UNITY — In the introduction, given at the June 3 banquet that kicked off Unity Western Days, committee member, Mary Anne Gaetz, said it was the committee’s pleasure to recognize an individual in the community who has contributed continuous support to the community in several ways. Don Robertson was named citizen of the year, and a list of his accolades followed.
Robertson was noted for his long-standing support of the town, the business community, sports events, clubs and club fundraisers and much more.
As a youngster, Robertson played hockey, baseball and basketball and was part of the UCHS drama club; learning from his parents that volunteering was important and gratifying. Thus began the journey which led to him becoming a founding member of the Kinsmen Club in 1997 and to be an associate member of the Unity Legion.
Robertson became a councillor for the town and completed his final term in 2016. During this time there were many highlights. He was involved in building of the new town office and of the new health center. He was an original member of the push behind the of the building of Parkview Place and he was actively involved in the recruiting of four doctors. He led the transformation of the new recycle, landfill and lagoon system, the building of the rink extension and expansion of all the ball diamonds
He led development of the new infrastructure and growth of the community including paving, new sewer lines and cemetery upgrades. He advocated for sidewalks to make it easier for those with disabilities and was involved in the establishment of North West Terminal.
His greatest achievement within the community was being a founding member and chairperson of the Wall of Fame Committee (a four-member team). This committee developed the criteria, contacted the recipients, and co-ordinated the banquet for these celebrations. This committee has hosted eight evenings and inducted many groups and individuals into the Unity Wall of Fame.
In·sports, Robertson was always committed. He started a ringette team in 1983, developing it as a new ice-skating alternative activity for girls choosing not to play hockey or to figure skate. This sport grew to developing teams in seven different communities in the zone. He went on to coach at the national level, after attending 11 separate national events with his daughters. In 1999, in his coaching debut, the team won a bronze medal in the open division in Prince George, B.C. bringing recognition to the province and the town.
Robertson has a great passion for team building and his coaching career spans 45 years. He, along with Randy Ervine of Kindersley, developed and co-ordinated the UK Royals. As a coach he has won 11 gold, five silver and four bronze provincial medals and two gold and two silver in westerns. He is a mentor to many younger coaches and a strong builder and supporter of the Unity and Zone 7 softball program.
He began his business career in 1982, joining his father at Gulf Oil Distributors. In 1984 he was joined by his brother, and it then became known as HD and D Distributors. After his father retired, he and his brother ran the business until 1996 when Petro-Canada amalgamated, and JJ Lamon bought the business. In 2004 it became a card lock and he enjoyed 10 more years making it a total of 32 years as owner and manager in the petroleum business. He retired in 2014.
He is a proud father and now a proud grandfather watching his family excelling in the sport that he loves. His grandchildren can all throw a ball. As a business owner he was always fair and dedicated himself to serving the public to the best of his ability. As a council member he believed in what was good for the town and fought for all recreation activities and facilities to be second to none.
Robertson says he loves the town and everything it has to offer. Since he began working in Unity more than 50 years ago, he has been actively involved in coaching and developing young athletes, some who have now become coaches. He has worked to keep the town of Unity competitive and displayed his pride in the community. He is a recognized and respected person in the community, region and province in business, municipal government and in sport. He follows in the footsteps of his grandfather who was a pioneer of the year and his father who was a citizen of the year.
