Thinking about growing up in Durham region and thought of John when remembering my music teachers. John taught me harmony, history, counterpoint and analysis. Everything I learned from him prepared me for studying music in university. His expertise helped me to put everything together in terms of theory, performance and sight reading.

I thought much too late to look him up and now saddened to see his obituary.  But I will never forget the knowledge he passed on to me and look back fondly on those lessons.

Dear Frances, John Jr. and Sandra:

When I read John's obituary, a flood of memories
came rushing back of him as our organist and
choirmaster at Northminster United Church in 
Oshawa.  He was such a gentleman, and a kind
and caring person. The congregation at North-
minster were so fortunate to have him share his
many musical talents with us.

You may not remember me, as I have not lived in
Oshawa for over 40 years.  My maiden name was
Pat Cornish.  I had the priviledge of being part of
Northminster's junior choir and learning so much
from John.  Frances will probably remember my
parents, Anne and Harold Cornish.  I believe you
and my Mom were in the same church group
together.  John Jr. may recall that we both went
to OCVI, and were similar in age.  Representing
Northminster at a youth conference in Toronto
back in 1956, four of us attended including your
wife, Sandra.

John Sr. lived a good and productive life, and
reached the age of 94 yrs.  Oh, that the rest of us
will be so lucky!  May you remember the good
times with him.  I sincerely extend to all of you
my deepest sympathy.

Pat Tozer,
Dwight/Muskoka

Ted - so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.  I just learned from other GM people.  I am sure that he was a wonderful man who set the standard for you.  I am thinking of you, Shirley and your family on this sad occassion.

John Healy

Roy and I were sorry to miss the service and sorry to miss singing in the chior at your service. We were in To. at a service for my Aunty who passed in her 104th year.  Francis and I had some good visits at Mommas Resturant. Northminster was his home for some years as an Organist.

On behalf of the Oshawa & District Branch of the ORMTA ( Ont. Registered Music Teachers Association), I would like to extend our sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Robertson.  He was a huge musical influence for many of our teachers and for the community of Oshawa. On a personal note, I studied with Mr. Robertson to complete all the theory requirements for my teaching degree in piano. He was a wonderful teacher. I came from Port Perry every Monday morning, and would always ask how my drive was "over that ridge" - a gentle and caring man. He will be remembered by many.
Sincerely:  Paula Copithorn

Dear Robertson Family,

Please accept our condolences on the passing of your husband and father.  Our prayers go out to you at this difficult time.  Jannet Waddington Finch and Family

Dear Robertson family,
I am so sad to learn of the passing of Mr. John Robertson. As a former student of his, he holds a special place in my heart, even though it was a long time ago and I had lost touch.
My memories go back to the 1975-1980 period when I was theory student of his. When my sister took an extended trip during the summer, I took over her vacant lesson spot as a young 13-year-old. I ended up doing well at music theory and did lessons with John through my high-school years, completing all the ARCT requirements for music theory. We would talk about the subtleties of harmony, counterpoint, and form -- in theory textbooks but also listening to the works of different composers. Often he played passages on the piano. He had a broad knowledge of music and culture, and his passion came through in the lessons. He prepared and photocopied his own lesson material for students. He was interested in and cared about his students overall. He was a kind and generous man.
Some of the most interesting parts of the lessons were when he ranged off topic and talked about different things in the news or things that he was interested in. He had a wry sense of humour, as I remember. In my memory, the weekly visits I had with John during that period in my life stand out. The personalized attention made me feel special and carried over to other activities. I feel fortunate to have studied with him and to have known him. Of all the music instructors I had, he was my favourite. 
My sincere condolences,
Derek Smith,
Oshawa

John was my foreman many years ago at the Alger Press. He was an excellent
man to work for and I was sorry when he left the printing industry to teach music. 
He was highly regarded by all. I wish to send my condolences to his family on 
their loss.

Dear Robertson Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this most difficult time.  Mr. Robertson was a wonderful man who shared his many gifts and talents.  I still think often of Christmas time in 1989 when I was over for a medley of Christmas songs all played on the piano by Mr. Robertson.  He was tired but when asked to play he played and played and created a wonderful memory.  To Mrs. Robertson, we are so sorry for your loss.  Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  To all the Robertsons, family members, and friends, may God Bless you.

Paul, Christine, Gregory, and Janaya

Hello, TED & SHIRLEY, so sorry to learn of the loss of your father, I remember of you telling me of how he was doing extraordinary computor work when he was 88 yrs. old, also I recall meeting him when his 1988 OLDS. CUTLASS was being built at the Oshawa Plant when you brought him in for a visit, How time flies. Selfishly I wont be able to make the visitation or the service, my family are having a get together on Mar. 3rd for my 67th birthday so I should attend, Best Regards and hope to see you's soon,
                                               MIKE Harrington

We have special memories of John as a friend and composer.  He played and composed the solo sung at our wedding 58 years ago.  His musical gifts made him many friends and he will be missed greatly.

Dick and Mary Moses

OBITUARIO

John Roland Robertson

15 enero, 1918 – 29 febrero, 2012

Oshawa Funeral Home

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