When you think of the name Russ Robertson, I’m sure you’re transported to an ice surface filled with cheers and sounds of hockey. For me, I think of a six-foot-six man who helped shape Lloydminster and welcomed British royalty to the quiet Border City.
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When I first saw Robertson, I was immediately surprised by his height. When pictured next to most, including Queen Elizabeth II, he was like an anomaly. My favourite fact about Robertson was he never liked to describe himself as six-foot-six, rather he would tell people he’s five-foot-eighteen.
Photo courtesy Lloydminster Regional Archives
For the tall mayor, he came to Lloydminster later in his life. It was the small town of Balcarres, Sask., that raised Robertson. It was also where he eventually met his wife, Anne.
He had a variety of jobs, teaching at a school, working at the rural municipality when his father died, but none were quite the right fit for him. He even tried his hand at running a general store.
My favourite thing about Robertson’s story is in 1948 he “decided” to own an oil company, partnering with his brother-in-law. I don’t know how you decide to own a successful company, but I have to try that sometime.
It was that company that brought him to Lloydminster. The pull of municipal activities quickly drew Robertson to city hall. He held a variety of positions, becoming the city’s first commissioner, city councillor and eventually mayor.
Robertson was pivotal in starting the process to get a $48-million sewer and water treatment system that would eventually be approved by a future mayor taking years to go through the process.
Life in city hall wasn’t the only thing keeping him busy. Robertson enjoyed helping in hockey and coaching young people in junior ball. He taught Sunday school at the Grace United Church; he was the chamber of commerce secretary and the secretary for the exhibition board.
Now, we can’t talk about Robertson without mentioning his accomplishment of getting the Queen to Lloydminster. He didn’t physically bring her here, but he invited the Queen to visit the British-built city and, with the help of the legion, that was a reality on July 30, 1978.
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip and Andrew arrived by special plane from Saskatoon to be greeted by Robertson and his wife Anne.
Anne recalled the Queen showed great interests in the Barr Colonists and the pioneers, visiting the old log church. It was a day that was forever marked in history and something Robertson will always be remembered for.
He died following a battle with cancer in 1981. He was honoured by Mayor Kathleen Mathison as she held the mayor’s prayer breakfast a program centered around Robertson and Anne. They were paid the highest tribute and recognized for their leadership.
Robertson was driven with a strong work ethic and left a permanent mark on Lloydminster.
He was remembered for his efforts in bringing the Queen here, often being referred to as the “Queen greeter.” In interviews with mayor’s after Robertson’s time, he was remembered for his leadership in the community and his efforts to bring better water to the community. Today he’s still remembered through the arena named after him.
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Excellent read, I had no idea.