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GARRY DOUGLAS ROBERTSON
Born: Jun 02, 1940
Date of Passing: Aug 03, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGARRY DOUGLAS ROBERTSON June 2, 1940 - August 3, 2012 After a courageous battle with cancer, the family of Garry Robertson is deeply saddened to announce his passing on August 3, 2012. Remembering him with great love are his two daughters, Lisa Robertson (Dominic LaRosa) and Linda Sawchuk (Jamie), his four grandchildren Brendan and Jordan LaRosa, Laura and Ashley Sawchuk, his sister Joan Walker (Doug), brother Bruce Robertson (Anna), sister in love, Wendy Hammell, several nieces and nephews and friend Cindy Bietz. He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn of 42 years in 2004. Garry was born on June 2, 1940, the first son to Douglas and Evelyn Robertson and grew up in River Heights. He attended Kelvin High School where he met his first love Carolyn Hammell. They were married soon after. After graduation from High School, he had intended to become a dentist, but the lure of the campus radio station was too much to resist. That became the basis of many careers over the years. They say do what you love and success will follow. Garry was an example of how true that saying is. Garry was well known for being a radio broadcaster in Winnipeg. His career took him to CKRC, CJOB and other radio stations in Yorkton, Kenora and Brandon. He recognized a market for supplying recorded dance music for parties, and began a mobile recorded dance music company, Garry Robertson Music Services and his light shows and DJ services were enjoyed across Canada. Later, in his retirement, he recognized another market in Winnipeg, nostalgia radio, and he became involved in radio business once again. That was his passion for several years and he saw the establishment of CJNU as a permanent spot on the radio dial. He was truly delighted to be a part of this and his contributions were recognized when he became an honorary board member of the station this summer. He was most proud of his family and was such a fun, loving and caring dad, brother, grandpa and uncle. He had a great sense of humour, told wonderful stories and jokes, loved to do magic tricks and have trivia contests with the kids. He was always a gentleman and in spite of his many health issues, he always walked on the sunny side of the street. The family would like to thank the staff at CancerCare Manitoba for their support over the years especially nurse Elizabeth Agnew for her caring and respect of our dad. We are also most grateful to the staff of the Riverview Palliative Care Unit, Drs. Mehta and Adde and home care nurse Evelyn. Celebration of life will be held at Neil Bardal Centre, 3030 Notre Dame (near Red River Community College), Winnipeg at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8. In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to CJNU 107.9 FM, P.O. Box 2282, Station Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4A6 or the charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 07, 2012
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Like many I left a career to persue radio and during my radio days I was introduced to Garry Robertson Music Services and became a music man on weekends. I loved it!So much so that when I moved from Vancouver Island to Penticton I called Garry and asked about buying the franchise for GRMS in the Okanagan. Garry drove out to BC and brought with him 3 music liabraries and I was in business. It was fantastic and the Penticton franschise won Top Customer Service award in my first full year in business, and my wife and I were received a trip for 2 to Hawaii and $1000.00 spending money. That was a big deal in the mid 80's. Garry was a mentor both with music and business but most of all I considered Garry a friend. The last time I spoke with Garry was in 1993 just after I was elected as Member of Parliament for Okanagan Similkameem Merrit. I ended selling my franschise to someone that I had mentored a GRMS music man. This morning my plan was to try and call Garry, I googled him only to find this obituary. It was very sad, but all I can think is that heaven is having a great party and Garry has them doing the Hokie Pokie because - that is what it is all about. Rest in Peace - Posted by: Jim Hart (Friend - franchisee) on: Jan 08, 2013
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I met Gary when I was a little girl. Gary and my Dad Fred Cane would record music together in our basement on Wednesday nights. Always very kind and would joke with me and ask if one day I would dj for him. I had one of his men dj our wedding in 1980. I have talked of him and my Dad over the years. I feel very sad that I missed his service. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Catherine Dearman () on: Nov 14, 2012
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I met Garry for the first time in the early 80's. I had been with the company for almost 2 years in Brandon prior to meeting. My first impression was an instant like. He was so full of life and truly welcomed each one of us hound DJ's to our very first Christmas party at headquarters in Winnipeg. I was always proud of the company I worked for because the man who found it was such a great guy. Many years have passed and came across the obituary by accident tonight. My deepest sympathies to the entire family on the loss of a remarkable man and human being. Thank you Garry for your time with us. - Posted by: Tom Kurys (Former music man with Garry Robertson Music) on: Sep 23, 2012
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When I got my first part time radio job at CJOB typing file cards in the record library Garry was always generous with his advice and encouragement. Later when I was production manager, Garry was a "voice" I relied on to make me look good.....well...sound good. I still have some of those commercials around and they sound as fresh today as they did back then. I've been fortunate to work with The Best....and Garry was certainly one of them. - Posted by: Warren Cosford (Co-worker CJOB) on: Aug 12, 2012
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Garry gave me my first on-air break at CJNU, and was a mentor of sorts as he coached me into pursuing a number of radio opportunities which led to my career with CJOB. I am indebted to him for helping me launch my radio career, and I send my sincerest condolences to his family on hearing the news of his passing. - Posted by: John Copsey () on: Aug 12, 2012
