - 2009
November 19, 1939 – November 6, 2009
31 comments
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November 10, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Gordon Medley
Gene, you will be missed my friend. From my family to yours – you are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 10, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Toby Overly
Greg and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss I am saddened by it as well. I had just met your Dad first of the year when I joined PNAI. I can say that I liked him as soon as I met him. I also knew I could learn a lot from him. One of the first things he said to me was if you need any advice , have any questions or need any help call me any time , and I did . His first piece of wisdom was “Don’t do anything f*****g stupid.”I laughed- he said “No I’m serious listen to me ,I’m giving you good advice”. And he was was giving good advice. Though I did not know your Dad well I know for a fact that he was a good guy. I regret I was not able to know him better. He will be be missed by many. If I can be of any help please let me know
November 10, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Mike and Renee Canaan
Dear Linda, Lady, Jaxson, Greg, Pilar other family members.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. As two of your many friends, we are heartbroken to hear of the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. For us, we have also lost a gracious, dear and gentle soul. Gene was a very special man. One of a kind. He will be missed. Gene will always remain very much alive in the memories of those who loved, respected, and treasured him. There are no words that can possibly express our heartfelt sympathy in these very difficult times. Please know that each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Renee Canaan
November 11, 2009 at 9:24 am
Greg Robertson
Thanks everyone for your kind words. I have posted information about a memorial service we are having for my Father next week.
Greg
November 11, 2009 at 10:52 am
Dan Peyovich
Dear Linda and family members;
Please accept my deepest and sorrowful condolences for your loss of Gene. In reading what has been expressed by those before me, and no doubt to be echoed in later writings, all are consistent in their impressions of “Gino” as a caring, gentle, tell it like it is individual who was both admired and respected by his peers. This was Gene, someone who was always there, eager to lend both assistance and, as we are all aware, one or more of his infamous, totally un-politically correct comments. I have known Gene since working with him for ATF, back in 1979 and throughout all these years, Gene remained Gene. Gene will be remembered for all of his attributes and especially for his love and admiration of Linda, his loving wife, who he dearly loved and worshiped. His absence will be felt by all.
November 11, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Jess Hill
Dear Linda and Gene’s Family –
Gene – What a guy!! Gene will be sorrowfully missed by all who had the pleasure of running across his path. He had such a wonderful and rich way with words. I watched the video of him talking about his Mom’s plight with the assisted living home, “they are terrorists, terrorists against old people.” If that isn’t rich, I don’t know what is. I have so many wonderful memories of Gene’s vocabulary. They all bring a smile to my face. I haven’t had a great deal of contact with Gene over the last few years but, I do recall one of my first meetings with Gene in 1992 when he first began doing P.I. work. Gene found his way to Roger Dunn and I and wanted to learn the P.I. business. I had a difficult Service of Process I had been working on. I located the guy’s residence and attempted to serve him there. The guy got into his truck to drive away. I didn’t think he was aware of me until he swerved his vehicle at mine, nearly hitting it. I subsequently learned that the guy worked at the steel plant on Harbor Island. Gene wanted to know if I had anything I could throw his way to get his feet wet. I provided Gene with the information I possessed on the guy as well as the documents to be served. Gene came back to the office a few hours later, after successfully serving the papers. “Jess, if this is the life of a P.I., I’m not sure if I want any part of it. This is dangerous s–t! The guy had assaulted Gene before parting company.
Rest in peace my friend. Linda if there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate in calling upon me. I very much regret to inform you that I have had long standing plans to be out of town on November 21, and will not be able to attended Gene’s Celebration of Life. I will be there in spirit though. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jess Hill–
November 11, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Bob Stockham & Rose Winquist Stockham
To all of Gene’s precious family – We were completely heartbroken at Gene’s passing. He was so full of life! It doesn’t seem possible that he is gone.
Gene was always a giver! He was a huge part of our life, work and community of PI’s. He was always available to jump in, at a moments notice and give it his all.
We became great friends over the years. We will always treasure the wonderful memories of camping, kite flying, Montana surveillance and his amazing life stories. He was an artist in every way. He could make you gut laugh, like no other!
Gene had a vast array of friends, some of which, we would have never met, but not for Gene. He had the uncanny ability to bring together a group of people that were all so different. He made each one of us feel so special and so unique. That was Gene.
He was one of a kind – he never met a stranger. We will never forget his kind heart, his compassion and great love for life and family.
His passing has left a hole in our hearts. We will never forget him. Much love and sympathy, Bob & Rose
November 11, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Ted Royster
To Linda and the Robertson Family:
I have known Gene for many years, but really got to know him well during our days and times together in the LA Field Division. It was always a pleasure to work with and talk to Gene.
Although it is a sad time, you have every reason to be proud of a beloved husband, father, son – and the life that he lived.
Thinking of you and offering prayers to help carry Gene along the way.
