Francis "Neil" Robertson

Born and raised in Trenton, Ontario, Neil attended St Peter’s School and Trenton High School. From a young age, he was an enthusiastic sportsman, participating in hockey, football, softball, baseball and basketball.

After finishing school, Neil worked in the CPR shunting yard at Trenton Junction, where his father was the yardmaster. He soon enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy, working as a radar operator aboard HMCS Iroquois, Magnificent and Quebec during the Korean conflict. Neil was invited to officer training but declined, leaving the Navy in 1956 to pursue a career in business.

In 1960, Neil married Betty McCauley, and together they returned to Trenton, where Neil became a partner in Whitley Insurance. Their marriage spanned 38 years until Betty sadly passed away from breast cancer.

A tireless contributor to his community, Neil served in numerous leadership roles. He was elected to the Trenton Separate School Board and later served as Councillor, eventually becoming Mayor of Trenton from 1982 to 1997. Neil was actively involved in the Trenton Kiwanis Club, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 110, Trenton Racquet Club, Curling Club, Squash Club, Citizens Band, Hospital Board, Quinte Agricultural Society, Trenton Community Gardens, and was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus in Trenton and Peterborough, serving as Grand Knight of Council 2438 and Charter Commander and Faithful Navigator of the Assembly 2323.

Neil’s zest for life extended to his many hobbies: he held a private pilot’s licence and enjoyed sailing, fishing, golf, tennis, skiing, pool, ice fishing, horse riding, and playing the drums.

In 1999, Neil married Anne-Marie Barringer, and they moved to Peterborough, where both were active volunteers at St Alphonsus Church, Maple Ridge Community Centre, and Neil, the local flying club. Neil loved the sun and the beach, and together with Anne-Marie, he spent many winters in Panama City Beach, Florida where they had friends from across the US and Canada. He was cherished by his extended, blended family with whom he shared many joyful moments together.

Neil’s final illness was brief. He was lovingly cared for by Anne-Marie and his family who are grateful for the excellent care provided by Dr Morelli and Hospice Peterborough.

Neil was predeceased by his wife Betty, and siblings Helen, Marjorie, Betty Jane, Sharon, Barbara, Andrew, Robert, James, and Jean. He is survived by his wife Anne-Marie; children Sandra (Philip), David, and Nancy (Michael); stepsons Frank (Sue) and Michael; sister Heather; grandchildren Holly, Winter, Michael, Madison, Matthew and Sydney; great grandchildren Nixon and Caden; nieces, nephews; and grandchildren pro tem Stefan and Nicole.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, May 3rd from 5:00 - 8:00pm at Ashburnham Funeral Home, Peterborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, May 4th at 11am at St Alphonsus Church, Peterborough with a reception to follow at the Church hall. Neil will be laid to rest on Saturday May 9th at 11am at Mt Calvary Cemetery, Trenton with a reception to follow at Trent Port Marina.

The family requests that donations be made to Hospice Peterborough or St Alphonsus Church in lieu of flowers.