Tom Robertson to Retire after 53 Years of Service
Tom Robertson will retire in May after a long tenure of service to campers and staff. Through the years, he and his older brother, Ron, and their wives, served in virtually every area of camp, fulfilling the gospel-centered mission of Fort.
In the early years, he was humorously nicknamed ‘Bomber’ and the ‘Chick Magnet’ – due to broad tanned shoulders and blond hair which blew in the wind along the sunny shores of Spider Lake while he oversaw the waterski program. Tom later served as business manager, operations head, and eventually the executive director, before investing his pre-retirement years in facilitating Fort’s Legacy planned giving ministry.
Todd Leyden, along with the board, knew this time would come someday and planned for an eventual transition, following Todd’s arrival as executive director in 2016.
Todd shared, “Words are inadequate to express my appreciation for the impact Tom Robertson has had on tens of thousands of individuals and families who are affectionately called, ‘the Fort family.’” Tom’s love, care and hospitality for others is exemplary, all done within the context of God’s word, His beautiful creation in the Northwoods, and all in a fun camp environment. Dan Farm, President of the Board of Directors noted, “Tom capably led camp for twenty-one years. Most camp facilities and programs are attributable to Tom’s leadership, his deep care for people (along with Jean) and his shepherd’s heart.
Tom’s next title will be ‘volunteer’ so it’s likely when you may bump into him, he may be serving camp and campers as he has done so well for the past five decades.
Todd Leyden reflected, “I am blessed to continue to further the legacy created by Tom and the Robertson family, the board and the multitude of staff and volunteers throughout the past seventy years who love working alongside the Lord through camp.”
Please join us in praising the Lord for Tom and Jean for their lives of devotion and service to campers.
PS – If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of FortLore in the Canteen, which is a book of stories told around campfires by Tom and Ron noting Fort happenings through the years.
To stay in contact with Tom & Jean:
