TRIBUTE: ‘Vibrant’ Huntly man had impact on everyone he met
Struan Robertson - November 10, 1934 – April 5, 2024
A MAN who spent much of his childhood in the Huntly area before emigrating to Canada has passed away in North America.
Surrounded by family, Struan Robertson died on April 5, 2024, aged 89, in Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada after a swift decline from a Glioblastoma.
Struan was born on the Isle of Jersey to James and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Robertson and was the third of seven children.
His family evacuated from Jersey in 1939 and relocated to the Huntly area, where Struan attended school and enjoyed farm work.
His participation in the Boy Scouts of Huntly brought him mentorship under scout master Dr. Patrick McBoyle, who imprinted strong values and leadership skills which he endeavored to live up to over his 89 years.
Prior to completing national service in the Scots Guards, Struan attended classes at Aberdeen Agricultural College and competed with the Aberdeen Athletic Club where he met his first wife Myrra.
After their marriage in 1958, Struan and Myrra emigrated to Canada settling in Kimberley, British Columbia. Struan made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered during his professional and personal life.
His vibrant, outgoing personality and active lifestyle was impactful and memorable. His career began with 12 years as the city of Kimberley’s Recreation Director.
He then transitioned to BC Parks as Supervisor of Fort Steele Provincial Heritage Park then on to BC Parks Visitor Services, followed by BC Parks Regional Director of Northern BC.
After retiring back to Kimberley in 1994, he and Myrra dedicated their time to their grandchildren, engaging in community activities and recreating with friends, and their dogs.
In later years Struan met and married Alison (2021) who brought a delightful and rewarding companionship. Together they enjoyed making friends and engaging in local activities.
They loved each other, their corner of the world and especially their immediate community.
Struan treasured the East Kootenay valley and the opportunities it gave for family growth and access to the natural world, but never forgot his roots and the lessons learned from his frugal upbringing in Scotland.
Over his adult life in Canada, he travelled many trails and roads, participated in the formation of the Lost Dog Singers, Kimberley’s Nordic Ski Trails and Club, South Star Recreation Trails, Central Interior Stock Dog Club, Prince George Celtic Society, the Old Spice singing group, Kimberley Nature Park Society and Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest. Most recently he was raising awareness of the Pika population in the area.
He is survived by his beloved wife Alison Finstad, six children Bonnie (Dave), Kirsty (Mark), Rhona (Les), Heather, Nancy (Brian) and Rob (Kerri); 12 grandchildren (Craig, Jarrett, Amy, Tara, Caroline, Kemp, Jamie, Morgan, Rachel, Lochlan, Mitchell and Jake), three great-grandchildren (Lucy, Grizzly, Hollis), his brother Ian (Jackie) in Knoydart, and in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews across the world.
Struan was pre-deceased in 2005 by Myrra (nee: Inglis) his loving wife of 47 years and in 2019 by his grandson Jordie Lunn.
“If there is another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.” - Robert Burns
