Colin M. Robertson

Colin M. Robertson of Madison, age 90, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011, at 9:15 a.m. at the Peter and Ellen Johnson Hospice Residence Center. He was born Aug. 11, 1921, in suburban New York (Tuckahoe), the son of John and Nelle Robertson. He graduated from Scarsdale, N.Y., High School in 1939. He was in private veterinary practice in South Royalton, Vermont, from 1945 until 1955. He married Gail Rowell, daughter of Glenn and Bernice Rowell of Tunbridge, Vermont, in 1948. From 1955 until his retirement in 1981, he worked for the Veterinary Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, living in various states including ten years in Jamestown, North Dakota and eleven in Eau Claire. He moved to Madison, in 1994 to be nearer to his son, Mac, daughter-in-law, Marilee Sushoreba and grandchildren, Mikaela and Logan. During his time in Madison he was active in the James Reeb UU Congregation (JRUUC) as a lay minister, First UU Fellowship, Golden K Kiwanis, PFLAG, PLATO, Frontiers, Outreach, AIDS support group and others. Colin will be remembered by his family for his loving devotion as a father who urged his family members to each become their best. He celebrated his Scottish heritage and lived the thrifty values of the Scots. He pursued his dreams vigorously--traveling and embracing the risks that a life of adventure and curiosity demands. Colin cared deeply for the welfare of others. Once when Colin was leading a group of Boy Scouts the boys selected tent sites under the tallest pine tree. He warned them of the potential danger during a storm and grudgingly the boys relocated their tents away from the tree. That very night a bolt of lightning split the tree into a snarl of broken branches that would have injured campers underneath. The boys returned safely to their families due to Colin's foresight and concern. He is survived by his daughter, Susan (with husband, Jerry) Chaussee, grandchildren, Matthew and Heather of Bismarck, N.D., great-grandchild Owen; son, Jim (with wife, Bea) of Wichita, Kan., grandchildren, Bill, Jeremiah and Michael, great-grandchild, Madison; and son, Bruce of Sand Point, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jim of Springfield Center, N.Y.; sister, Lucinda of DeLand, Fla.; and his wife, Gail of 32 years who died in 1980. A memorial service will be held at the CHAPEL AT OAKWOOD VILLAGE, WEST, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, Wis., at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, with a dinner reception afterwards. Memorials may be given for the work of JRUUC, 2146 East Johnson St., Madison, WI, 53704 or Outreach, 600 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703. Burial of ashes beside his wife in Vermont, will occur later.