OBITUARY
Rev. John Edward Robertson
24 August, 1955 – 14 March, 2021
"He was witty, fun, caring and compassionate."
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Rev. John Robertson – spouse, foster father, brother, uncle, cousin, in-law and friend.
John was born in Edmonton, Alberta, the first adopted son of Jack and Norah (Johnson) Robertson. His adoptive parents; his nieces Angel and Chantel, his brother Shane and several aunts and uncles predeceased him.
Left to remember his life are his spouse of 41 years, Rev. Ken DeLisle; foster children Shell, Victoria Flett, Abe Rampl, Chris Moehling, Shayna Keesic, Jamie (Lacey) Murphy, Johnathan Kopchuk and Frank; and very close friend and companion, Aileen Urquhart.
He will also be remembered by his sisters Margaret Forkheim and Mary Jane (Michael) Jackson and brothers Mark (Peggy), Charles (Jana), and David.
John’s birth mother, Donna Blanchard and John were reunited several decades ago, introducing John and Ken and their family to other sisters and a brother. Susan (Claus) Gehrig, Alice (Bill) Waldie, Kristina (Greg) Hall and Sandy (Bella) Janum.
Donna also married John MacNaughton and his daughters Gail, Maggie and Carol were added to the family.
He will also be missed by his in-laws Calvin and Brian (Noella) and sister Bonnie (Terry) and several nephews and nieces from all the families.
John graduated with a BA from the University of Calgary in Special Education; and later became an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Canada (2005) through the In Community Program for Ordination at the University of Winnipeg.
After graduation from the University of Calgary he worked with children in palliative care at the Foothills Hospital. In 1978, his job was phased out and he moved to Winnipeg to be with his soulmate, Ken. John spent some time as Secretary (and helpful mediator) with Young United Church at the time when Young joined with five other organizations to form Crossways In Common. He then worked with the Society for Manitoba with Disabilities until he decided to leave to become a minister.
Most of his ministry was with United Churches in Beausejour, Pine Falls and Stonewall, as well as short stays or pulpit supply in many other congregations. He and Ken were also the first staff hired to work in the Rainbow Ministry of Winnipeg Presbytery.
He served on several Presbytery Committees and was currently serving on the Executive of Prairie to Pine Regional Council.
John was also an accomplished and wonderful harpist. He played at the Velvet Glove for several years and played more weddings than he performed as a minister!
He met Ken on May 27, 1978 in Ottawa at the first Dignity/Canada/ Dignite conference. It was truly love at first site and a year to the date they held a Witnessing at the University of Winnipeg Chapel. Their picture of the event became part of an exhibition at the Museum of Human Rights on same gender marriage.
One of his greatest joys was being a parent and when things got rough with one of his children, he just told himself, “Buck up. You wanted to be a parent. This is what a parent does.” He loved them all. Abe became a true son as well as a caretaker in Ken and John’s older years.
John was a marvellous cook, loved tea and all things British. He was witty, fun, caring and compassionate. Many remember him fondly in his top hat and cape. He adored his pet cockatoo, Oscar, who laughs like Elmo and screeches as loud as a 747 engine (that is true, not an exaggeration). Goldie, the best mouser ever, will also miss him.
His goal in life was to help others love themselves. He wanted everyone to know they are loved and lovable. This desire sprang from his faith.
To honour John, help someone. Be kind to all. Contribute to your favourite justice-seeking committee. Or make a donation to the Red Cross, the Centre for Christian Studies, Rainbow Harmony Project, Affirm United or the Diakonia of the United Church of Canada.
John has been cremated and a celebration will take place when the borders are open so that friends and families will be able to attend.
Blessings and peace to a gentle soul.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Rev. John Edward Robertson
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBruce Jacobs
31 March 2021
Our condolences to Ken:
Beverley and I have fond memories of John at both Fort Garry United Church and at Crossways. It was always a special treat when John played his harp.
We miss him.
Bruce and Beverley Jacobs
Beth Clark
26 March 2021
I loved John's great sense of humour. I remember a time when we were on the same flight to Denver. My friends and I left the plane before John and Ken who soon appeared with John in a wheelchair. As they went on the way, John waved to us and others while calling out "Make way for the queen". Ken followed with a big smile.
I admired John and Ken's dedication to their children as we swapped stories of teenaged children at an Annual Meeting in Winnipeg.
My condolences to Ken and their families. In the words of the United Church creed “In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, we are not alone. Thanks be to God”. Amen.
Darilyn Grigg
26 March 2021
You my not remember me but I was in The Western Field base Program 95, Joann introduce us and I received such wonder hospitality. I will remember this gift from you and your partner forever . May you know that he will be remember. I will pray for you as you must have such good memory. We adopted a child who was not going to live because every one deserves some one to honor a life with their sadness, I know you will honor him always, But for now be good to yourself. I am truly sorry
Mary Kalberg
24 March 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Ken on the loss of his beloved John. While I did not know him that well, I felt blessed to be able to count him as a friend -- one of the highlights of being at Conference was always the visit with John, catching up and sharing stories. He will be missed.
Terry Cooke
23 March 2021
It is hard to realize that John is no longer with us on earth, but I believe he will always be with us, in our hearts and in the love of his family and many friends. My heart and prayers are with Ken and with their family.
