Walter Struan Robertson

Walter Struan Robertson, Bcom, LLB, PhD (Hon) TUNS; A loving husband, father and grandfather peacefully passed away on January 1 2012. Struan was born on October 25, 1929 in Shubenacadie and was raised in Halifax. He was the son of the late William P. Robertson and Alpha B. MacIntyre. Struan was educated in Halifax and graduated from Dalhousie University with his Bachelor of Commerce and his Law Degree. Struan joined Maritime Tel & Tel as Counsel in 1956, General Counsel and Secretary in 1959, Vice President Administration 1966, Vice President of Operations in 1969, and President and CEO 1975 -1985. In 1985, Struan joined Central Trust as President and CEO. After working many years in the financial industry he retired in 1993. During his working career, he served on numerous boards and committees and participated in charity work. Many of these included Directorship of Telesat Canada, Island Telephone Co., Manufacturers Life Insurance Co, IAC/Continental Back, Nova Scotia Industrial Estates Ltd, Crossley Carpets, Maritime Tel & Tel, Nova Scotia General Insurance, Chairman of the Board of Governors at Dalhousie University, President Alumni Association (received Outstanding Alumnus Award 1998), Chair of the Council of the Institute of Public Affairs, Chair of Dalhousie Bureau of Industry, Chair of the Annual Fund, Chair of the 1818 Society, Member of Investments Committee (Pensions and Endowments), Member of School of Business Advisory Board, Member of Planned Giving Advisory Board, Annual Law Fund Class Agent 1953, Member of Economic Council of Canada, Member of Conference Board of Canada, Board Member of Canadiana Fund (National Historic Sites), Member of Council for Business and The Arts in Canada, Chair of Canadian Telecommunications Carriers Association, Board Member of Special Olympics of Canada, Board Member and Officer of Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Joint U.S./Canada Chamber of Commerce on Inter Country Relations, President & Trustee of Halifax YMCA, Member of YMCA Advisory Board, Officer of Fellowship of Honour YMCA , Chairman of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Chair of Manpower Training Board, Chair of Atlantic Management Institute, Chairman & Trustee of the Alexander Graham Bell Institute of the University of College of Cape Breton, Board Member of the International Association of Students of Economics & Commerce ( I.A.S.C.) at St. Mary’s University, Board Member of Atlantic Region Management Training Centre (A.R.M.T.C.) TUNS, Board Member of the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Hospital, Board Member of the Victoria General Hospital Foundation, Chairman of Nova Scotia Chapter of Canadian Rehabilitation Council for the Disabled, Director of Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, Commissioner of Halifax Commission on City Government, Member of the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee (maritime provinces), Trustee of Fraser Institute, Member of Trade council of Nova Scotia, St. Andrews United Church Trustee & Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Board of Stewards Elder & Member of Board of Sessions and Sunday School Teacher at St. Andrews United Church. After retirement, Struan enjoyed playing golf at Ashburn Golf Course and in Florida. Struan was advocate of all sports and a great outdoors man. He enjoyed attending the YMCA and running with his friends. He also enjoyed spending time travelling with his wife in his R.V. (Motor Home) to many places in Canada and the United States. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and chasing them around like a kid himself. He also loved his pets.

Struan was a wonderful husband , father and grandfather he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Struan is survived by his wife, Diane of twenty-seven years (The Joy of His Life), our children: Forbes Robertson, Toronto; Janet Robertson (John), Halifax; Nancy Carroll (Mike), Halifax; Susan Robertson, Mahone Bay; Dr. Jo-Anne Wilson (David), Bedford; David Wilson (Robyn), New Glasgow; Sister Beatrice Ford, Bedford; Sister-in-law Betty Robertson, Dartmouth; deceased Brother Robert Robertson and Sister Mary Mitchell and our grandchildren Sydney, Rachael , Daniel, Emma, Benjamin, Zachary, Nate and many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (902) 455-0531. There will be no visitation by request. Funeral will take place in Bedford at the Bedford United Church 1200 Bedford Highway on Thursday January 5, 2012 at 2pm. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada (Maritime Region) or a Charity of ones choice. On line condolences to the family may be made on the website at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.

Special thanks to Dr. Chris McKnight, Geriatrician and all the staff on five centre Northwood and Ivany Place at Bedford West for their kindness and caring at this very special time.