Obituaries - MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel

Mark Stair Struan Robertson

December 5, 1929 - December 11, 2021

Service Date: Private service

Service Time:
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Mark Stair Struan Robertson passed away peacefully on December 11, 2021 after a brief illness. Betty, his wife of 64 years, was at his side as were his 5 children - Ian, Susan (Michael), Jude, Neil (Kathy) and Kate (Michael). He is also survived by grandchildren Alison, Charlotte, Nicholas, Fiona, Jesse and Sophie.

Mark was born in London, England on December 5, 1929. His father was Scottish, his mother English. Raised and educated in England (Malvern College), he served in the British Army for two years (Royal Signals, Parachute Regiment and S.A.S) and worked as a salesman in retail and wholesale.

He married the love of his life in 1957 and together they emigrated to Canada where he joined Texaco Canada as a sales rep. He and Betty first lived in Montreal then moved to Halifax then to Saint John. After a wonderful vacation on Prince Edward Island, they returned to England but soon concluded it was a mistake.

Mark worked for 3M Company for two years then he and his now growing family returned to Canada and took up residence in Victoria-by-the-Sea, buying, renovating and operating the village store. In 1965 Mark became an agent for Dominion Life Assurance. A successful career followed, only terminating 48 years later, at age 83.

Mark held many volunteer positions, starting as Chairman of the Victoria Centennial Committee, during which time he and Betty met the Queen & Prince Phillip on board “Britannia”. He served on the Unit 3 School Board, was President of the United Way, President of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Chairman of the Friends of Confederation Center, Q.E.H. Foundation Volunteer, a Cruise ship ambassador, a driver for Meals on Wheels, and a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. He was also a Rotarian for 34 years, during which time he was President and granted a Paul Harris Fellowship.

Mark loved to travel and was an avid reader. He was a wonderful orator, the Sing Noel commentator numerous times and had a great repertoire of jokes, often reducing Betty to tears of laughter. He loved animals and was the man and his dog for many years in the Brighton neighbourhood. He organized amazing Christmas hunts, was an incredible carpenter, dabbled in homemade wine and photography, made the best raspberry jam, loved cross country skiing and will always be remembered for leading his children and grandchildren in Green Grow the Rushes O.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. A private service will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date. Interment later in Sherwood Cemetery. Mark was a strong supporter of charitable giving and, amongst other charities, supported the QEH Foundation and the PEI Humane Society. He would encourage others to follow suit. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com