Russell G. Robertson MD
November 7, 1952 - May 31, 2021
Russell Gilmore Robertson died at home on May 31, 2021 with his beloved wife Sandra Kaye Robertson and his dear children Judd Lorts Robertson and Amelia Kaye Parrett (nee Robertson) by his side. He passed peacefully and with dignity after a nearly decade-long fight against Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), a form of dementia that strikes younger than Alzheimers and brings an unrelenting decline and loss of cognition, speech, and movement. He was 68.
The single most important person in Russ’ life was Jesus, who he regularly said saved and completely changed him. His faith undergirded everything he thought, said, and did, in life and work. Russ’ greatest joy and pride was his family, with whom he loved spending time, traveling, shooting baskets, telling Dad jokes, or simply cheering on their lifes’ pursuits. He enjoyed classic cars and led the laughter at silly movies. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his eight grandkids, two children-in-law, his mother-in-law, and two siblings. We all miss him dearly, but are thankful he is Home, fully-restored, with Jesus.
Dr. Robertson cherished being a physician, professor, and medical school administrator. As a family doctor, Russ counted it the highest privilege to care for people from birth to death. His last position as dean of a medical school combined his skill for patient care, his passion for teaching, and his talent as a visionary leader. Even with his untimely sickness and death, Russ did much good work to improve US medical education and expand care to the economically disadvantaged.
A memorial will be held on Saturday, July 17 at 10:30 am in Capital Church, 1010 E 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration by clicking the donate button above in memory of Russ.
In Loving Memory
Dear Sandy, Sending you our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Wish we could be there to celebrate his life and his legacy but will join you with our hearts. You and your family will be in our prayers. With love, Alyson & Matt Rim
Alyson & Matthew Rim
Chicago, IL
Sandy, Judd and Amelia, Please accept our prayers, understanding and sincerest sympathies during this time of sadness. May your faith sustain you and shared family memories of a devoted husband and father bring you eternal joy. Love, Beth and Gary Flehmer
Gary and Beth Flehmer
Cedarburg, WI
Sandy, Judd and Amelia, Please accept our prayers, understanding and sincerest sympathies during this time of sadness. May your faith sustain you and shared family memories of a devoted husband and father bring you eternal joy. Love, Beth and Gary Flehmer
Beth and Gary Flehmer
Cedarburg, WI
Dear Sandy, Franklin and I are so sorry for your loss. Franklin told me what a dynamic man Russ was. We share the sorrow of your loss and will keep you in our prayers. Diana Woodland
Diana K Woodland
Chicago, IL
Sandy, Judd and Amelia, Sending you thoughts and prayers. It has been many years since I had the opportunity to work with Russ, but I did reconnect with him shortly before his illness. You are a wonderful family and he was blessed to be surrounded by all of you. All good wishes, Nick Turkal
Nick Turkal
nan, nan
Sandy and Robertson Family, Beautiful honor for a wonderful man, dear wife and his family. Our hearts join yours in dependence on the grace and strength and comfort of Jesus our Savior King. With love, Don and Sandy
Don and Sandy Good
South Jordan, UT
Dearest Sandy and Family Russ will be remembered by many. As you grieve the loss of a wonderful husband, father and man, your strong faith will sustain you through the sorrow knowing that he is truly Resting In Peace. Prayers to all. The John and Barb Busch Family
John and Barb Busch
Milwaukee, WI
Dear Sandy and Family, We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers at your loss. Russ was a wonderful colleague, mentor, co-worker, but most of all, Christian Brother. We will never forget his personal and professional support during several difficult years in Milwaukee. May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus! Love in Christ, Bill and Lynn Geiger
Bill and Lynn Geiger
Knoxville, TN
Sandy - Our lives crossed paths for such a short while but we very quickly wished we had known you and Russ longer. You exemplified what honoring your marriage vows really looks like. Our hearts break with you on Russ's passing. May the memories of his life and love comfort you in your remaining years.
Yvette Brandes
Grand Beach, MI
Dear Sandra: Please accept my condolences. I am very sorry to hear that Russ was sick and passed away so young. I am thankful for the opportunities that he provided to me at an early stage in my career at Northwestern. Again, I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Sincerely, Elizabeth Ryan Northwestern Colleague
Elizabeth Ryan
Gary, IN
Dear Sandra, I just heard of your husband's passing and was so saddened and shocked with the news. I knew him from Mequon Care Center and always admired his respectfulness with the patients and kindness. The summer day he made time to take one of the residents for a ride in his yellow convertible sports car was so special. The huge grin on John's face was priceless as they drove out of the parking lot! My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Mary Weber PT
Mary Weber
Mequon, Wi