Walter Ryan Robertson

A good lookin’, nice guy - that was Walter Ryan Robertson, 69, a father of four and friend to many. He was called to heaven on January 17, 2021, just a few weeks shy of his 70th birthday, passing away from complications related to early onset atypical Alzheimers with dementia. Walt called Olympia, Washington, home from his earliest days on 10th Avenue to the two custom homes he designed and built on Tilley Road. He graduated from Olympia High School in 1969 and attended Central Washington University for two years, but relinquished his degree aspirations to follow his true passion of business ownership. In 1972, Walt married Jeri Lynn Craig, and together they raised their daughter, M’Lissa. Walt owned and operated three Texaco locations in the Olympia/Lacey area from the mid-70s to the late 80s. He thrived on customer interaction and was a proud Texaco man for years, later owning and operating a Texaco XpressLube. Walt and Jeri Lynn divorced and, through this difficult season, Walt committed his life to the Lord, thanks to the mentorship of a few influential men in his life. In 1983, Walt married Kathleen “Kathy” Koehler, and together they had three daughters, Gretchen, Katherine “Katie,” and Hannah. Despite being razzed for never having a son, Walt never once expressed that desire. “Who needs a boy when you have amazing girls,” he would say, “And someday, God willing, I’ll have four sons-in-law.” And he did - Michael “Mike” Fleming, Dominic Bossio, Andrew Rogers, and Aaron Dickinson. Walt was very proud of his daughters’ choice in partners. The life of every party, Walt cherished time with family and friends. He loved watching (or falling asleep to) movies, mowing the lawn, and talking about his girls. As he transitioned away from business ownership, Walt worked as a cabinet design engineer, new home sales consultant, and later a semi truck driver; it had always been a dream of his to hit the road as an over-the-road trucker. Walt loved the Lord and was involved at his home church for many years, teaching Sunday School, participating in special choirs (singing the Hallelujah chorus was his favorite), and serving as an usher. It was always Walt’s greatest hope to meet his family and friends someday in heaven. “What a party that will be!” If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, Walt would no doubt encourage you to make that a priority. Walt joins his parents, Lorimer and Sarah (Eckbert) Robertson in heaven alongside his brother, Alan. He is survived by his sister, Sara Gore, and brother, Drew Robertson, both of Olympia; as well as his former wives, Jeri Lynn of Santa Monica, California, and Kathy of Olympia; and his daughters and their families, Mike and M’Lissa Fleming and their children, Bishop and Duke of Walnut Creek, California; Dominic and Gretchen Bossio and their children, Jemma, Max, Reid, Eli, and Charlie of Stanwood, Washington; Andrew and Katie Rogers of Olympia; and Aaron and Hannah Dickinson and their daughter, Kaydren of Seattle, Washington. It is the family’s hope to host a celebration of life on Saturday, July 17, 2021. Mark your calendars for an outdoor gathering and stay tuned on social media, or reach out to Gretchen Bossio via email ([email protected]) for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Christian Fellowship or the UW Foundation: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund. New Hope Christian Fellowship Donate online: http://newhopeolympia.com Mail a check: New Hope Office 6304 65th Way Olympia, WA 98516 UW Foundation Donate online: http://depts.washington.edu/givemed/give/?page=make&source=adrcre Mail a check: UW Medicine Advancement c/o Courtney Stringer Box 358045 Seattle, WA 98195 Memo line: “Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund,” In Memoriam: Walt Robertson Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.