Eugene Robertson

EUGENE "GENE" EDGAR ROBERTSON, of Wilkeson, WA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 85 years of age. Gene was born to Lucille (Browning) and Edgar Robertson on January 20, 1941 at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington; joining his big sister, Dolores "Dolly," who doted on her baby brother his entire life. While they lived in the Town of Buckley, they spent much time on the family dairy farm on the Old Buckley Sumner Highway with the many cousins, aunts and uncles. He grew up fishing & hunting with his father, cousins and friends; a love he later continued with his grandsons.

He attended Wickersham Elementary, Buckley Junior High and White River High School, graduating in 1958. Gene was a proud White River Hornet, lettering in several sports during his time there. A hard worker, he picked berries, fruit and worked at Farman's Pickles in Enumclaw to earn money.

Gene attended Olympic Community College, then began working at Rainier State School as a gardener before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1962. After Basic Training, he was assigned as an Intelligence Analyst in Washington D.C., where he promoted and remained working on Vietnam War efforts.

That is when he met the love of his life, Lois Matthews of Laurel, DE, a nursing student at Baltimore Hospital, at a "Army – Nursing School dance," a weekend social activity. That courtship was brief, when they married on February 17, 1963 in her hometown of Laurel. She had completed her nursing degree and he was still serving in the Army, setting up home in a small apartment in Arlington, VA. In December 1963, they welcomed their son, Eric, to the family.

In February 1965, he completed his military service and moved the young family to Gene's hometown, Buckley, where he returned to his job at Rainier State School. In June 1966, "little sister" Lisa arrived and the family was complete! With Lois working as a nurse part -time at the hospital and later in town, and Gene adding evening college classes on top of work, it was a busy house. Gene was a proud member and officer of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1387 in Buckley, long-time member of the Buckley Volunteer Fire Department and member and President of Foothills Historical Society in Buckley.

Gene achieved his Associates degree in 1969 from Green River Community College and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1973, then achieving his goal of working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Washington. He continued his education and achieved his Masters Degree from Seattle University in 1980. Gene was promoted several times and returned to Rainier State School as an Administrator, retiring in 1991. Not one to be idle, he served as Vice-Principal at Chief Leschi School and an Accounts Manager for Pierce County Security company.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dolly, and grandson, Andrew. His greatest loss was his beloved wife, Lois, in December 1996, after 33 years of marriage.

He is survived by his son, Eric of Sumner, WA; his daughter Lisa (Scott) Ferguson of Ronald, WA; his brother-in-law, Larry Kegg of Shelton, WA; and his dear companion of nearly two decades, Judith Lutton of Buckley, WA; His nieces, nephews, and cousins were very special to him. Gene was the proudest "Poppy" of seven grandchildren: Zachary (Lexy) Pries, Evan (Samantha) Robertson, Katherine (Kevin) Hamblin, Sara (Max) Morris, Isaac (Annie) Knaack & Ryan Ferguson; and eleven great-grandchildren, who put an extra spark in his life!

Donations in his memory may be made to Buckley Fire Department, 611 S. Division Street, Buckley, WA 98321.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the City of Buckley Cemetery, 600 Cemetery Road, Buckley, WA 98321. A Celebration of Life will follow at Noon at the Buckley Eagles, 29021 WA-410, Buckley, WA 98321.