Patricia Elizabeth Robertson

Pat was born in Medford Oregon. An only child to Tom and Elizabeth Barry, she was a direct descendant of the Applegate’s, the well-known pioneers of early Oregon. She passed away early morning after a five year battle with a respiratory illness, her daughters Anne and Betsy at her side. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne, by 14 years. In describing what attracted her to her husband, she said the major factor was a day when Wayne promised to pick her up at Marylhurst College, where she attended school, but was stood up. Upset and wondering what had happened, she learned the night before, Wayne, on his own, went to the area in Portland where a flood was occurring - the 1948 Vanport Flood. Working all night, he transported people to safety. Hearing this Pat saw in him the same ideals she stood for. Her defining characteristics were her love of nature, people, knowledge and travel. Growing up in a Catholic family, she learned the values of love and family. Coming of age in the 40’s and 50’s she was versed in the homemaker roles of women, but that did not fit her passions. An avid reader, she would read about travel, philosophy and history, themes she would continue to pursue during her whole life. Pat raised four children during her homemaker days, Betsy, John, Tom and Anne. There were many outdoor camping trips, which evolved to a yearly trip to Clear Lake from the times the children were old enough, to present day. The moving of the family from city to city as a result of Wayne’s promotions provided many challenges for the family. Pat made sure her children were given the best opportunities to experience each new move. As the children started their own homes, Pat went back to school and finished her Bachelor of Arts degree at the age of 49, from Marylhurst College. Her disciplines included Humanities and Religious studies. Her education and study did not end there. She studied in Tibet, Japan, Europe and various other locations within the United States to learn and assimilate cultures different from her own. This included living with monks, weeks at a time. Her knowledge and understanding was well respected. Her love for nature and all things living was evident in everything she did. From her beloved hiking club to studying horticulture at the University of Washington. You could count on her if you needed a guide to plants, birds and people. She was a doer. She never quit. In her 60’s she was tour guide for Portland’s Japanese Garden. In her 70’s she climbed the Himalayas and found time to climb down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. At 80 years old she was selected as a sister city ambassador of Vancouver Washington and traveled to Japan as its representative. As a Mazama, (Mountaineering club based in Portland) she climbed MT. Hood, MT. Rainer, South Sister and many others both in and out of the US. Her strong individual contribution to the world touched so many lives. This legacy of love, kindness, and pursuit of knowledge has passed to her children, grandchildren and generations to come. All who knew her were touched by her passion for life and the warm smile she brought to us all. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Per her request, there will be no services on her behalf. Please feel free to add your own comments below. Service Information