Ted
November 11, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Linda Montgomery
Dear Linda and family members of Gene,
I am so sad at Gene’s unexpected passing and I know the grief for all of you is immense as it is for the many of us who had the pleasure of having Gene in our lives.
Gene was a unique character who enriched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. His humor and passion for life was a gift to all of us who knew him.
He was a dear friend to me for over 20 years as he was a good friend to so many. He contributed so much to all of us individually and to the community and to PI profession.
He will be greatly missed. I miss him so much already. It will be comforting to see all of you and hear and share the memories of Gene on the 21st. Thanks for having this service to help us all with our grief. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you during this difficult time.
Love & prayers from one of Gene’s many friends, Linda
November 12, 2009 at 8:29 am
Teresa & Gerry Lamarre
Dear Linda,
Gerry and I send you and your family our deepest sympathys
Gene shared my birthday of Nov 19th also..We are glad that we got to meet Gene, and he made it to Africa! He will be missed by many.
You and your family will be in our prayers.
Your friends,
Gerry and Teresa Lamarre
Castle Rock, Washington
November 12, 2009 at 11:20 am
Joe and Kay Pupello
Dear Linda:
We are deeply saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. Although we had not seen Gene in many years, we have many fond memories of the time we spent together in ATF, and in Hawaii. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. Vaya con Dios Gene.
Joe and Kay
November 12, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Charles "Pappy" Yoakum
Although I did not personally know Gene, he is obviously well remembered by those who did know him and worked with him.
My sincere sympathy to all of his immediate family and friends.
When any one associated with ATF passes on, we all feel the pain and suffering at the loss. We know that we all must walk that same trail sometime in the future.
Charles “Pappy” Yoakum
Special Agent, ATF (Retired)
Covington, Tennessee
November 12, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Patty and Mark Denny
The man in black with the smirk of a lifetime will be missed. I will cackle every weekend just so he can hear me through the stars.
I am so glad that I got to make him laugh and I am so glad that I met him and allowed him to make me laugh, or as he puts it, “cackle”.
Whenever Mark was working on a project, here comes Gene around the corner shacking his head. Wondering what the hell are we up to now.
We love yah Gene and we love you Linda.
Patty and Mark
November 12, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Melissa, Conrad, and Cora Castro
When ever my parents are working on a project Gene would walk around the corner it always made me laugh to see the expression on Gene’s face. When my parents were out of town I would always see Gene it was as if he was making sure I was alright/safe. Gene was an amazing person he will be missed very much and he will always be in our thoughts. We love you very much Linda.
Love the Castro’s
November 12, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Julie Kalasountas
Gene was a blessing to us all. He would come to our aid at the drop of the hat. A dead battery, an injured pet, you could be sure he would calmly and tenderly come through in time of need. We have so much respect and gratitude for being in our lives.
We admired his guts, to say the unspeakable to the unapproachable. When to stand and fight. Gene was a loyal husband,friend, and relative.
I pray for comfort and strength in the cherished memories that Linda, Greg, and Pilar can hold in their hearts forever.
Julie
November 12, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Bear & Char Keane
Dear Linda and Family, I first met Gene when he came to work for ATF in Seattle. He was the same guy who came to our “Ole Boys” meeting last month. Linda, as I told you then, every time I look over into Mukilteo park and see the kites flying I’ll think of you holding that string and Gene flying high up there. Char and I are truly saddened by your loss. Please know we are here if ever you should need us.
November 12, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Rick Smith
I met Gene in 1974 just before he left Seattle for LA. We worked some together there for about a year. He was a warrior in a time when ATF struggled with many issues. He knew what a case was and what would not fly in Seattle at the time. Riding with him was very educational as he knew something about a lot of things. He very much knew where pitfalls were and who you could trust. There is story about him in Montana on St. Patrick’s Day that others might tell. I only had contact with Gene a few more times around the country. I remember he loved Linda. Sorry partner, as I suspect you had some more living to do.
November 12, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Dave Liston
This is a test. Life is like…
1. A box of chocolate laxatives
2. A box of chocolate-colored C4
3. A box of chocolate covered button cameras
4. A bowl of cherries
5. A bowl of cherry bombs
6. A bowl-a-thon
The correct answer is all of the above. And, well, none of the above. Life is never, ever what you expect. It may be what you want, it may be what you feared most, it may be a giant playground to you. But whatever it is, soon it will change. A lot.
Each of us, going through life, leaves a giant swath across the face of the planet. Every single thing you do adds a color or texture to that swath.
The happy hearts of those we have helped are in there. As are our truths and those we have enlightened.
And though this swath has a beginning, it has no real side boundaries. People who know you tell stories to others, who in turn re-tell the more interesting ones again and again.
With each telling, your swath, your literal mark on the planet, grows wider. Those stories then become part of another’s swath, and so on. And even as this is happening, each person’s life, each swath, is being woven into the fabric of what we call life. Many swaths will loop back and reconnect.
Some end. Suddenly and unfairly, leaving a tear in the fabric where one can look down and see the very depths of reality itself.
