ALLAN (AL) WILLIAM ROBERTSON

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ALLAN (AL) WILLIAM ROBERTSON

Heaven's baseball team called up a true all-star. Allan William Robertson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026. He was surrounded by loved ones, their hands in his, as he made his final journey home.

Allan (Al) was born on September 28, 1939 in Moosomin, SK and could always be found passing on stories from his life, but his accomplishments, presence and reputation truly spoke for themselves. Growing up on a farm in Oak River, Al was a kind man and a hard worker, often reflecting with his family about how quickly the world developed, from having no utilities to having everything at the touch of a finger. He grew up surrounded by the love and support of friends and family, and by the time high school in Hamiota came around, he met his wife Lorna. Later married for almost 64 years, their love story started with dances, Valentine's Day chocolates, physics tutoring, and for those who know Al well, a heavy dose of bugging. Al and Lorna were true life partners and friends, going on to have four children who they raised in Hamiota.

Al is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 63 years, Lorna (Caldwell) Robertson; his beloved children, Kim Enns (Brian) and their children, Kyle (Marley), Chebri; Jeff Robertson (Michelle) and their children, Mitchell, Carter, Brooklyn; Randy Robertson (Jeannine) and their children, Tyeler (Krista), Laci (Cam), Larah (Benny), Jordan (Hailey); and Kerri Hayhurst (Chris) and their children, Halle (Eric) and Kamryn; and his great-grandchildren, Chloe, Easton, Claire, Everleigh, Brooks, Charlie, Gabriel, and Lachlan; and his brother Don (Diane) Robertson. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Annie (Brown) Robertson and sister Ethel (Robertson) and Keith Mitchell.

Al was also a well-rounded athlete who discovered his love for competition, athletics, and mentoring from a young age. He played hockey, baseball, and football growing up, going on to spend three years as a member of the Brandon College (now Brandon University) football team, where he also played hockey from 1957-1962. Not to be forgotten, Al had an exemplary baseball career, both as a player and a coach. Al represented Canada at the Pan Am Games as a player in 1967 and 1971. He then went on to coach various sports for his children and his community, all of which earned him several inductions and recognitions related to his athletic and coaching careers. To list a few, Al was named the Westman Manitoba Sportsman of the Year and is a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame, including becoming an Honourary Lifetime Member in 2025. He also continued to give back to the sport he loved so much by donating his time to the Manitoba Baseball Association and the Manitoba Senior Baseball League, serving as president for a period of time for both.

When Al wasn't on the ball field or at the rink he could be found in the Hamiota schools. As an educator and principal for 33 years, Al was a pillar in the Hamiota school system leading the way as principal and supporting the children and young adults who passed through the halls. After retirement, Al never lost the desire to serve his community and served on Hamiota town council for 19 years, which included nine years as mayor.

If you would've asked Al about what mattered most to him, however, his answer likely wouldn't have had anything to do with his accomplishments in athletics, his career, or otherwise. His pride and joy was his family, including his four children and their spouses, his 11 grandchildren and their spouses, and his six great-grandchildren. Al loved fishing, hunting, driving the boat, and golfing with his family, typically in the Hamiota surrounding area or at Rossman Lake, and he could often be found traveling family to family, supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by offering advice (solicited or otherwise), cheering them on in sports and activities, watching them in spelling bees, and burning toast (best to leave that to Lorna).

Al's legacy is one of dedication, humility, and unwavering love - for his family, his community, and the game that shaped so much of his life. He leaves behind a standard of kindness, hard work, and quiet excellence that will continue to guide all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his stories, his laughter, and his steady presence will live on in the hearts of those he loved. In every cheer from the stands, every shared story, and every moment spent together, Al will always be with us.

A celebration of Al's life will be held at the Hamiota District Sports Complex (Curling Surface) on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at the Hamiota Cemetery.

For those so desiring, donations may be made in Al's memory to the Hamiota Community Foundation, Box 100, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0; Manitoba Baseball Hall Of Fame, 111C Gilmour St, Morden, MB, R6M 1N9 (www.mbhof.ca); or to the Hamiota District Health Centre Foundation, Box 671, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0.

Campbell Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements: https://www.campbellfuneralhome.ca/obituary/AllanAl-Robertson

As published in Brandon Sun on May 02, 2026