Joanne Robertson Obituary

Joanne (Dunbar) Robertson 12/22/1932 - 3/14/2011 Born in Tacoma, WA, Joanne was the oldest of four children born to James and Grace Dunbar. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951, where she won the prestigious Janet Hufford Award as outstanding female graduate. She was a member of the Daffodil Court, President of girls' athletic group (LLL) and a member of the drill team. She married Robert "Bob" Robertson October 22nd, 1951, and lived in and around the Tacoma area almost all of their 60 years of marriage. They had four children, Robert Jr. "Hugh", Janna (Ken), John (Christina) and Rebecca (Andrew), and eight beautiful grandchildren. Prior and subsequent to raising her children, Joanne worked as Assistant to the Chief Accountant at the University of Notre Dame, and also helped produce many of Bob's sports broadcasts, including WSU athletics and recreating baseball games. She also was the assistant to the General Manager of radio stations KTAC/KBRD in Tacoma and KMTT in Seattle. Joanne loved music and the arts. She sang in the UPS Civic Choir and the choir at St. Andrew's Church. She also danced in the Nutcracker with BalletTacoma. She was an avid reader, great cook, and kept a beautiful garden. A most beloved wife, mother and grandmother, she will always be remembered for her style, grace and elegance. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, May 15th, 2011 from 2-5pm in the Rainier/Olympic Rooms upstairs at C.I. Shenanigans on Ruston Way in Tacoma. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the online guest book at www.newtacoma.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on May 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Robertson

9 Entries

Hussun Islam

May 6, 2023

My sincerest condolences to you all! I fondly remember Mrs.Robertson driving our carpool to CWA with Rebecca and John before my family moved me to L.A. in 1979. All my love to you and think of your family all the time! So sorry to hear of this news so late in years.
Love,
Hussun Islam
I still proudly tell people about how Mrs. Robertson was always able to maintain her cup of coffee on the dashboard of her car and not once ever spill a drop! I miss those days!

May 25, 2011

Bob ... I just learned of Joanne's passing today. I have such wonderful memories of our growing up on McKinley Hill, attending every grade through high school together, as well as following your stellar career alongside her grace and loveliness. She was a true and valued friend. Glen D. Cole, Sacramento, CA

Bob Piatt

May 16, 2011

Bob,as a sixth grader at Lowell School in the late forties, I remember watching you on-air in the old Keyes buiilding studios of KMO, and thinking "I want to do that too..."

For many years after that I became a part of the business and ended up knowing and working with you atKTNT-Radio and Channel 11.

Anyone who knows you either professionally or personally is aware how proud you have always been of your family and how much Joanne will be missed. I reach out in friendship in your loss My the Lord Bless...

May 16, 2011

Add e-mail address to message. Thanks, [email protected]

Bob Piatt

May 16, 2011

Bob, as a sixth grader at Lowell school I remember watching you on-the-air in the old Keyes building studios of KMO, and thinking..."I want to do that too...For many years after that I was fortunate to do exactly that and having the pleasure to know and work with you at KTNT-Radio and Channel 11.

Anyone who knows you either profesionally, personally---or both--is keenly aware of how proud you have always been of your family. I know how much Joanne will be missed---and as your friend, I reach out to all of you... Bob Piatt

May 15, 2011

Bob, I first met Joanne when I was a playground leader at McKinley. She was very special and I am proud to be the person who introduced you to her on the tennis courts at McKinley several years later. Arlene remembers her as a classmate at Lincoln and we both have fond memories of her. I know how much you miss her and she will always be in our thoughts ... one terrific lady! Doug & Ar McArthur

Jomarie Carlson

May 3, 2011

Rebecca, I remember your mother fondly. So sorry for your loss. She was a very classy lady.

Bob Alessandro

May 2, 2011

Bob. I am so sorry that I will be unable to attend the service. Please know, that you are in my thoughts. As always, please don't hesitate to call me for anything. Fondly,
Bob Alessandro

May 1, 2011

Bob, I just heard of Joanne's passing. Melinda and I are so sorry. I will never forget the night I was on the board at the studio at KMO during a game you broadcast. You and Joanne were dating at the time. A date was helping you with the game. You two walked into the studio and Joanne was carrying the remote amp and you had the much lighter microphone, some cords, and your scoring pads. I chuckled and said something like, "you date Bob Robertson and you get to carry the heavy radio equipment".

Those were wonderful days that we will always remember.

You are in our prayers.

Blessings,

Tom Read
Northwest Pioneer Broadcasters
[email protected]

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