ROBERTSON, Ernest “John”
21 October 1943 – 16 February 2025
With sad hearts the family of John Robertson (age 81) announce his passing on 16 February, 2025.
John was born in Auckland, NZ to parents Gordon George and Yveta May (née: Grouhand) Robertson. He is survived by sister Lisa Irene Cooper of NZ and many relatives there. Notably, John laughed about how he had 13 aunties and an uncle who spoiled him rotten as a small boy.
As a youth, John began playing clarinet as part of his school studies and his love for Classical music and ballet grew with a passion that would absorb & nourish him his entire life.
In 1967, John emigrated to Canada working in the insurance business in Toronto, Ontario. In the mid1970s, John studied music composition privately for three years at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
It was in Toronto that John met his partner of 30 years, Gordon Smith of Napanee, Ontario. John and Gordon travelled extensively, enjoying time with friends & family around the world. They also spent a significant amount of time wintering in Puerto Vallarta where John also played in the orchestra.
Retirement brought John & Gordon to Kingston, Ontario where John played in the LaSalle Band also rekindling his passion for music composition, putting pen to manuscript paper once again.
Friend and conductor Maestro Anthony Armoré (Vienna, AT) collaborated with John for more than a decade, creating several recordings with orchestra released on CD and online. John’s compositions have been performed and recorded in Canada, the US, Mexico, United Kingdom, Czechia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Sweden and China.
John lived his life to the fullest and will be missed by his families in New Zealand, his Canadian family; Allyson Sills; David Currie; Jeffrey Sills; Jennifer & Chris (Thea & Parker) Laprade. He will also be missed by his chosen families; Sonya Bearss & Rhonda Walton; Brian Lee & Chris Poupore (Edward & Louis); Anthony & Elena (Sofia & Matteo) Armoré, as well as dear friends, too many to list.
An appreciation is extended to the KHSC’s caring Staff in the HDH & KGH Emergency rooms, Connell 9 & Davies 4.
As per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family inurnment.
There will be no formal funeral service.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held on Sunday May 4th, 2025 from 2-4 pm at the James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., Kingston, please enter from the rear parking lot doors.
Online condolences can be made at here.
