In loving memory of
Walter "Pete" Robertson
February 27, 1944 - November 27, 2021
Walter "Pete" Robertson
PHOENIX - Walter "Pete" Monroe Robertson made his final pass down the track on November 27, 2021 after 77 wonderful years on this Earth. He passed at his home in Phoenix, surrounded by his loving wife of 59 years, Sheila (nee Farris), his daughters Sherry Gray and Terri Kohnke and his four beloved chihuahuas.
Pete was born to Marion and Virginia Robertson in Russellville, KY and spent his adolescent years in Chicago before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Sheila. They raised their family in Romeoville, IL for 42 years before spending the next 10 years in Crest Hill, IL and finally retiring to Phoenix, AZ in 2017.
Pete was Superintendent at Wire Sales in Chicago for 20 years, but his passion was always racing cars. From a very young age, Pete had a knack for getting the most out of an engine and his first "tune up" was at age 14 on his father's daily driver, unbeknownst to his Pops. While tearing up the streets and local tracks in cars such as "Old Reliable," he began to pursue racing and engine building as a career in the late 60's. By the mid 70's he opened his own shop, Pete Robertson Racing and later Protech Engines and CPS, in Mokena, IL.
At the tracks and shop, he was an IHRA record-setter, championship driver and car owner, powerhouse engine builder and master promoter. He was also a mentor to many, "Pops" to many more and a great friend. To his family, he was a loving dad, spoiler of his girls, protector, provider, teacher, jokester, a real-life superhero and so much more.
In his spare time, Pete loved tending to his flower beds and making his yard an award-winning sanctuary. He was also the king of Beanie Babies collecting in the day. And anyone who knew Pete could not deny one of his greatest loves, his chihuahuas, which he enjoyed walking and pampering.
Pete was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Marion and Virginia, dear brother Danny Robertson, cherished Mother-in-Law, Clarice Farris and Aunt Evelyn George and his beloved Pinky and Mini. He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Sheila, treasured daughters Sherry and Terri, endeared sons-in-law John Gray and Mike Kohnke, precious granddaughters Carrie Dillon and Mia Gray, cherished siblings Gloria Ann Smith, Carolyn McIntosh, Mary Knight, Lula McLeod, Larry "Tom Dooley" Robertson, many adored nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many dear friends.
The immediate family will say a private farewell, in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family directly.