One of Truckee’s most beloved citizens, George E. Robertson, Jr., passed away on June 23, 2007 at the age of 86.

George was a World War II veteran of service with the Army Corps of Engineers. Long known for his commitment to community service, George received the Nevada County Senior “Hero of the Year” award in 1998, the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President Bush in 2005, and was presented with the Key to the Town of Truckee by the Truckee Town Council and Mayor in 2006 for his steadfast attendance at virtually every Town Council meeting since the Town’s incorporation.

George’s reliable input at those meetings earned him the nickname “Voice of the Public,” and Town Council members jokingly referred to George as Truckee’s “Sixth Council Member.”

George also dedicated time to the Tahoe Forest Hospital for more than 15 years. He earned his 2,000+ hour Volunteer Award from the hospital in 2003. He also volunteered at the Nevada County Senior Center, the ECC and other civic organizations.

George’s volunteer work was most apparent, however, in his devotion to the First Baptist Church of Truckee where he served as a deacon and board member for nearly 15 years, taught Sunday School for the Church and managed its administration. Above all else, George was a devout Christian who lived out his faith in the Lord every day.

His wife of 65 years, Ellen N. Robertson, was at his side every day of his adult life while they raised their three children: Margaret Holmes, Barbara Robertson and G. David Robertson, who all live in the Truckee area. His seven grandchildren are Torri Barnum, Kecia Fiori, Wendy Holmes, Crisanto Guarin, Shelly Robertson, Lisa McCandless and George T. Robertson. His three great-grandchildren are Benjamin and Judah McCandless, and Kellen Fiori. He was preceded in death by his brother, Vernon Robertson, and his sister, Blanche Norcross.

George was a loving husband who adored his wife and took joy in every day they had together. Their family and friends will miss his quick wit, sharp bridge game, light dance steps and fun and humorous nature. George was ever mindful that his wife, family and friends enriched every day of his life.

Viewings will be held Thursday, July 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday, July 6 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Truckee Tahoe Mortuary, 10126 Church Street in Truckee. A funeral service is planned for Friday, July 6 at 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Truckee, 11605 Deerfield Drive. Flowers will be donated to patients at Tahoe Forest Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Reverend Kevin Murdoch, 1140 Captain Street N.W., Los Lunas, NM 87031.