Alan Clarence Robertson, 84
Alan Clarence Robertson, 84, resident of Sandpoint died Tuesday, Sept. 19 at home.
A memorial service and reception will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. Casual clothes are appropriate; years ago, Alan had reminded his 2-year-old grandson that after retirement, especially in Sandpoint, none of the men need to wear a tie.
Alan was born in 1933 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the second son of Clarence and Gertrude (Peterson) Robertson. He joined older brother, Richard, to complete the family. His early years were in the rural Rimrock area; this included attending the one-room Rimrock School for the first three years of grade school. The family then moved into Coeur d’ Alene, where Alan completed his public school experiences, and two years at North Idaho Junior College.
He began courses in architecture at the University of Idaho in 1954, but wasn’t sure that was the “right” future for him. He volunteered for the Army draft, and had fortunate assignments to duty in Austria and Italy for two years. When he returned to the University of Idaho, he majored in agricultural engineering, specializing in hydrology, and finished in 1959 with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Alan married Marilyn Ogilvie in June 1960, shortly after she graduated from her nursing courses at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Wash. Their first home was in Walla Walla, Wash., where Alan worked for four years for the Army Corps of Engineers. Their daughter Tamara was born in Walla Walla. They then lived in Billings, Mont., where their son Mark was born. Another job experience, as an assistant professor at the University of Idaho, brought them to Moscow for two years. In 1968, Alan became part of the original staff of the Idaho Water Resource Depart-ment in Boise, and worked there until his retirement from a supervisory position, in 1994. Then, he and Marilyn moved to Sandpoint, where they have enjoyed the friendliness, beauty, and outdoor experiences of the region.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint during retirement years. He enjoyed travel, including five trips to Europe. Hobbies included photography and family history research; he was proud of his Norwegian and Swedish heritage.
He is survived by Marilyn Robertson, his wife of 57 years; their daughter, Tamara Robertson of Boise; their son, Mark Robertson of Red Lodge, Mont.; their granddaughter, Megan Madarieta of Boise; their grandson, Andrew Tallant of Boise; their sister-in-law, Carolyn Robertson of Houston, Texas; and a niece, Rosa Moscoso, also of Houston. Also surviving are Shawn and Erika Tallant, Nicole Tallant, Dustin VanLoon, and Ryker VanLoon, all of Boise.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Richard, and all of his aunts and uncles.
Alan was dedicated to his family, diligent in his career, and kind and thoughtful to everyone he met. We will always hold him in our memories, and in our hearts.
Memorial donations may be made to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for Hurricanes, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 417 N. Fourth Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Alan’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.