Robertson, Barry L. 1959-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Barry Layne Robertson, 66, of St. Joseph, passed away at home surrounded by the loving embrace of his family on Jan. 11, 2025, after a valiant 2-year battle with renal cancer.

Barry was born on Jan. 6, 1959, to Sharon Trapp Robertson Michel and Robby Robertson, in St. Joseph. Barry graduated from Benton High School in 1977.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Barry became a Barber and Cosmetologist, and worked alongside him for several years. Barry was always creating and had an entrepreneurial spirit; from hair, to photography, candles, landscaping, tee shirts, art, construction, and carpentry. He loved dogs – huskies in particular, birds, gardening, cooking, golf, pickle ball, tennis, and bowling.

Barry is survived by his two beloved sons, Ryan (Megan) Robertson, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Matthew (Brittney) Robertson, of St. Joseph, born to Lee Robertson, of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by his mother, Sharon Michel; his sister, Stacie Robertson (Cody and Tucker); and his life partner, Cheri Nelson.

Barry loved being a grandfather to his six grandchildren, Arthur, Alice, Gwyneth, Edith, Colin, and Ernest Robertson, who affectionately called him “Pops”.

In 2011 Barry went to work at Mosaic Life Care Medical Center of St. Joseph, and for many years was known as “the flower guy”. Barry could make anything grow. Even though the hospital system was small, it created local news by being nominated for a national landscaping award because of Barry’s beautiful artistry and design and dedicated hard work creating the beautiful landscaping vignettes that captured national attention. Even in his final days, he continued his work as patient transporter with Mosaic. He was a great source of comfort and joy to incoming and outgoing patients, and this work gave him joy in return. His family thanks his Mosaic family for their love and support.

A celebration of Barry’s life will take place at Rupp Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. The family will be receiving visitors prior to the service noon to 2 p.m. Most people say in lieu of flowers… but Barry loved flowers, so feel free to send them. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.