Michael (Mike) Richard Robertson

Michael (Mike) Richard Robertson, 74, of Jasper, Georgia, died on January 6, 2025. He

was born in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1950 to Fred and Cora Robertson. Mike attended

Martinsville High School before studying Industrial Technology at Appalachian State

University and graduating from the Army’s ROTC program.

Mike spent his career rising through various sales positions with Texas Instruments and

Honeywell, helped by his sense of humor, wry wit, and his desire to connect with

people. His official career culminated with a stint at the Measurement, Control and

Automation Association working to enhance their sales and technology training

programs from 2011 to 2015.

After retiring in 2016, Mike drew on his lifelong love of technical drawings and artwork

and founded “The Patent Guy,” selling hand-framed historical patent drawings in several

boutique stores and online. Along the way, he built a community that appreciated not

just his work, but also his friendly conversations and his genuine integrity.

Retirement offered Mike a chance to focus on a few of his other passions. An avid

sailor, he lovingly restored a 1985 27’ O’Day sailboat on Lake Lanier. He enjoyed having

his five grandchildren join their Gramps for boat rides, whether on Lanier or on a

pontoon boat near their home in Big Canoe. When not working on his boat, he worked

on his music, almost always keeping a guitar within reach. Bluegrass music and

Appalachian culture were his passion, and he delighted in joining fellow enthusiasts for

a pickin’ session.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Robertson. He is

survived by his wife of 51 years and high school sweetheart, Candace Robertson;

daughters, Marion (Ben) Boyd and Kate (Steve) Saussy; grandchildren, Everett, Miles,

Clara, Reid, and Graham; and sister-in-law, Cathy Robertson.

In memory of Mike, donations may be made to Georgia Mountains Hospice and the

American Kidney Fund. Plans for a celebration of life in the Blue Ridge mountains of

Virginia are to come.

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