Obituary of Roderick George Robertson

Roderick George “Roddie” Robertson, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in West Lawrencetown, NS, on August 12, 2017. Roddie was the son of Roderick and Sarah Robertson of Barra Head, Cape Breton. He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Shirley (Naugle), and several brothers and sisters. He is survived by daughter Marie (Terry) Casavechia, West Lawrencetown; grandsons Dean (Heather), Dartmouth, and Sean, Chicago; daughter Nancy (Peter) Spurway, West Lawrencetown; granddaughter Lindsay (Brent) Smith and great granddaughter Georgia Smith, West Lawrencetown; step grandsons Jamie Spurway, Toronto, and Matthew Spurway, Dartmouth; nephew Francis (Linda) MacDonald, West Lawrencetown; sister Leyola McDonald (Robertson), Halifax; and several nieces and nephews. Roddie and Shirley were long-time members of the Dartmouth Curling Club. It was through the great friendships formed there that Roddie became a founding member of “Four Wheel Drive with Spares”, a band that included Johnny, Doctor John, Frank, Jack, Bill, Ross and Harold, Roddie’s closest and dearest friends for over 35 years. He was a long-time member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia and was active for decades in the Eastern Shore P.C. Association. In 2017, he participated in the Eastern Shore P.C. nomination meeting for the provincial election, and closely followed and voted in the federal Conservative Party of Canada leadership contest. Roddie and Shirley shared a life-long dedication to horses. The family travelled to shows and exhibitions across the Maritimes in what many will remember as “The Green Bus”. Roddie could always be seen supporting his daughters and granddaughter when they competed. He was involved in the Atlantic Winter Fair from its early days and he was instrumental in developing major events such as the Du Maurier Cup, when he served as the Fair’s President. Roddie was proud to be a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and he was honoured recently for his 65 years of continuous service. A businessman, Roddie worked in the family business at Naugle Sand & Gravel, and later was a founding partner and part owner of South Shore Sand & Gravel and South Shore Ready Mix. Special thanks to dear friends Faye Lease and Tina Bocking and to Dr. John MacDonald. Their dedication and care will forever be appreciated. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd at 1pm at Saint John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 35 Colby Drive, Dartmouth, with Father Irek Bem and Father Owen Connolly officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Roddie’s name to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Bedford (902) 835-4212. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com