The last time I saw you both Ken, was at Manitoba Theatre Centre and then COVID changed all our lives. During this difficult time of isolation and life changes, John's cheery FB posts, pictures of comfort food and teacups, and otter videos-shared added cheer to some days that were harder than others. I was looking forward to the hope of sharing tea and sunshine in the days ahead.
The most beautiful memory I have of John is when he played the harp at The Faculty of Education Alumni Homecoming. John's music and beautiful presence have been remembered all these years later. Another dear memory is his quotes of St. Julian of Norwich. My own younger brother who passed also in March, but two years ago now, read and quoted St Julian and spoke of her often in his last year - John was very like my brother in so many ways. I think they would have had some good chats if they had known each other.
Heartfelt sympathy to Ken, their family, and friends. John is unforgettable and always close.
Beverley Wolfe
23 March 2021
On behalf of MacGregor United Church , would like to express our condolences to Ken on his loss. .
On a personal level, I also send condolences. The last time I saw either of you was at a cantata in Stonewall.
Cathie Waldie
22 March 2021
Dear Ken and family,
I was so sorry to learn of the death of your beloved John. As a colleague in ministry, I appreciated his love of the Celtic tradition and how he brought it alive for others. John was so easy to talk to, making it feel like you'd known him forever. His death will leave a huge void in your hearts and lives, but I hope you will be sustained by the love, faith and strength of community surrounding you.
Holding you in my prayers for healing, light and peace,
Cathie
Bette Jayne Taylor
22 March 2021
I was so sad to hear of John's passing. Conversations with him were marked with wit and compassion. I always sensed that he was genuinely interested in connecting with and listening to others. That is a gift we will all miss.
LORENE STEPANIUK
21 March 2021
Ken and family,
John was our minister at St Paul’s United in Beausejour for 15 years. I will remember him fondly for the sermons he spoke from the heart. I am remembering his Celtic prayers, and the funerals where he brought healing by comparing grieve to a rock you carry in your pocket.
John entertained the congregation with his harp and also with his cockatoo. This bird had a reputation for eating John’s spectacles while he napped!
Thanks for the memories John.
Lorene Stepaniuk
Pat Hammell
21 March 2021
Dear Ken,
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the very sad loss of John. It was such a pleasure to be part of the worship he led Jan. 31. Love Pat
Ken Stupak
21 March 2021
Saddened to read of John's passing Ken D. Thots and prayers are with you at this challenging time.
Wilma Shirriff
20 March 2021
Sincere condolences to all grieving John's death, especially Ken DeLisle. My happy memory of the two of them goes back to many Conference meetings of the United Church. John was always smiling, it seems, and had an aura of kindness and caring that was endearing. I remember even having the good fortune and joy of seeing and hearing his performing on his harp. His death is a loss to his circle of family and friends, and to the world at large. He made the world a better place. Thanks be to God for that blessing.
Kevin Simpson
20 March 2021
We (Don and I) have fond memories of times spent with John and Ken both on the road at Dignity conferences, and in their home on numerous occasions. John usually had a humorous quip to go with the occasion or stories to share. We cherish his memory.
Frank Testin
19 March 2021
Dear Ken. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. The last time we saw each other was at the Unison Festival in Calgary three years ago. Four years before that we had a wonderful get-together with Joe in Ottawa/Gatineau. I also recall your hosting us for a potluck dinner at the time of a House of Delegates meeting in Winnipeg.
With gratitude for the hospitality and generosity both of you shared with so many people.
Don St. Jean
19 March 2021
Sincere sympathy. I remember my one and only harp lesson in Ken and John's home!
Alyson Huntly
19 March 2021
John was a wonderful host when I stayed with Ken and John on a visit to Winnipeg. I remember great conversations, comforting cups of tea, and delicious harp music!
John was a warm and generous soul and I am sure he will be deeply missed, especially by his soulmate, Ken.
My deepest condolences to all of you who loved John.
Barbara Kraichy
19 March 2021
I was John's harp teacher for many years before I moved to Naples Florida.
John and I shared many fun and memorable Harp Lessons
Bonnie Delisle
18 March 2021
We are deeply saddend by the loss of John . He was truly an inspiration to all and we loved him so much. John was always there to share his ideas and concerns when asked. He was so loving and caring and we will truly miss him. Now John is an Angel in Heaven in God's beautiful Garden. God Bless my dearly loved brother Ken , John will always be with you every step of the way .
Love your sister
Bonnie & Terry
Elizabeth Hunt
18 March 2021
My favourite name for him was "my teddy bear" because John gave the best hugs. I am going to miss those wonderful bearhugs and the beautiful big smile he always wore no matter how much pain he might be experiencing at that moment. His physical presence will be missed but the love that emanated from him to all will remain with us forever.
Rene Jamieson
18 March 2021
My lasting memory of John will be his radiant smile. Rest in peace, John, until the day you rise in glory.
Dee McEachern
17 March 2021
Dear Ken and Family, I was truly saddened to hear of the death of John. We have not been in touch for years, but know that I often thought of John as I was struggling for words in a liturgy, for he made it look so easy. He could tie words together to make an amazing picture. His harp could always bring a tear to my eye. Thank you for those years we shared in ICPO. It was also important meeting his Valemount family...and I share in their loss too. Blessings and love, Dee
Suzanne Harling
17 March 2021
I so enjoyed our afternoon sewing classes which is where I met John and we became friends not just teacher and student! Blessings to Ken, Abe and all the other boys who were part of John’s family!
Suzanne Harling