Thomas L. "Tom" Robertson

1943 - 2025

Thomas L. "Tom" Robertson

June 23, 1943 - March 7, 2025

Thomas L. Robertson, age 81, passed away on March 7, 2025, in Naples, FL.

Tom was born June 23, 1943, in Roanoke, VA, to Edward and Sheila Cundiff Robertson. He lived in Roanoke until the family moved to South Carolina, where he graduated from Cheraw High School in 1962. He graduated from National Business College and was employed by Anderson and Reed Accounting until being hired as Comptroller by Roanoke Memorial Hospitals in 1969. His initial responsibilities included overseeing the accounting functions and the planning and implementation of the Patient Care Information System. He also had the task of implementing the employee pension plan.

In 1986, Tom was named President and CEO of the Roanoke Hospital Association. He worked to bring together several hospitals to form what was named Carilion Health System. His efforts in establishing the Carilion Biomedical Institute helped to form the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Leading the successful fundraising campaign to reopen Hotel Roanoke and the construction of the conference center was one item he was happy to have on the long list of accomplishments. He retired from Carilion Health System in 2001.

He was predeceased by his 14-year-old son, Thomas Scott Robertson. By 1984, the first Scott Robertson Memorial Golf Tournament was held in Roanoke, Virginia, and is now in its 41st year. Thanks to the tournament's success and support from friends, volunteers, contributors, and businesses, Tom was able to lay the foundation for the First Tee - Roanoke Valley. He believed in the game's positive impact on young people.

Tom was passionate about golf and was inducted into the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame in 2007. He enjoyed organizing the annual WWHB Invitational Golf Tournament at the Cascades in Hot Springs, VA.

In addition to his parents and son; his sisters, Susan Robertson, Jane Smith, and Judy Jeter; and his beloved uncle and aunt, Flint and Blanche C. Brock preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Wolfe Robertson, of Naples, FL; as well as several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

When plans are finalized, the family will announce details regarding public services and/or celebrations of Tom's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First Tee - Roanoke Valley, 3707 Densmore Road, NW, Roanoke, VA. 24017 or online: https://firstteeroanokevalley.org/donate/.

To the end he said, "WHAT STRUCK ME MOST ABOUT THE PEOPLE I MET IN HEALTHCARE IS THAT THEY OBVIOUSLY DON'T DO IT FOR THE FINANCIAL REWARDS. THEY DO IT BECAUSE THEY GENUINELY WANT TO HELP THE PATIENTS."