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All of the comments, love and support over the last week has helped us to remember the good times and ease the pain of my dad's passing. Thank-you for all of the kind words. Ken Watts, I would love to talk to you! Please email me at jlsawchuk@shaw.ca so we can connect! - Posted by: Linda Sawchuk (Daughter) on: Aug 11, 2012
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Garry was such a friendly welcoming person to me and our family. Everyone will miss his spirit and positive energy. My condolences to the Robertson family. - Posted by: Denise Mortimer () on: Aug 10, 2012
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To Lisa and Linda,I remember well the smooth, mellow tone of your father on CJOB, my condolences to you and your families. As I read through the obituary, I was shocked to learn of your mother's passing so many years ago, again my absolute condolences. My connection with your mother is a close one, as I am her first cousin on the Thorneycroft lineage. My mother was Iris Thorneycroft, older sister of Joseph Thorneycroft, birth father of Carolyn.I have some memories and many photographs of your very young mom, some with her birth father that I'm sure would be of interest to you, I would be more then pleased to share, I'll leave contact up to you. - Posted by: Ken Watts () on: Aug 09, 2012
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As a music listener of CKRC, I followed Garry Robertson. Later on I attended a social MC'd by Garry himself. His style inspired me to form my own music man business back in the late 70s. My physical disability did not get in the way of my love for, and professional delivery of music for the paying public. Garry so inspired me, that a few years I turned over all of my extra bookings to his company. In 1981 my wife and I hired his music business to play our wedding. My condolences to family - Posted by: Warren Patterson (Fellow Music Man) on: Aug 09, 2012
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I first met this great guy at CKRC radio and I think I taught him the mysteries of the control room. I well remember meeting his then fiancee and thinking "what a perfect match". We collided again at CJNU and the years fell away. We both felt like we were back in the "RC days where we were paid very little but had perhaps the most fun in the broadcasting business. He was a great human being and I count myself among the many who had the good fortune to spend even a small amount of time in his company. - Posted by: Murray Parker (friend and collegue) on: Aug 08, 2012
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Just an absolutely sweet guy and human being. Have known many of the city's broadcasters throughout the years and Garry sits at the top. God bless you, pal, and blessings to Cindy and your family. - Posted by: Stone Wallace (Friend) on: Aug 08, 2012
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Garry always had a smile and a joke to brighten your day. Up until the last days he was still in that positive place we all strive to be. Peace to Garry forever and his family until they dance together again. - Posted by: Todd Mortimer (friend) on: Aug 08, 2012
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Garry Robertson was a wonderful outgoing man. He always knew how to make a person feel extra special. I enjoyed going to work for him, most days were an adventure, to say the least. I know the heavens will be filled with music as he settles into his new home. Rest in Peace. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. - Posted by: Donald Iwanicki (Former Employee/Friend) on: Aug 08, 2012
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While living in Winnipeg, I listened to Garry on the "Shut-Ins" radio program on CJOB. His voice was always soft and soothing (dulcet tones, he would say). While teaching us how to speak on a mic (properly) and interact with an audience. He would always stress the dance TEMPO! "You can always mix different genres, but keep increasing the TEMPO, to build participation on the dance-floor. How right he was/is. He always played great music. I'm not sure, but I think he may have worked at CKRC when the local band, "Guess Who" recorded "Shakin' All Over"? Little did I know how much Garry would influence my life. After meeting him - we connected. He gave up a career in dentistry - I gave up a career in financial management. We both, for the love of using recorded music to entertain and make people happy. Garry was a people-person, more than a business-person. Every time that he would visit us on the left-coast, he would inquire about family well-being, before business issues. Garry molded my life. He created a business model that helped me create a stable environment that led to a healthy financial and family scenario that modeled his ideals. He taught me a lot about business ethics. He always made me laugh - with jokes and his "magic" tricks. I think, most importantly - he taught me that love and care for family always comes first. Thanks, Garry. See ya later, - Posted by: Ted Parker (An early franchisee of Garry Robertson Music Services in Vancouver, BC) on: Aug 07, 2012
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I got to know Garry and Carol through my husband Rod who worked as a DJ for his music business. Although we left Winnipeg in 1970 we always kept in touch and always visited when we visited Winnipeg. In the last few years Garry and I became closer as we shared the painful deaths of our spouses. He was always such a positive person and I will miss our once a year visits. My thoughts are with his family. He won't have to suffer any longer! - Posted by: Dorothy Johnson (Friend since 1067) on: Aug 07, 2012
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Winnipeg has lost a remarkable person. Garry was a man who was able to touch lives...mainly because of his love of music, and his ability to present it for others. His memory will live on through the voice of Nostalgia Broadcasting's CJNU-FM...a radio station he was instrumental in founding, and where the music he loved...and knew others loved, will be an ongoing reminder of his unselfish gift for all. - Posted by: Tom Bryant (long time friend-former co-worker) on: Aug 07, 2012
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I knew Garry back in 91 when I had the Malibu Banquet Centre and he was a wonderful man, my condolences to his family, he sure loved his music - Posted by: Susan Bjarnason () on: Aug 07, 2012
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The sky will be brighter with a "star" like Garry in it. - Posted by: Jane Bell (a CJNU listener) on: Aug 07, 2012
