One of Canada’s most decorated soldiers of WWII was laid to rest in Kamloops with ‘military dignity’ on Saturday afternoon.

Colonel William “Robbie” Robertson, who served in the Second World War and the Korean War, was laid to rest on Saturday at the Hillside cemetery.

Robertson, 97, died from COVID-19, back in November.

“The loss of a true patriot and a warrior of peace,” said Amedeo Vecchio from the Rocky Mountain Rangers in November, in regards to Robertson’s passing.

Robertson was a Commanding Officer of the Rocky Mountain Rangers and past President of Br52 Royal Canadian Legion in Kamloops.

The sound of bagpipes and marching drummers filled downtown Kamloops, as a funeral procession for Robertson traveled from Riverside Park, to Victoria Street, and then east to 4th and Seymour.

“He is being laid to rest with military dignity,” Mike Young, president of the Rocky Mountain Rangers Regimental Association said.

Colour Guard members with flags lead the procession through the downtown streets. Men and women in uniform marched along side the hearse, with kilted musicians from the Kamloops Pipe Band Society.

According to Young, after the procession Robertson was taken to Hillside cemetery followed by a graveside service and interment.