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Kevin Robertson Obituary
March 22, 1957 - June 16, 2019
Durham, NC
Kevin Rowell Robertson, PhD, 62 (3.22.1957) of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, friends and colleagues Sunday (6.16.2019) in Chapel Hill. Kevin lived life to the full. His death to cancer is a personal and professional loss to many.
An accomplished and esteemed professional, Dr. Robertson has been a University of North Carolina faculty member since 1988, after completing a PhD at Oklahoma State University and Clinical Internships and Fellowships at UNC. Most recently, Kevin was Professor of Neurology, Director of the AIDS Neurological Center at UNC, where he conducted international clinical trials and was the principal investigator of major International Neurological Studies. Kevin was current chair of the Neurology Committee and past member of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group, Division of AIDS, National Institutes of Health. He was the recipient of many NIH grants, the author of many scientific papers and a treasured coinvestigator with scientific colleagues around the world. Kevin's work changed and saved lives. He was a generous colleague and mentor, a source of joy for him and a sustaining legacy.
Kevin cherished his family and is survived by his loving wife Stacey Richardson; his daughters Kaila and Rachel Robertson; father Brewster Milton Robertson (Charlotte); brothers Kerry Brewster (KR) Robertson, Kenton Robertson (Kathy Devereux) and Kelly Robertson (Lorraine Briggs); niece Latham Robertson (Frank Borders) and Benjamin Robertson (Brittany), four great nieces and nephews, and two affectionate rescue dogs. Kevin was preceded in death by his mother Harriette Rowell Robertson.
Kevin was born in Roanoke, Virginia, but was a Tar Heel at heart. He was a passionate man – ever interested, curious and engaged. People always came first: his wife Stacey, family, friends, colleagues and patients. His work took him all over the globe where he enjoyed exploring other cultures, especially music, food and art. Music was also a true calling. Kevin spent a lifetime learning and playing music, collecting instruments and composing, especially with his favorite collaborator, older brother KR. Kevin was drawn to the ocean and was child of the surf, having grown up in Wilmington NC. His family plans to return his ashes to the sea.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Robertson
5 Entries
Bill Haughton
October 28, 2019
KR, Kent, Kelly - I'm really saddened to learn of Kevin's passing. An impressive life and academic career, but too short a life. We're all still so young! Farewell to Ropey!
June 27, 2019
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
Deanna Saylor
June 23, 2019
I was so saddened to hear about Kevin's untimely death. I, like many junior colleagues in the field of neuro-HIV, considered Kevin a close mentor. Creative, intelligent, with an unending knowledge base, Kevin was also generous with his time, quick with an encouraging word, and knew exactly what to say after a discouraging and encouraging result alike. I am so lucky to have worked with and known Kevin, and I will carry his legacy forward in my own career and interactions with mentees. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you find some solace in the many lives he touched around the world.
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JENKINS
June 19, 2019
When one possesses a talent, shares it with others, it is well appreciated as is evidence of Kevin's accomplishments and the joy he brought others. Family enjoy your memories of him and trust in the love of God, friends and family to assist you through your grief.
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