It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of William (Bill) Owen Robertson. He died on Tuesday, October 13th, 2020 in Troy, MI. We celebrate this wonderful man, whose love for others was prevalent at all times. Bill was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 13, 1934 and lived there with his parents, younger sister, Mary Nell, and younger brother, Tom. He had three children, Nicole, Blair and Nell. Education played a large part in Bill’s life. He received his bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University, and soon after attended law school at Ohio State University. After law school, Bill joined Ford Motor Company in the Detroit area, where he worked as a labor relations attorney for 20 years. He was active in the Birmingham Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon for many years as well as acting in plays with the Presbyterian Theatre Guild. While rehearsing for the play, ‘Cheaper By the Dozen’, he met Ann Larson who was also performing. Their undeniable connection was instant, and they soon married and joined their families, adding Beth, Eric and Kate to the clan. In 1981, they began a new chapter in their lives. Bill and Ann, both having strong spiritual souls, decided to follow their passion and enroll in the Louisville theology Seminary and study to become Presbyterian ministers. Their first job was in St. Augustine, Florida where they worked as co-pastors. They traveled to Nicaragua as missionaries, with ‘Witness For Peace’, an interdenominational organization dedicated to experiencing and sharing the story of the plight of the poor and underserved. For nearly 40 years, the two inseparable soul-mates worked in more than six churches from Vermont to Ohio and touched hundreds of lives. Bill’s circle of friends was ever increasing, as people were drawn to his sharp wit and contagious smile. Bill worked as a minister until the age of 83, during which time he also prioritized doing the things he loved with his friends and family. Some of his hobbies included; raising and walking his German Shepherds, hiking in the mountains, canoeing rivers and rustic camping, grilling and cooking (his sauces were legendary), snowshoeing in an uncharted forest, singing, drinking beer while watching football (his only flaw was his unabashed love for OSU football), musical theatre (650 Players/OPC-Rochester and Presbyterian Theatre Guild/Birmingham), reading, especially science fiction and eating ANYTHING chocolate. Cherished husband of Ann Ballinger Robertson; precious father of Nicole Roediger (Glen), Blair Robertson, and Nell Mangin (Jim); and step-children, Elizabeth Larson Willoughby (Michael), Eric B. Larson (Katherine), Kathryn W. Larson; devoted grandfather of Calli Brannan, Savannah Mangin, Lauren Roediger, Kyle Roediger, Daniel R. Willoughby, Sarah E. Guseilo (Alan), Paige V. Leventis (Dean), Makenzie V. Larson, Ty Larson, Michele Willoughby, Cameron Willoughby (Shamim); adoring great-grandfather of Adley and Olivia Guseilo and Allexis Willoughby; loving brother of Mary Nell Bonaventura (Anthony) and Thomas Robertson; uncle of Claire Weech (William), Louis Chapman (Brenda) and Timothy Robertson. Bill's family takes comfort in knowing what an extraordinary life he led and that he is now fully in God’s Hands. We will miss his loving embrace, wisdom and unconditional love. There will be a private service to celebrate Bills’ life on October 21, 2020. The celebration will be recorded and available for viewing via a link on this website on October 22, 2020. Memorial donations may be made to Leaders Dogs for the Blind or Americanforests.org ~Lovingly written by the family