Birth date: Sep 19, 1935 Death date: Jan 6, 2023
William E. Gene Robertson, 87, of Columbia, MO passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023, at his home. Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Second Missionary Baptist Church at 1:00 PM. Visit Read Obituary
I first met Gene in 1968 at Marquette, during a civil rights protest. Although we weren't in the same unit, and met only occasionally while we were both on the Mizzou faculty, meeting him and chatting always made for a red letter day. He will be missed. RIP - you fought the good fight and finished the course. Frank Schmidt
Gene was our Renaissance man. He had an extraordinary interest in photography, jazz and art, and had a remarkable curiosity about people. When he was doing his Saturday radio show, he would stop by the store, settle into the front chair and hold court. He would engage anyone and everyone and his questions and interest were genuine. Sometimes I believed people came by to see and talk with him instead of coming by to shop for books. I called him our resident sage. I feel fortunate to have been on the periphery of these conversations. Thinking back on these Saturdays, I realize what a marvelous influence he had on so many people and yet, I believe Gene would say that he was the one that benefited the most. Always kind, always generous, always humble, always a role model.
Although today my eyes are full of tears and my heart is filled with grief, I know in the future I will remember him, not with sadness, but with fondness and with gratitude that I had the privilege to call him my friend.
Gene was one of the kindest people I've ever met. He purchased the first piece of art I ever sold. I will always remember that as well as his kindness and warm personality. Sorry to the family for your loss. Prayers.
Sending my condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Robertson. He was a wonderful friend to the public library where I work. He was always involved with the community and brought us stacks of the St. Louis American to have available to the public. I always enjoyed our talks. I looked for him at the book sale on Saturday but, of course, he wasn't there. Rest well, Dr. Robertson, you have certainly earned it.
