Obituaries

ROBERTSON, Donald John

Donald passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13th with his loving family by his side.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Lori, his sons Matthew and Brandon, and his sister Bonnie-Lynn. Don was born November 23rd, 1962 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His parents Stanley and Dorothy Robertson (both deceased) raised Don and Bonnie-Lynn in Winnipeg until the family moved to White Rock, BC in 1980.
Don and Lori married on July 16th, 1988 in Langley, BC. They were soon blessed with their first son Matthew on December 30th, 1991. They moved to the Okanagan Valley in 1992 and opened their own business, Elliott Row. Three years later, the family welcomed Brandon into the world who was born June 17th, 1995.
In April of 1999, Don was diagnosed with the terminal cancer known as GIST. He was given less than 6 months to live. Don fought this battle for 18 years where he endured 10 major surgeries, countless days in the hospital, and over a million milligrams of oral chemotherapy. He kept the cancer at bay with grace, kindness and an amazing sense of humour! Don used his experiences to try to motivate his friends, family and total strangers to make sure that everyone around him lived life to the fullest.
The Robertson family would like to thank the Kelowna General Hospital, the B.C. Cancer Agency, the B.C. Cancer Foundation, Dr. Barry Sullivan, Dr. Kong Khoo and Dr. Ronnald Schriemer. We would also like to thank the countless amazing health care providers that have helped him on his journey.
The Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 23rd at 4:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation Okanagan on Don

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Condolence Messages

Nov 12, 2017
Laurie, Matthew, and Brandon, we've never met yet, I feel like I know you. I'm am a GIST survivor of 17 years. Just recently I was at the doctor on Oct 10th and he told me of this wonderful man with an amazing cancer journey story. Of course he could only give me Don's name and city so I looked Don up and discovered he had just passed away. I must say this discovery sent chills through me and I broke down and cried. I know Don's struggle and his courageous battle with this rare disease. I want you to know I keep you in prayer and until we all meet again God bless you all.

Diane Raab Benincasa

[email protected]
Oct 26, 2017
Lori and family. I was so sorry to hear of Son's passing. He was a true gentleman. I remember the deliveries I made when he first opened in West Kelowna. Had quite a few laughs and talks with him. He always was a positive man. My condolences. Wayne (Canpar)
Oct 17, 2017
Laurie,

So very sad to hear about the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. He was a very friendly man and will truly be missed. Just remember to keep all your wonderful memories alive. Take care.

Anna Minicucci
Oct 17, 2017
To Lori, Matthew, Brandon and families, our condolences and deepest sympathy.

Don will be missed by so many people. He was an inspiration to anyone who knew him. Don was such a strong man on so many levels. Don did not need an excuse to talk about the love he had for his family. They were his priority far and beyond anything else. When ever Don ran into someone he knew, he would greet them with smile and a firm hand shake followed by a hug. He had the ability to inspire people by just being around them. He was a smart, wise and gentle man. Whenever Don entered a room, he filled it with his warm and happy personality. He had the gift to talk to anyone about anything and encourage them in their endeavours. It was an honour and a privilege to be his friend and to be in his life. Don embraced life, his family and everyone around him. I would like to share a poem that I think would describe Don and his passion for life.

I knelt there at the headstone

of the one I loved and cried.

Name, with dates of birth and death

were perfectly inscribed.

I pondered these two dates

and how little they both mean

when compared to the tiny dash

that lies there in between.

The dash serves as an emblem

of our time here on the earth,

and although small, it stands for all

our years of life, and worth.

And our worth will be determined

by how we live each day.

We can fill our dash with goodness,

or waste our life away.

To ourselves, as well as others,

let's be honest, kind and true,

and every day, live the way

we know God wants us to.

May we look for opportunities

to do a worthy deed,

and reach out with compassion

to those who are in need.

For If our hearts are full of love

throughout our journey here,

we'll be loved by all who knew us

and our memory they'll hold dear.

And when we die, these memories

will bring grateful, loving tears,

to all whose lives were touched

by the dash between our years.

To the family, friends and anyone who knew him our deepest sympathy, love and memories.

Jack, Rita, David, Nico and Andy
Oct 16, 2017
Dear Lori, such sad news. Our thoughts are with you and the boys. I have fond memories of the days when Don and I were starting out in the retail fashion business, he with men's wear and me with women's in Westbank. Best Wishes to you and family as you travel through this difficult time.

Ted and Jackie Quaife
Oct 16, 2017
Laurie,

So sad to hear of the loss of your husband and soul mate Don. He has such amazing strength and positive attitude during his 18 year battle.

Matthew & Brandon must be proud to have such an great roll model as a father.

Bev & Don - Interior Retail Supplies