Robert Dean Robertson

Robert Dean Robertson, 93, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away on March 15, 2026. Dean was born to Gladys Viola and Robert Samuel Robertson on March 21, 1932 in Lyons, Nebraska. He lived in Lyons until age 5, when the family applied for a homestead on Succor Creek outside of Homedale, Idaho. Dean started the second grade at Owyhee School, spending a total of eleven hours per day in the classroom and traveling both ways. Finally, Ridgeview School was built in Adrian, Oregon, where he attended through his freshmen year. He then transferred to Greenleaf Friends Academy, where he graduated in 1949.

Dean met his wife, Virgie Holton, at Greenleaf, married in 1950, and went on to have three sons. Dean and Virgie farmed in Star with his parents; however, that did not live up to their expectations, so they moved to Boise to pursue other opportunities. Dean worked for a short time for Pacific Fruit and Produce, then went to work for Cliff Ralphs Construction in the siding and remodeling business, where he taught himself to build fireplaces. He said, “I never built a fireplace that would not draw correctly.”

In 1960, Dean started work with Farm Bureau Insurance as an agent, and in 1962 went to work in the home office in Pocatello as an Agency Trainer. He always joked, “I wasn’t so good at selling, so they promoted me to training people to sell!” He eventually became Vice President of Education and Development for all of Idaho.

In 1977, Dean accepted a position with Western Farm Bureau Life Insurance in Denver, Colorado. He became the Vice President of Field Marketing for eight western states. He retired from Farm Bureau Life Insurance in 1990 and moved to the Boise Valley.

Retired or not, Dean went to work part time for Canyon County Mutual Insurance Company that same year. While working there, the company became a Legal Reserve and Stock company, and was then sold to United Heritage Insurance Company. He then held the title of Vice President of Compliance, where he wrote many of the policies and changed policies so they could be sold in the state of Oregon. Dean eventually left the company near the age of 80 years old.

Dean obtained his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and Chartered Financial Consultant (CFC) insurance designations, as well as a Master of Science degree in Financial Services. His most ardent request was that Virgie and Jesus Christ be credited for any of his success, and also that it be known that he and Virgie worked very hard for what they had in life. Dean always loved his work, and honestly felt a bit lost after his work life was over.

Dean was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Robertson, father, Robert Robertson, and two sisters, Dorothy Barnes and Kathryn Beebe. He is survived by his wife, Virgie Robertson; sons Robert Bruce (wife Robin), Richard Dale (wife Barbara), and Charles Dean (wife Lynda). Also surviving Dean are 10 grandchildren, Alyssa, Samuel, Stephanie, Carrie, Kasey, Matt, Ryan, Bert, Clint, and Corey, as well as 16 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at Crossroads Community Church, 4170 E. Amity, Nampa, on April 1st at 1:00 pm. A public viewing will be held the evening prior, March 31st, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Nampa Funeral Home, 415 12th Ave. S., Nampa. The family suggests that, if desired, , memorial contributions be made in Dean’s honor to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). Donations may be mailed to MAF at PO Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653. Please include a note stating the donation is in honor of Dean Robertson.