1956 – 2013

NEWRY — Leslie W. “Farmer” Robertson, 56, of Newry, passed away at his beloved farm on Sunday, Aug. 18, with his family by his side.

He was born on Dec. 31, 1956.

Leslie was a third-generation farmer who lived on “Farmer’s Corner” in Newry. He owned and operated Robertson Farms which was built in the mid-1800s, and officially named in 1979 by Leslie and his wife, Toni, shortly after their marriage.

Leslie purchased his first skidder at age 15. After buying the skidder, Telstar High School allowed Leslie to re-arrange his schedule so he could attend classes in the morning, and run the farm with his mother and log for the remaining portion of the day.

Leslie married his former wife, Toni, on July 14, 1979, in Mexico. They gave birth to their daughter, Amy Lynne Robertson, on August 23, 1981, in Norway.

Leslie established Robertson Logging and Land Clearing in 1983 and expanded the business, which survives to this day, to include a second skidder and a full-time employee.

In 2004, Leslie became partners with Norman Davis of Newry and together they created Meadow View Estates, a housing development.

In 2008, Leslie was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiform, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. In 2010, he enrolled in an immunotherapy (vaccine) clinical trial at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Leslie’s success during the trial helped pave the way for the introduction of immunotherapy as a mainstream treatment for Glioblastoma. Because of this treatment, Leslie became the “poster boy” for University Hospital and the clinical trial, appearing on TV and in the local and national newspapers.

Because of his celebrity at the hospital, Leslie was able to actively help others with the same disease, as they would call his house wanting information and guidance about how to get the same treatments.

Leslie met Linda Smith in 2005. They lived together at the farm for eight years, where she remained by his side as his loving partner until the end.

Leslie is survived by his daughter, Amy Robertson of Newry; his significant other, Linda Smith of Newry; his sisters, Janet Tibbetts and family of Florida, Norma Bessey and family of Michigan, Winona Barker and family of Maine and Betty Lou Payne and family of Florida; his brother, Robert Korhonen and family of Indiana; his former wife and Amy’s mother, Toni Robertson; as well as Logan Whitney, his constant companion and “partner-in-crime” at the farm.

Leslie was predeceased by his parents, Freda and Wade Robertson; and his brothers, Phillip and Paul Korhonen.

Leslie touched the lives of everyone he encountered and leaves behind countless individuals who consider themselves blessed to have called him friend.