OBITUARY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 14 January 1936, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR JOHN LEONARD ROBERTSON The death occurred this morning of Mr John Leonard .Robertson, a well-known citizen of Nelson* and a partner in the firm of J. D. and L. Robertson, Ltd. The late Mr Robertson was born and educated at Wakefield where his father was one of the earliest settlers in the district. liis mother’s maiden name was Rutherford, and she was a sister of the famous scientist, Lord Rutherford of Nelson. After leaving school Mr Robertson was apprenticed to the building trade with tiie late Mr George Robertson, of Brightwater, and at the close of his apprenticeship transferred to Robertson Bros., Ltd., of Nelson, with whom he was associated until 1919. For a period of 12 years he held a position as foreman in outside buildings. In 1919 he left Nelson take up a position with the Wanganui Education Board as foreman builder, and while there he supervised the erection of several large schools, Queen’s Park in Wanganui, Foxton, Palmerston North and redding.

In 1932 lie returned to Nelson and took up his old position with Robertson Bros., Ltd., which he retained until 1932, when he joined Mr J. D. Robertson and took over tiie business of Robertson Bros., Ltd., under the name of J. D. and L. Robertson, Ltd. In July, 1935, he became seriously ill and yesterday suffered a collapse, and passed away at 4.30 this morning. The late Mr Robertson took a prominent part in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a Deacon. He was Immediate Past Master of Waimea Lodge, and a member of the Rechabite Lodge. The Starr Bowkett Society also was strongly supported by him. A widow and one son, Mr Jack Robertson, are left, and to them will be extended the sympathy of a large circle of friends.