Hollis Robertson

Hollis E. Robertson VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Hollis E. "Robbie" Robertson of the 5100 block of Stratford Chase Drive died June 26, 2009, of cancer at the age of 76. He was born in Peoria, Ill., March 4, 1933, and grew up in Hoopeston, Ill. In 1951, he graduated from high school and enlisted in the Navy. Five years later, upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, he wed the love of his life, Mary Catherine "Kay" Debelius June 6, 1956, in Baltimore. During his 34-year naval career, Robbie served in eight different ships, commanding three of them including USS Biddle (CG 34). He served as senior member of the CinCLantFlt Propulsion Examining Board, taught engineering at the Naval Academy and co-authored the Naval Engineer's Guide published by the Naval Institute Press in 1972. After retirement in May 1985, Robbie spent much of his time managing his nine rental cottages in what is now called the East Beach section of Norfolk. He was a strong advocate of individual property rights and worked diligently through the years to constrain the government's power of eminent domain in the state of Virginia. Robbie is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Kay; their six children, Cathy Malley, Helen Labus, Barbara Duke, Harry Robertson, Susan Eastman, Beth Tibbetts and their spouses plus 11 grandchildren: Michelle, Andrew, Thomas, Heather, Marcus, Mary, Harrison, Holly, Caitlynn, Walter and Sarah; and a brother, Clarence Buzbee of Canyon Lake, Calif. He was very proud of his family and doted on his grandchildren. The family offers a special thanks to Dr. Tom Alberico, RN Debbie Simmons and the staff at Virginia Oncology Associates for their most professional and loving care. The family also thanks Kyra of Sentara Hospice Care and Becky of Home Instead. A memorial service/reception will be held at Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, 2708 Princess Anne Road, Tuesday, June 30, at 3 p.m. Capt. Robertson will be inurned in the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium at a date to be determined. Donations in memory of Hollis Eugene Robertson may be made to the charity of your choice. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.