William “Bill” Michael Robertson

OLD ORCHARD BEACH – William “Bill” Michael Robertson, a devoted father, doting grandfather, accomplished civil engineer, and unapologetically original soul, passed away peacefully at home after a brave battle with illness, content that he had lived a truly full life.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Bill carried a pride for his hometown throughout his life. As a child, his family vacationed in Maine, where he helped his father build a cabin on Flying Pond. Those cherished memories of fishing and swimming inspired his move back to the state, where he spent his last 20-plus years enjoying a wonderful, tight-knit golf community.

Bill was a passionate athlete, best known for playing catcher in baseball and softball for over 30 years. Following a year of college, he answered a call to service and joined the Peace Corps, spending a transformative two years building schools in Gabon and Ethiopia. This seminal experience shaped his fiercely liberal values and sparked a lifelong passion for political discourse.

Upon returning to the States, Bill earned a degree in Civil Engineering. He was an accomplished business owner and later in his career, led public works departments across multiple communities. He took immense pride in building great teams, saving money for residents with his impeccable math skills, and improving local services with his trademark grit.

Above all, Bill was a family man. He raised three daughters, Carrie (Mark), Sara (Jon), and Beth and was their ultimate champion – coaching softball, building furniture, and driving U-Hauls across many state lines. He was also a proud grandfather to his five grandchildren, Zion, Brynn, Mallory, Opal, and Della and to his grandson, he was a second father figure. Bill was also a dedicated dog lover, rarely seen without his loyal companions (many named a variation of Boomer).

Bill famously expressed his love through cooking. His home was affectionately known as “Bill’s Diner,” where his kitchen and basement freezer were always fully stocked. Whether catering Maine-Myrtle golf weekends for his friends, cooking for community events including snowstorms for his employees, or whipping up mini pancakes to chicken parmesan, his family and friends were always stuffed and strictly forbidden from entering the kitchen – even for dishes.

He was a true original. Bill would give you the shirt off his back, but he would also tell you exactly what he thought. Even as his health declined, his infectious wit and spirit never wavered; he kept his family laughing and easily charmed his nurses with his sharp humor. He remained strong, courageous and upbeat throughout it all.

The world was a brighter and far more entertaining place with Bill in it. We miss you already, Dad, but we were so lucky to have you.

A private celebration of life will be held.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his memory to the Peace Corps or cook a grand meal for someone you love, root for the Red Sox, turn up Hootie & the Blowfish or CNN, or simply tell it like it is – just as Bill always did.