Gary William Robertson, 79
Gary William Robertson, 79, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 27, 2021, at his home. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Kathy and the countless memories the two of them shared in their beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, home. He was born to Delbert and Hazel Robertson in Fullerton, California, on April 4, 1942.
His childhood was spent in California, where he participated in Eagle Scouts, Boy Scouts and was highly involved in the youth group at the First Baptist Church in Lakewood, California. He graduated from Robert A. Millikan High School in 1960. At 19, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves where he trained as a helicopter team line mechanic at Fort Rucker in Alabama. He joined the Reserve Enlistment Program and was activated to the Vietnam War. He joined the Long Beach California Fire Department training course after leaving the Army in 1965. After receiving numerous promotions, in 1969, he became part of the first class of Long Beach Paramedics. He spoke of this program proudly as its completion was the result of six months of intense clinical training to prepare for the demands of emergency medical response as a paramedic firefighter.
It was while working as a paramedic in Long Beach, California, that Gary met his wife, Kathy. She was working as a registered nurse at Pacific Hospital Long Beach in the ER. The two fell in love and were married on November 3, 1979, in an outdoor ceremony in Long Beach. Their love and friendship never wavered throughout their 41-year union as they raised their two boys: Scott and Brandon.
In the early 1980s, Gary became a Long Beach Fire Department captain. He also worked on the Long Beach Police Department Reserve on the pistol competition team, where he instructed new deputies in marksmanship, and focused on increased accuracy. He graduated from Long Beach City College in Fire Science in 1976. From Rockville University, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Fire Science in 1989, a Master’s of Science in Fire Science in 1991, and a Doctor of Business Administration in 1995. Because he placed a premium on education and personal excellence, it’s no surprise that numerous accolades and advancement followed.
Consistent with his supportive nature, Gary encouraged Kathy in her pursuit of a Bachelor of Nursing and two subsequent Master’s degrees. Later, in 1985, Gary and Kathy opened Robertson Medical Consulting, where they taught phlebotomy and intravenous therapy practices. Even after his retirement from the Long Beach Fire Department in 1995, he continued to work as a consultant, until the family moved to Sandpoint. Through the enticing stories of close friends, Roland and Kitt Rose, the Robertsons found the allure of the enchanting lake town irresistible and relocated to North Idaho. Not one to be idle, after Gary retired, he stayed busy with volunteer work and vintage car restoration, which he enjoyed with both of his boys. Using cabinetry skills he’d learned in his youth, he remodeled the spacious kitchen in his home. He spent countless hours volunteering for church duties, as well.
No less impressive than his list of accomplishments was Gary’s character. He never feared fighting for what he thought was right, from the time he was a child to the end of his days on Earth. His “servant’s heart” compelled in him a sense of duty to live in the service of others. He regularly shared his time and efforts in his community, where he volunteered at the local free clinic and food bank, with increased commitment during the pandemic. Gary’s efforts didn’t end there, as he assisted in the construction of a new addition for boys at the Kinderhaven facility. He welcomed any opportunity to volunteer at many charitable events in the area. In particular, he enjoyed his work with Casting for Recovery, where he taught female cancer survivors how to fly fish, taking them to fishing holes all over the Pacific Northwest. As a deeply religious man, he worked to follow God’s word in his daily life, never shying from sharing the scripture with those around him.
Gary left behind his loving wife, Kathryn Colleen Robertson; his siblings, Dale Robertson (Koreen) of Sandpoint, and Joy (Barry White) of Long Beach, California; his children, Scott Robertson (Amy) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from his previous marriage to Beverly Kewish, and Brandon Robertson (Tabitha) of Laclede, Idaho; five grandchildren, Aleigha and Eli Robertson (Scott’s children), Chasya Nichols, Cruz and Camrynn Robertson (Brandon’s children); as well as his beloved in-law siblings, Marjorie Speaks of Georgia, Frank Tolson of Arizona and Gayle Freeman of Coeur d’Alene, along with countless wonderful friends who he also considered family.
To those who were fortunate to know him, his enthusiasm for learning was only surpassed by his love for teaching, encouraging those around him to always make a difference where they could. He was a beacon of light and support, always ready to pitch in wherever help was needed. Throughout life, his primary focus was loving his wife, family and friends along his journey. His energy will be missed by all those he touched, and his works will benefit many to come. His family is comforted in knowing the completion of his journey has delivered him into the arms of the Lord and eternal life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kinderhaven, Bonner Community Food Bank, and Bonner Partners in Care Clinic (free clinic).
Memorial services will be conducted 11 a.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, in North Summit Church.
Family and friends are invited to sign Gary’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.