Family always first amid shining career

Iver Robertson was a unique man, with charm that could shine through on even the most overcast of days.

Affectionately known as “Robbie”, Iver enjoyed distinguished careers in the military, football and local government; however, success in these areas never took anything away from his unwavering love of his family.

If you ever sought the definition for “perfect match”, in an ideal world it would be located below a picture of Iver and his wife Patty.

Married for 67 years, their partnership was a thing of beauty. Both understood each other perfectly and they were always by each other’s side.

Born Iver Macauley Robertson in Bunbury on February 11, 1920, the son of Evander and Blanche Robertson got an early taste of life abroad when he joined his parents on a trip to England at the tender age of 16.

The trio left for the UK on a ship, which took 28 days to reach their destination.

Once ashore, he quickly became friends with cricketer Wally Hammond, who went on to captain England at international level.

Upon returning home to WA, Iver enlisted in the army with his friends Jimmy and Tommy Flynn, where he served five years with the 2nd/11th battalion.

After being transferred from Kalgoorlie, Iver and his mates were loaded onto cattle trucks and they hung on for the ride over to Queensland, before heading up to New Guinea.

One of Iver’s biggest passions was football and he represented two of the most powerful clubs in WA.

He played 16 games for Subiaco in the WAFL either side of the war, but ultimately business and travel commitments played a role in him having a longer stint in Perth.

This didn’t seem to faze Iver though, as his heart from a young age was always with the South Bunbury Football Club.

From his days as captain holding club mascot Neville Gibson’s hand, to being recognised as the club’s oldest life member at the age of 99, the red and white of the Tigers meant everything to him and he meant everything to the Tigers faithful.

Iver also served 23 years with the Bunbury Town Council, with 17 of those spent as deputy mayor. He oversaw great change and Robertson Drive in Bunbury that thousands of us drive along each day is named in his honour.

But for all of his achievements, Iver always put his family first and foremost, with Patty and his three children Libby, Shand and Jenny cherishing every moment with their father.

“You could ask him anything and he’d always have a joke and a twinkle in his eye,” Iver’s daughter Libby said. “He just knew everyone and knew everything.”

Justin Fris