Raymond Robertson Obituary

To the family of Ray Robertson: Ray was such a shining light in this world, and shared his gift with so many people. I was a patient who saw Ray for a number of years for medication oversight. We met once a month for 15 minutes, and talked about Buddhism most of the time. Every single time I left Ray's office, I was certain that everything would be OK. I love you and thank you for being in my life, Ray. You left this world a better place.

It was my privilege to be an intern with Ray in the late 70's. Those times are so fondly remembered as an exciting, growth and learning period in my life. I will always be grateful for that opportunity. Regards and condolences to each of you, Mary Helen, Linda, and James.

I want to extend my sympathy to the family of Ray Robertson, M.D.
I met Ray in the mid seventies, when I became an attending psychiatrist at Riveredge Hospital.
We shared responsibilities, decision making and also pain and suffering and also the pleasure of being able to reach out to many people, some of whom benefited greatly.
Our careers were very closely intertwined till 1990 when each of us took off to different enterprises in Psychiatry.
I am sorry he died in what appears to me too early for a life like his.
I last saw him and Mary Ellen in Chicago a few years back, at the house of our dear friends, the
Benezra's.
May he rest in peace

Dr. Ray through his patience and serenity helped our daughter, Joyce, hold it together long enough for her to learn how to care for herself despite being bipolar! Today she is nearly 40 yrs. old and doing an excellent job of taking care of herself with the foundation and confidence Ray helped her achieve. Ray provided our whole family with a safe place to go during a very troubled time. We are so grateful to him and are sincerely saddened to learn of his passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Lynn and Bob Peterson

To The Robertson Family,

My deepest sympathy to all of you for the loss of the greatest human being I have known.
Dr. Ray "saved" my life more than once beginning in the 1980's until last year. I can not find the words to express my gratitude that such a man crossed my path in this life. His compassion and understanding had no limits.

Mary Helen and Family,
Ray became a good friend as we exercised at Hinsdale Hospital's Cardiac Rehab 7:30 am exercise class,. Over six years, I learned we shared very much in common: same church affiliation, Gestalt therapy; and mutual friends. I shared his belief in health rather than suffering. Outside class, I visited with him and he started me on a reading program which was wonderfully helpful. Ray always treated me as a colleague with respect. I visited him several times in his last year during his illness. I join with you in sadness over your loss. Yet, Ray’s spirit of kindness and gentleness will live on in my heart and in the hearts of those he touched during his lifetime. (Rev.) Robert L. Hempel

Dear Mary Helen, Linda and James,

I was a patient of Ray's for six years, from 1980-86. It was a very important time for me. He helped me to find myself. I remember the summers at "Sawyer" fondly.

Mary Helen, I stayed at your home for my first marathon. You were such gracious hosts and the views of the forest outside your windows are still with me.

James, I also enjoyed working with you. You were a gentle and supportive person in my life at a time I really needed these things.

Wishing all of you my sympathy at this time of your loss. Ray was larger than life in many ways. My father died last May at 92. The loss is so large.

You are all in my thoughts.

Fondly,
Debbie Seeskin Koppelman

Dear Linda and James,

My deepest and profound sympathies at the loss of our beloved Dr. Ray. Please extend my sympathies to your Mother, whom I only met a few times.

We will always remember your Dad with such reverence. We learned so much from him during our time (10 years) at Riveredge. He was an incredibly special man and well respected.

He will be missed.

Please contact me when you can. We have a lot to catch up on. I miss you too.

With much love and admiration.

Gia Xenakis Branit
Email: [email protected]