Donald Robertson

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donald Robertson, beloved father, grandfather, and friend on February 15th, 2025, at the age of 69. Donny was born on March 7th, 1955 in Kenora, ON to Donald “Spike” and Shirley Robertson, and was the youngest of their three children.

Donny was predeceased by his parents Spike and Shirley Robertson, his brother Murray, cousin and close friend Grant Robertson, brothers-in-law Ron Casey and Wayne Mitchell, and very good friends Jamie Lowe and Mark Bailey.

Donny will always be remembered and missed by his children Lexie (Steven), and Shan (Jessica); his greatest joys, his 5 grandchildren, Oliver, Tucker, Spencer, Malia and Nina; his sister Linda; nephews Sean (Randi Ann), Ian (Ruthanne), Kurt (Nicole); sister-in-law Stacey; nieces Montana and Murriah; nephew Mac; the mother of his children and lifelong friend, Lori; his oldest friends Big Dave, Al Smith, Dickie Bird, Dougie; his furry companion, Spike; as well as many more dear friends and relatives too numerous to mention.

Donny was a man of many talents. After graduating from Beaver Brae Secondary School, Donny attended SAIT for Culinary Arts. Those close to Donny got to reap the benefits of this with his delicious soups, dips, baked goods and especially his butter tarts, which were second to none. After returning to Kenora, Donny flexed his carpentry skills working for Glen Anderson; skills that came in handy helping his children build their homes. Donny worked at the paper mill until its closure, before becoming a Correctional Officer at the Kenora Jail until his retirement in 2021. Wherever Donny was employed, he always made lifelong friends that extended outside of work.

Donny truly enjoyed all the best parts Kenora, and LOTW has to offer. He spent countless hours adventuring and exploring the area, be it by quad, snow machine, boat or plane. Donny had a strong love for the outdoors which he passed down to his children and grandchildren who will always have fond memories of hunting, fishing, and quadding with him.

Donny excelled at being a grandfather and was absolutely adored by each of his grandchildren. He made it to nearly every Kiddie Kickers game, skating lesson, and skiing lesson. He would spend hours enjoying time with his grandkids. Donny was endlessly proud of both of his children and the lives they’ve built and took every opportunity to sing their praises.

Donny cowboy (as he was affectionately called) lived life in the now, and you could guarantee that no matter what he was doing, he was enjoying himself. Donny had a sense of humour like no other, and you could never run into him without a quick catch up, a smile, and a laugh or two. It would feel amiss to speak about Donny’s life and not mention one of his biggest loves, the Toronto Maple Leafs, of whom he was a diehard fan til the end. Donny was one of the good ones and gone far too soon – he will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

The family would like to thank Matthew Carvalho, the first responders, and hospital staff for their care and compassion. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community, and it is a testament to the kind of man Donny was.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered, and so a celebration of Donny’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 7, 2025 at Smith Camps – a place that has always held a special place in Donny’s heart.