Timothy Norris Robertson

1932 - 2025

Timothy Norris Robertson (92), who was Keene's longest-serving representative in the NH State House of Representatives, died peacefully at Covenant Living of Keene on January 29, 2025. Tim's daughter, Kristin was with him at the time of his death. Tim was well-known for his bold, passionate service not only in the state house, but in multiple service roles in his community.

Tim was born in Brattleboro, VT on June 6, 1932 to Ellis and Dorothy (nee Drynan) Robertson. Tim lived with his parents, brother James and sister Dorothy in VT until 1936 when his family moved to Keene. Tim attended Keene High School participating in the Acapella club all four years, was a coronet player for the Junior Police Band of Keene and was especially proud of his time as equipment manager of the school football team for which he earned his varsity letter. His high school nickname was "Tiny Tim" and his yearbook quote was: "He is witty, he is wise; He's a terror for his size." This description followed him into the NH House of Representatives.

After high school, Tim attended Harvard College for one semester. Harvard was not for him, so he made the decision to attend Hobart William Smith College in Geneva, NY. Tim went to Hobart for two years before he volunteered for the draft and enlisted in the US Army. Tim learned early in his military service to work smart, not hard. He was stationed in Fort Sill in Oklahoma where he became a certified radio operator. Being older and a little more experienced, he became the company clerk.

After his discharge from the Army, Tim returned to Hobart where he completed his degree in economics. Tim described one of his greatest achievements in his life as surrounding himself with strong, intelligent women and it is at Hobart that he met his cherished wife of 61 years, Elsie Hartlieb Robertson, who was a nursing student at Keuka college.

Tim and Elsie (Talu) were married in 1958 in Port Chester, NY, Elsie's hometown. Tim convinced his young bride to move back to his hometown of Keene, which he described to her as "THE cultural hub of New England north of Boston". Keene is still described this way with a grin by his children and grandchildren.

Tim worked alongside his father, Ellis, at Robertson Motor Company until his father's death in 1972 at which time he became the CEO. Robertson Motor Co. was started as a blacksmith shop in Keene by Tim's grandfather George Bryant Robertson. In 1963, he moved to Brattleboro to manage the Brattleboro division of Robertson Motor Co.

Tim and Elsie returned to Keene in 1964 with their two children, Andrew, Kristin and had their youngest, Lincoln in 1965. The Robertsons raised their family on Daniels Hill Road.

Tim was extremely active in state and local politics and strongly believed that the government should do more for people. He spent 18 non-consecutive years in the NH State legislature where he was described by his political colleagues as open and independent and someone who "doesn't play to the crowd". (Keene Sentinel, 14 March 2005, p3) Tim sponsored at least 25 bills in the House, but said he couldn't think of a single bill he sponsored that passed. However, he

had faith that his ideas would eventually carry the day and said, "somebody has to be the conscience". Tim is survived by his three children Andrew Robertson (Mary Ann), Kristin McKeon (Jon) and Lincoln Robertson (Heather Piche). his grandchildren Yari McKeon (Liz Laliberte McKeon), Chloe Utkin (Chance), Amir Robertson, Tristan Robertson and his great grandchildren Oliver and Eloise McKeon. He is predeceased by his wife Elsie (Talu) Robertson, his siblings James Robertson and Dorothy Arwe and his parents Ellis & Dorothy Robertson. In keeping with Robertson family tradition, Tim was a champion of his local and global community. He and Elsie hosted many student experimenters through the School for International Living. He was a significant financial and volunteer supporter of the Keene YMCA. He was also a long-time member of the Lion's Club and received awards for his frequent blood donations to the Red Cross. He was also a strong supporter of RISE, the United Way, and the Hundred Nights shelter. Tim was also an active member of the Keene Unitarian Universalist Church serving on the board for a number of years. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to: the Keene YMCA, the Lions Club, or the Hundred Nights Shelter. Tim was adamant that he wanted a party, not a funeral, so please join us for a posthumous party in his honor on April 12 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at Stonewall Farm, 242 Chesterfield Rd., Keene, NH. Drinks, light fare and his favorite food, ice cream, will served.