How do you say good-bye to a man who taught so many the true meaning of love and caring?

Richard Lawrence Robertson (9/6/36/- 5/30/12) was a man who touched the lives of most every person he met. Known as Pop, Larry, Uncle Larry, or Pop Pop to all; he never knew a stranger and would help anyone in need.

For 30 years, he proudly served his country as a United States Marine. During those years he lived all over the world while raising his family.

For the last three years of his life his sister and brother-in-law were privileged to share their home and their hearts with him. He was a companion, a friend, a confidant, and a teacher.

Larry was predeceased by his father William, his two wives Lynne and Betty, and his eldest daughter, Leigh.

He is survived by his mother, Ruby of Crozet, two brothers and their wives, Bill and Clara Robertson of College Park, MD, and Mike and Carol Robertson of Capon Springs, WV, one sister and her husband, Linda and Harold Dedo of Waynesboro, VA, and two children, Sawyer and Leilani and their families. In addition, he is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who all loved him dearly.

Larry had a very special connection with his niece, Jill Rowe and her children. Jill was instrumental in Larry’s care during his time in Waynesboro.

Finding a physician that can care for a patient with complex medical needs and earn a level of trust and respect that gives complete comfort during the last years of one’s life is not an easy task, but is one that was easily achieved by three UVA physicians. The family has the highest regard for the phenomenal care delivered by Dr. James Bergin, Dr. Amanda Kleiner, and Dr. Elaine Cagnina. These three physicians possess the kind of caring hearts tempered with superior knowledge that allowed us to have the time with Larry that has meant so much to us. We will be forever thankful for their care.

In his final unselfish act, Larry donated his body to the Lewisburg College of Osteopathic Medicine to be used in the training of the next generation of physicians.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at the McDow Funeral Home on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial gifts be directed to Medi Home Health and Hospice, heart failure research at the University of Virginia, or the American Legion in Larry’s memory.