If, perchance, what you have done with your life has brought happiness or relief to others, their swaths will close the gap, healing the tear with images and celebrations of who you were. You will live on in the words and deeds of others.
ALL YOU WILL EVER BE
In the end, all you will ever be are the memories of those who have been touched by your actions, by your swath.
Life is never what you expect. It is more fragile than anything you could imagine until you watch a few end.
Each of us will die, and in turn be remembered by others.
Our friend Gene’s swath is so wide it will take all of us to heal the tear in the fabric and close the gap. In so doing, he will live on through our own words and deeds.
And will be so greatly missed.
November 12, 2009 at 8:23 pm
The Newton Family
Greg –
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending good wishes your way.
Julie, Todd and Ryan
November 13, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Linda Tilmont Green
Linda, it has been years since I’ve seen you and Gene but certainly my memory is strong of a great guy. He knew how to make a person feel welcomed, put a smile on a face, storytell with the best of them and just plain be Gene. What a sad day to hear of his passing. Yet, I rejoice in the fact that I knew him, liked him, admired him.
November 13, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Martha Swift
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss, but so glad that you had such an adventure with Gene. He adored you so. Spoke of you with such love and affection. I have so many wonderful memories of Gene, and find myself quoting him every once in a while. What a zest for life he had, and what a kind and good man he was. He will be missed.
Fondly,
Martha Swift
November 16, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Franklin House
Linda and family. We are very saddened by the loss of Gene. He was a great guy, and a wonderful son. He will be missed!!! Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
November 17, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Atchison family
Our entire family is saddened by Gene’s passing. Gene was quite a character and we loved him for that, you always knew where you stood with him. He never met a stranger and he could always make you laugh. We will miss his presence here on earth but a part of him will always be with us. Sincerley the Atchison family
November 17, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Defiesta Family
May God bless and keep you during this difficult time, Pilar and Family. Your dad was a wonderful man! We’ll continue to keep you and your familiy in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how we can help. Sincerely, your next door neighbors, Wilson, Pat, & Jessica
November 18, 2009 at 7:17 am
Greg Robertson
We wanted to personally thank all of you for your kind words and comments. I hope to see and meet many of you at his Memorial this Saturday.
Greg, Pliar and Linda.
November 18, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Fred Zagurski
I am so sorry to hear about Gene’s passing. He will truly be missed by many. I have enjoyed running into him at security conferences as well as sharing e-mails over the last several years. I look forward to Saturday and sharing stories about how Gene touched our lives.
Fred Zagurski
November 18, 2009 at 3:41 pm
George S. Pearl, BCEP
Dear Linda and family,
I am so saddened by hearing of my friend Gene’s death so suddenly. I have know Gene for so many years through EPIC and his always wanting to help out with anything and everything. Gene was a great guy and will be so missed. I can still hear him in my mind’s eye his speaking about using a tripod on one of the lectures he gave to us. Now every time I reach for one I still think of Gene drilling that into us during that talk he gave. “It’s the little things that count”, he would say and he was right. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Sincerely,
George S. Pearl, BCEP
Atlanta, GA.
November 21, 2009 at 9:12 am
Greg Robertson
Further details about Gene Robertson’s Memorial Service have been posted.
http://generobertson.com/2009/11/21/gene-robertson-memorial-event-details/
November 21, 2009 at 10:03 am
Barb Veal, class of '57
What a memorable fellow Gene was. At the last ’57 luncheon Gene attended he said to me “When I see you I know I’m home”. I’m not sure what he meant but it sounded like a compliment and I said “thanks, Gene”. We certainly will miss him and his most interesting ways. God Bless him and his family.
November 21, 2009 at 3:55 pm
BJ Winchell Torres
Dear Linda, Gregory and Pilar,
I was so saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. Yet my heart was flooded with happy memories of the early years (during Gene’s years at ATF). Wendy still fondly recalls Gene coming down our driveway to bring her that bunny. And it was Gene who challenged me to put down the cigaretts and put on the running shoes.
Please know that our thoughts are with you. May the ache in your hearts be eased knowing Gene made so many people laugh and smile and just plain feel special.
November 23, 2009 at 12:11 am
Maggie Ureno
Linda, Greg, Pilar & families…
I’ve been sitting here staring at a blinking cursor for 5 minutes trying to decide what on earth to write. I’m so sorry for the pain you must be feeling, and can’t imagine anything I could possibly say would help at all.
I could tell funny stories of how scared I was that time we stayed overnight at Linda & Gene’s of what he would do to me if my shower went over 5 minutes. Haha.
I could tell of how instrumental he and Linda were in helping get our “little company” off the ground.
I could go on an on about the character traits (and personality quirks) that he gave his children that I feel have bestowed upon them the rare quality of being both admirable and enjoyable.
I could say how honored and lucky I feel to have known him even just a little.
But I think instead that I shall just say..
I loved him. Love him.
And I love you.