If ever anyone deserved the title “man of the people” it was retired Danestone Community Centre caretaker, Charlie “Chae” Robertson.
The former Hall Russell “gate man”, nurse and ARI porter has died aged 85, but leaves behind him a legacy of friendships formed over many years.
“He just loved people and made friends wherever he went and whatever he was doing,” said Chris Robertson, Charlie’s son.
Fittie and proud
Charles Cowe Robertson was born on Aug 6 1937 in Wellington Street, Fittie. One of four children to ship painter Andrew Robertson and his wife Jessie, who worked in fish houses, he attended St Clement Street School then on to Robert Gordon’s College.
On leaving secondary school Charlie began work in a solicitor’s office but quickly moved on to Hall Russell where he began an apprenticeship as a shipwright, aged 18.
Not long after he began his training, however, National Service came calling. He joined the army’s medical corps and was stationed in England. On completion of his two years he returned to Aberdeen and finished his apprenticeship.
Hall Russell and back
In 1962 Charlie changed profession. He became a nurse at the Royal Cornhill Hospital. After just six years he returned to Hall Russell where he remained until 1991 when it closed.
Chris said: “I’m sure he did a lot of jobs there over the years but I have memories of him working on the gate as part of the security team. He did quite a lot of 12-hour shifts and he knew everybody.
“There was one time when people were being made redundant and my dad was asked to hand out the letters at the gate, and he just couldn’t do that.
“Instead he drove round all night knocking on doors and talking to people personally. That’s the kind of man he was.”
Mr and Mrs
Charlie met Elizabeth Anderson, known as Betty, in 1964. Also from Aberdeen, Betty and Charlie married in October 1966 at Rutherford Church, Rosemount.
Their reception was held in the Embassy Rooms in Woodside and their first home was in York Street, Fittie.
They moved to Montgomery Road, Tillydrone, in 1968 and their only son Chris was born in 1973.
Aberdeen football fan
Charlie loved being a dad and introduced Chris to the Dons.
“It’s always been Pittodrie for my dad.
“He was involved with football at all levels over the years, whether helping Castleton or Banks O’ Dee. But his own passion was Aberdeen.
“As a boy he was lifted over the turnstiles and as soon as he could he took me as well.”
Charlie also lent his support to the Walker Road youth team where among other roles he was “sponge and water man”.
“It’s more technical now,” explained Chris, “but it was a bit like a physio role, rubbing Wintergreen on their legs and taking me with him.”
Charlie remained a season ticket holder for the whole of his life.
He, Betty, Chris and grandson Alfie all sat together in the Merkland stand.
Danestone Community Centre
In 1979 the family moved to Collieston Circle, Bridge of Don.
When the yards closed in 1991 Charlie found work as a porter at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
It was a job he particularly loved, using his “behind the scenes access” to visit friends and family outside of visiting hours.
He stayed in post until mandatory retirement at 65. From there he found a cleaning job within Primark in the Bon Accord Centre.
When the clothes shop relocated to Union Street Charlie decided to move on. He became caretaker of Danestone Community Centre.
Looking after the centre’s sweet shop, opening and closing up, and setting up birthday parties brought in more than just a salary for Charlie. After years of making teas and coffees for Danestone Indoor Bowling Club he became a member himself.
“My dad absolutely loved working at Danestone. He got on so well with people, no matter who they were,” added Chris. “We were really touched by all the comments on the community centre’s page, about my dad.”
Well known
Charlie retired from the centre just before his 80th birthday but remained a frequent and well known visitor.
Although he had started to slow down his pace of life, he and Betty loved their weekly trips to Asda at the beachfront each Wednesday. Staff knew to expect them for their tea and pancakes.
However, in November Charlie’s health began to slowly deteriorate.
Granda to Louis (18) and 14-year-old Alfie, he was still enjoying time at home or in the garden but needed to rest.
On Christmas day, aged 85, he passed away at home.
Final goodbye
After resting at home a celebration of Charlie’s life took place at the West Chapel of Aberdeen Crematorium where his favourite Andre Rieu and Louis Armstrong songs were played. “Bring him home” by Alfie Boe was also included in the service.
“He’s a huge loss. At the football, in the house… just from our lives,” said Chris.
“For me, I had a great childhood and had a dad who was always there for me. He was always supportive and allowed me to talk to him. He was a great husband and a brilliant granda as well.
“It’s not easy.”
Charlie is survived by his wife of 56 years, his son, daughter-in-law Claire and grandsons.
You can read the family’s announcement here.