Earl Robertson

Earl Edward Robertson, Jr. passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at his home in Marblehead, Ohio. He was a life-long Kansas City resident until 2006, when he moved to Vero Beach, Florida. He was born on October 14, 1928 in Kansas City to Earl E. and Margaret Hocker Robertson. His father was the national advertising manager, vice- president and one of several employee- owners of the Kansas City Star in the 1940's and 1950's. Earl attended Border Star Elementary, Pembroke Country Day School, Wentworth Military Academy and the University of Kansas. Earl was the owner of Neal Boats and Motors from the 1950's until he closed the business and retired in 1980. During that time, he was active in the marine business as a dealer, distributor and boat builder. He was a past president of the Kansas City Marine Dealers Association, was involved in starting the Lake Olathe Water Ski Club (later Mo-Kan), and was very active in promoting the sport and preserving the history of water-skiing, particularly through his involvement with the American Water Ski Educational Foundation along with his late wife, Nancie Rideout Robertson. Earl found happiness again when his love of antiques also introduced him to his future wife, Helen Taylor. Earl and Helen were married in 2001 and spent 10 fun-filled years dividing their time between the antique show circuit and their homes in Florida, Ohio and Kansas City. Earl was the former president/owner of E. E. Robertson Farms, Inc. in Armstrong, Missouri, a member of the Boicort Hunting Association, a charter member of the Carriage Club and past treasurer and vice-president of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation, which honored him in 1999 with the Award of Distinction for his contributions to the sport of water skiing. He was an active member of Delta Tau Delta. Earl was preceded in death by his son, William Hocker Robertson of Seattle; his wife of 35 years, Nancie Rideout Robertson and his sister, Margaret Ann Robertson. He leaves to mourn his humor and generosity his wife, Helen Taylor Robertson, daughters Sara Elizabeth Robertson (Dr. Stephen Phillips) of Seattle, Barbara Ann Robertson and LeeAnn Robertson of Kansas City and daughter-in-law Teresa Bigelow (Dr. Eric Larsen) of Seattle, granddaughter Colleen Ann Robertson of Seattle, grandsons Ian Michael Robertson (Cheyenne) of San Francisco, Duncan William Robertson, Charles Robertson Phillips, Henry Hocker Phillips, all of Seattle, and many friends across the country. Pallbearers: Dennis Hunt, Carl Wisdom, Bill Hocker, Ian Robertson, Duncan Robertson and Stephen Phillips. Music: Charlie Phillips. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 27th, 1:30 p.m., at McGilley State Line Chapel, with burial following in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family gives special thanks for the care and concern during Earl's illness to the Hocker family and Dennis Hunt. In lieu of flowers, Earl would have appreciated donations to the Hibiscus Children's Center, Vero Beach, FL or the charity of your choice. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Peninsula Chapel 7755 East Harbor Road Lakeside-Marblehead, OH US 43440