Very Reverend I. L. (Lawrence) Robertson: 1927-2015

(1927-2015) - On March 12, 2015, the Very Reverend I. L. (Lawrence) Robertson passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital. A person of profound faith and commitment to family, Lawrence led a life that was rich in achievement, and one in which he exerted a sustained influence within the Anglican Church of Canada and Sault Ste. Marie. Lawrence was born in London, Ontario in 1927, to Irvin and Peggy Robertson. His family moved to the Sault in 1944 when Irvin became the City’s Chief of Police (1944-1964). Lawrence returned to southwestern Ontario for university, graduating from UWO in 1948, and later Huron College (MA, Divinity, 1952). Lawrence was honoured by Huron College with its Doctor of Divinity degree in 1980. Ordained in Sudbury as an Anglican priest in 1953, Lawrence then served as a rector in Thunder Bay, Wawa, and Parry Sound parishes before his 1975 appointment as Dean, St. Luke’s Cathedral.  His boundless energy, practical guidance, keen appreciation of human nature, and the ability to bring sometimes diverse personalities together in common cause were essential elements in Lawrence’s 62 year ministry. For Lawrence, family and its joys were the logical and compelling extension of God’s great gifts. In 1957, Lawrence met and married his beloved Joyce in Thunder Bay. Their love and commitment to one another has never wavered. As the Robertson children Marianne, Mark and Elizabeth grew, and extended their own families, Lawrence took his greatest pleasure from the innumerable, wonderful gatherings where he could enjoy their love and fellowship. These times often included his sister Norma, her husband Fenn Hankinson, and their family. His combination of good humour, dedication to family and faith, and a commitment to give his best in all circumstances are examples that  have inspired all who knew Lawrence as Rector and Dean, father and friend. He leaves Joyce, sister Norma (Fenn), children Marianne Davies (Bryan), Mark Robertson (Karen), Elizabeth Olivero (Philip) and his seven grandchildren whom Lawrence especially loved – Claire, Thomas, David, Erik, Sarah, Jenny, and Katie. In the extended Robertson, Hankinson, and Dockeray families, Lawrence will be remembered forever as a beloved brother, uncle and cousin. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, March 15, 2015 from 2 -5 pm. Funeral service to be held at St. Luke's Cathedral on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 2 pm. The Venerable Hugh Hamilton officiating. Interment St. Luke's Columbarium at a later date. Memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, St. Luke's Cathedral or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.