Kenneth Robertson

Kenneth “Ken” Allen Robertson passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday March 12, 2021, at age 89.  He was born on October 9, 1931 in Fresno, California to Dennie M Robertson and Nora Leola Robertson.  He grew up in Sanger, California and graduated from Sanger Union High School in June 1950.  In his teenage years he modified a 1936 Ford and dragged the main.  Just imagine the movie American Graffiti which was based on teen culture in the Fresno area at the time.  He could have been the main star of the movie.  He enlisted in the US Navy on December 30, 1950 and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea DVA 47, where he served as a Radio Operator.  He served two and a half tours during the Korean War and rose to Senior Radioman Second Class.

After discharge, his experience as a radio operator paved the way for his career working for Pacific Bell Telephone Company (which became AT&T).  He started out as a technician and was promoted through various levels of operations management.  One of his proudest achievements was designing the first affirmative action plan for women and minorities for Pac Bell.

During his working years he lived in Fresno, Bakersfield, and San Jose, California.  He was an avid climber in Yosemite Valley in the early years of climbing becoming popular.  Later he bought and modified a BMW 325i, and became president of the Central California Chapter of the BMW Car Club.  He both competed and was a driving instructor at several racing schools.

After retirement in 1990, he moved to Sequim, Washington, where he bought a Harley Davidson Motorcycle at age 72 years and became the oldest member in the nation of the Warrior Brotherhood Veterans Motorcycle Club.  He continued to enjoy riding his Harley after he moved back to Madera, California in 2013.  He moved to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin in March 2020; his family is grateful to have enjoyed seeing him regularly and celebrating holidays and birthdays together during the past year.

Ken is preceded in death by his daughter Kenra and is survived by son Craig (Gill), granddaughter Selina (Graeme), grandson Joel, and great-granddaughter Peronne, born just a week after his death.  The family will hold a private celebration of his life.