Raymond Charles Robertson

Cambridge - Raymond C Robertson, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 with family by his side.

He is survived by three sons: Scott (Robin), John (Lucinda), and Rick (Kerri); eight grandchildren: Amanda (Brian), Ariel, Laura, Zach (Chelsea), Aubrey, Hannah (Josh), Levi, and Cassandra; and four great grandchildren: Remy, Lily, Miles, Julia, and a wonderful little dog named Jennie.

His wife of 65 years, Marian, was the sun, moon and stars of his life. If you looked up the definition of commitment, devotion or unconditional love it would say Ray Robertson. Ray was a family man who worked hard to ensure his family worked together, played together, respected each other and always took the hero's path. He was the gold standard of integrity and honor.

Ray had an artist’s soul and an engineer’s mind. He graduated from Bethlehem Central then went on to earn a degree in civil engineering in Buffalo. From there he worked on NYS roads before joining the NYS Thruway Authority as a bridge engineer until he retired. Always the maintenance man, he kept his log home and property in Cambridge in mint condition, very inviting and beautiful.

Ray loved to travel with Marian in their camper. The goal was to hike and canoe great places, have lunch overlooking a beautiful view and get back to the campsite in time for what he called the “attitude adjustment hour” where he and “Mare” would reflect on the day, their dreams, and how the world was doing before eating dinner.

Always helpful to any family member in need, Ray’s mantra was to find out what was wanted and advocate for it, whether it be a life decision or a big project. He helped his dad build a beautiful house, “Bonnie Brae”, on the Great Sacandaga Reservoir, which was the center for family activities and fun for many years. His log home, “Brigadoon”, became the central family gathering spot after Bonnie Brae was sold. He had a pond dug for swimming, a great sledding hill and most importantly a giant table where food was shared and many, many fun card games were played.

One of his talents was the ability to take a block of wood and transform it into a 3D carving that captured life's special moments. For example, he did a series of ice skaters where exhilaration, fun, motion, togetherness and family were infused into the wood and brought to life. His skill with the camera also inspired generations of photographers.

Last but not least was his infectious love for big band, jazz and soulful singers such as Jo Stafford, Petula Clark, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra. Children and grandchildren grew to love his music which was always playing in the background. He enjoyed dancing the jitterbug with his wife whenever the right song started to play.

Words cannot convey how much he will be missed. The silver lining in the cloud is that he is back together with the love of his life and free to enjoy all that the universe has to offer. We all carry him tenderly in our hearts and are blessed to be part of his life. An informal gathering of friends and family to celebrate his life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 74 Wallace Road, Cambridge (Town of Jackson).

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