Memorial: Jeffrey W. Robertson

CANBY, Ore. - An Oregon City man was critically hurt Tuesday July nth, 2008 when he crashed his motorcycle south of Canby, authorities said.

Jeffrey W. Robertson, 47, was taken by Life Flight to Oregon Health and Science University.

A witness told investigators the man was heading north on Highway 99E about 3 p.m. when he passed another vehicle and struck a fog marker on the shoulder of the road after moving back into the northbound lane, according to Oregon State Police. The man lost control and was thrown from the 2001 Harley-Davidson, state police said.

A nurse who happened to be on the scene kept the man's airway open until firefighter/paramedics arrived, according to Canby Fire District officials. She left the area without giving her name, and fire officials asked anyone who knew her to call them so firefighters could thank her.

Condolence is such a heavy word. There is nothing that can be said to soften such an unbearable loss. On July 1st, 2008; we said 'Goodbye' to an amazing man. One of the most difficult things in life that we have had to face.

Jeff was a colleague, a role model and a very special friend. He volunteered as a PFTT instructor for 6 years. He was a very knowledgeable and dedicated individual, in everything that he did. He loved to shoot, and to teach people how to safely shoot and handle firearms.

Jeff was one of those people that could take an awkward situation and turn it into a teaching moment, without talking down or making someone feel stupid, even though they just did something extremely stupid! He was a wonder to watch and listen to.

The loss of such a talented and gifted man seems so untimely to those of us left behind, yet we must trust that his dedication to education in gun safety and training and faith in humankind are being rewarded in heaven. He will be tremendously missed by all who knew him, and the absence of his humanity keenly felt by the world he wanted to enrich.

We salute you, Jeffrey W. Robertson.