Keith Robertson died Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at his home in Douglas County from cancer of the lung and spine.
Keith was born Sept. 20, 1931, in Athol, Kan. His parents were John and Mildred (Lloyd) Robertson. Keith had many close friends during his school years who continued to meet every other Memorial Day weekend through their 60th anniversary of graduation from high school. Many of these classmates have traveled to Carson City to visit Keith, his wife Marge, and their two sons Patrick and William.
Keith was in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving as a staff sergeant. While in the Air Force Keith met and married his wife Marjorie in Lake Charles, La., in 1955. While in Lake Charles, Keith became interested in flying and became a private pilot. Following his service, Keith earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Kansas State in 1958. At this time, their son Patrick was born. Following graduation, Keith worked in Nebraska where their son William was born in 1960. The family moved to Winnemucca in 1961. Keith and Marjorie joined a group of square dancers who have maintained their friendships to this day. Keith was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Keith relocated the family to Boise, Idaho, and then finally Carson City in 1967. As the boys grew the family participated in the Carson City Junior Ski Program at Sky Tavern, where Keith and Marge volunteered as ski instructors and ski patrollers. Keith was an engineer and contractor, forming Robertson Engineering and Drilling. His son Patrick joined him in the business in 1982 and together they formed the Carson Pump company. Keith's work took him to many location in the western part of the country. In 1982 he purchased his Cessna aircraft and flew for both business and pleasure. Keith was an active member and past commander of the Carson City Sheriff's Aero Squadron. Upon retirement Keith and Marge took up golf, fishing, and house boating. They also flew throughout the West, Midwest, and South in their private plane.
After Marge's passing in 2003, Keith met and then married Patricia Dorrance, who was also widowed. They enjoyed flying to Santa Fe, Missoula, Winnemucca, and even over the "Burning Man event." Four years ago Keith found a pal in his dog, Sally II. Each morning Keith and Patti would take Sally to the desert for her much needed exercise. This pup gave them such great pleasure - in fact, all of their neighbors have enjoyed her as well.
Keith is survived by his wife Patricia of Minden, son Patrick and his wife Penny of Reno, son William and his wife Rosie of Yamhill, Ore., and his grandson Anthony who is serving with the U.S. Air Force in Japan.
A celebration of Keith's life will be noon-4 p.m. Monday, March 7 at the Capital City Gun Club in Carson City. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donation be made to Saint Mary's Hospice in Keith's memory.
The family will hold a graveside service in Athol, Kan., over Memorial Day weekend.