Obituary for Dr. Iain Robertson
Dr. Iain William Horsburgh Robertson
February 27, 1946 - November 25, 2022
The Good Doctor, Dr D. - Loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and Physicist.
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Iain was the youngest of three children to parents Gordon and Minnie Robertson (nee Proskie). Iain was a loving brother to his older sister Anne (Edgar), and brother Donald (Penny). Iain married Lis (nee Volke) in 1974, and raised two children, Corey (Sarah) and Vanessa. In 2015, Iain was proud to become a grandfather to his granddaughter, Gloria.
At an early age, Iain was fascinated by rockets and aircrafts, and spent countless hours building model airplanes. Throughout his teenage and university years, he developed a passion for music, photography, and astronomy. Iain went on to earn his PhD in Physics from the University of Calgary in 1982, completing a thesis on the Aurorae Borealis.
Those who knew Iain will remember him in their own unique way. Whether having met Iain in person, or by being the recipient of a well-read email, Iain offered the world his own unique blend of thoughtfulness, humour, and creative wit he thought the world was “desperately lacking”.
Throughout Iain’s professional career working at Gulf Canada, Digitech, QC DATA and Clarkston Consulting, Iain worked alongside many great coworkers, colleagues, and peers that he looked up to and respected. As an insightful problem solver and collaborator, many also looked up to Iain as their optimistic mentor who had their best interests at heart when it came to bettering themselves and/or their career. In his later years consulting under his company Digital Science Inc., Iain was fortunate to have been involved in many interesting projects within the pharmaceutical industry and assisted in various Government programs. He took great pride in having impeccable standards which lead to having many career successes, while rarely seeking praise for his accomplishments.
Iain was a good friend to many and took tremendous pride in sharing his interests and passion for eccentric music, photography, technology, and astronomy with everyone. His unique taste in music touched the lives of many and will be a legacy he will always be remembered by. Iain was an avid animal lover, with felines holding a special place in his heart. At times, Iain would say he enjoyed the company of cats over most people.
Throughout his life, Iain kept a close eye on the night sky. He would know when the next meteor shower was expected, where and when to see the next big eclipse, and when Auroral activity would be at its best. His dream was to one day retire and spend more time gazing into the unknown through the eyepiece of a telescope at his Lar Na Cruínne.
Which brings us to Iain’s initium finis
For close to three years, Iain battled an unbeatable diagnosis. Through the course of his illness, he was loved and cared for by family, and was fortunate to have passed away peacefully knowing that he was not leaving this world alone.
Vascular dementia is an extremely challenging, complex, and heartbreaking disease for those who suffer from it, and just as difficult for people who are surrounded by it. The Robertson family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the good people at Bethany Riverview in Calgary for their dignified care of Iain.
Iain will be fondly remembered by close and extended family near and abroad. A Celebration of Life for Iain will be held on Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary. Please contact
thegooddoctoryyc@gmail.com for RSVP information as this will be a privately held event. Iain always loved a good party, and good party he will have (cue the Gypsy Kings).
In lieu of flowers and in ordinance with Iain’s final wishes, donations to support the Calgary Humane Society are encouraged to help support animals in need. The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada also gratefully accepts donations which will help people living with dementia and their caregivers, and to one day find a cure.
A toast. To Iain, the stars above and wonders of the great unknown. You will be dearly missed.
Love always,
Lis, Vanessa & Corey
February 27, 1946 - November 25, 2022
The Good Doctor, Dr D. - Loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and Physicist.
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Iain was the youngest of three children to parents Gordon and Minnie Robertson (nee Proskie). Iain was a loving brother to his older sister Anne (Edgar), and brother Donald (Penny). Iain married Lis (nee Volke) in 1974, and raised two children, Corey (Sarah) and Vanessa. In 2015, Iain was proud to become a grandfather to his granddaughter, Gloria.
At an early age, Iain was fascinated by rockets and aircrafts, and spent countless hours building model airplanes. Throughout his teenage and university years, he developed a passion for music, photography, and astronomy. Iain went on to earn his PhD in Physics from the University of Calgary in 1982, completing a thesis on the Aurorae Borealis.
Those who knew Iain will remember him in their own unique way. Whether having met Iain in person, or by being the recipient of a well-read email, Iain offered the world his own unique blend of thoughtfulness, humour, and creative wit he thought the world was “desperately lacking”.
Throughout Iain’s professional career working at Gulf Canada, Digitech, QC DATA and Clarkston Consulting, Iain worked alongside many great coworkers, colleagues, and peers that he looked up to and respected. As an insightful problem solver and collaborator, many also looked up to Iain as their optimistic mentor who had their best interests at heart when it came to bettering themselves and/or their career. In his later years consulting under his company Digital Science Inc., Iain was fortunate to have been involved in many interesting projects within the pharmaceutical industry and assisted in various Government programs. He took great pride in having impeccable standards which lead to having many career successes, while rarely seeking praise for his accomplishments.
Iain was a good friend to many and took tremendous pride in sharing his interests and passion for eccentric music, photography, technology, and astronomy with everyone. His unique taste in music touched the lives of many and will be a legacy he will always be remembered by. Iain was an avid animal lover, with felines holding a special place in his heart. At times, Iain would say he enjoyed the company of cats over most people.
Throughout his life, Iain kept a close eye on the night sky. He would know when the next meteor shower was expected, where and when to see the next big eclipse, and when Auroral activity would be at its best. His dream was to one day retire and spend more time gazing into the unknown through the eyepiece of a telescope at his Lar Na Cruínne.
Which brings us to Iain’s initium finis
For close to three years, Iain battled an unbeatable diagnosis. Through the course of his illness, he was loved and cared for by family, and was fortunate to have passed away peacefully knowing that he was not leaving this world alone.
Vascular dementia is an extremely challenging, complex, and heartbreaking disease for those who suffer from it, and just as difficult for people who are surrounded by it. The Robertson family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the good people at Bethany Riverview in Calgary for their dignified care of Iain.
Iain will be fondly remembered by close and extended family near and abroad. A Celebration of Life for Iain will be held on Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary. Please contact
thegooddoctoryyc@gmail.com for RSVP information as this will be a privately held event. Iain always loved a good party, and good party he will have (cue the Gypsy Kings).
In lieu of flowers and in ordinance with Iain’s final wishes, donations to support the Calgary Humane Society are encouraged to help support animals in need. The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada also gratefully accepts donations which will help people living with dementia and their caregivers, and to one day find a cure.
A toast. To Iain, the stars above and wonders of the great unknown. You will be dearly missed.
Love always,
Lis, Vanessa & Corey