Jim Robertson
James Maitland Robertson
November 26, 1930 - August 5, 2026
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of long-time member Jim Robertson yesterday morning, August 5, 2026 at the age of 95 years.
A funeral service will be held at McDougall United Church on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 2:30PM with reception to follow in the hospitality hall.
Obituary
James Maitland Robertson of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully and with no regrets at the age of 95 on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim was born November 26, 1930, in Alsask, SK, the fifth of six children of William and Mary (Maitland) Robertson. Jim came from a long line of strong Scottish Highlanders, with several generations living in Nova Scotia before his father moved west after fighting as a Nova Scotia Highlander in World War I.
Jim was born into the Great Depression and shared his childhood with his siblings Wallace, Mary, Ruth, Norma, and John. Jim's home life and school years were deeply impacted by World War II, with rations for food and several teachers leaving the small four-room schoolhouse to fight for Canada. After attending one year at the University of Saskatchewan, Jim left academia to earn his way in the world. He found permanent work in the lab at Husky Oil in Lloydminster, SK, first as a tester, then as a supervisor involved with administration and the union. It was while attending a dance in nearby Kitscoty that Jim met the love of his life, Kay Grant. They married August 8, 1953, and at Jim's passing, they were three days short of their 73rd anniversary.
Between 1954 and 1959, Jim and Kay had four children in Lloydminster: Grant, Patricia, Douglas, and Kenneth. In 1963, the family relocated to Burstall, SK, and their fifth child, Laurine, joined the family. Jim worked in various administrative and supervisory positions, union work, and human resources with Pacific Petroleums (Pacific 66) at Empress, AB, and then came the big move to Calgary, AB, in 1966. Jim found his new position at Pacific to have a steep learning curve; however, he rose to the challenge. Working in human resources, he started as a manager of salary administration, then staffing, and finally training. Pacific Petroleums eventually merged into Petro-Canada and Jim retired in 1986. Jim's retirement was longer than his years working in the oil patch.
Over the next few decades, Jim and Kay proudly spent time at the activities of their children and grandchildren. Once retired, they loved the many weeks they spent each summer at their trailer in Windermere, BC, enjoying golf, reading, walking, and barbeques, and their February winter escapes to Scottsdale, Arizona. Travel adventures took Jim and Kay to Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, the ABC Islands, the West Indies, Hawai'i, California, and across Canada from BC to Newfoundland and Labrador.
At various times in his life, Jim was politically active with municipal council work in Lloydminster and Burstall, being a key player in having the swimming pool built in Lloydminster with the local Kinsmen Club and sidewalks added to Burstall. Jim was spiritually connected to McDougall United Church through the Men's Club, ushering, and hospitality work. He loved his exercise routines, long walks, golfing, curling, and tending to his home, yard, and garden.
Jim always had a story or song to share. He will be remembered for his warmth, quirky sense of humour, phenomenal memory for trivia and the events of the past, and his willingness to be there for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. When Jim’s eyesight was failing later in life, he never let things seem like a barrier. Rather, it was always an opportunity to try another option and maintain a positive attitude. He considered his family to be his greatest legacy and relished hearing about the daily lives, accomplishments, and challenges of every family member.
Jim was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Wallace, Mary, Ruth, and Norma, as well as his son-in-law, Scott, his granddaughter, Christina, and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kay, younger brother, John of Medicine Hat, AB, children, Grant (Celia), Patricia, Douglas (Terri), Kenneth (Janice), and Laurine (David); and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Courtney (Miguel) and their children, Tirzah and Nova Rose, Carson (Trent), Cassidy (Philipp), Tristen, Nigel (Rachel) and their child Cyrus, Scott (Jessy), Hayley (Richard), Shan and his children Easton and Sophie, Julie and her child Mackenzie, Darcy, Amy (Kerim), Mark, Logan, Kyle (Rachel) and their child Zotique.
Jim’s family would like to thank his care companion, Veralin, and the caring staff at Peter Lougheed Unit 42.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at McDougall United Church on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., officiated by Rev. Bill Weaver.
Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Robertson’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to the CNIB Foundation at www.cnib.ca, the Calgary Women’s Shelter at www.fearisnotlove.ca, or to a charity of your choice.