Justin Robertson

It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely death of our son. Justin P. Robertson, 41, of Spokane, Wash., passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019, after fighting a long battle with depression. Justin was born July 23, 1977, in Colfax, Wash., the third son of Neal Robertson and Jolene Boyle.

Justin suffered with incredible pain. He succumbed to his illness of depression and took his own life. His family chose to include his cause of death in hopes of removing the stigma of mental illness. There is no shame. There is only tragedy.

Growing up, Justin was a quiet kid. He ran the Steptoe Butte Fun Run along with the St. John Hog Jog several times. He collected baseball cards and kept his sister, Tiffani, up many nights rearranging the cards. He loved to play sports trivia and was very seldom wrong with an answer.

Justin attended Steptoe Elementary School and Colfax High School, graduating with the class of 1995. He participated in football, wrestling and track. Justin set a new school record in the 100M dash. This earned him the nickname of "Flash." Justin attended Whitworth College on a track scholarship, later finishing his education at WSU, graduating with a business degree in 2000. Justin worked on his grandparent's farm for seven years driving harvest truck. (Lane loved Justin.)

For a few years Justin lived and worked in Boise, Idaho, before moving back to Spokane where he was employed with Aging and Long-Term Care at Eastern Washington in the Information Technology department. Justin loved spending time with family doing any number of things. They also enjoyed camping, going to Silverwood, or weekend trips.

Justin is survived by his wife, Melissa Robertson; and his two sons, Isaac (9) and Ethan (5) whom he dearly loved. He loved being a dad and spending time with his boys. Also surviving are two step-sons, Matthew Clother and Marquez Gibson Martinez; his parents, Neal Robertson and Jolene Boyle; his siblings, Jason (Sonja) Robertson, Trevor (Teresa) Robertson, and Tiffani (Thomas) Organ; nine nieces and nephews, and many other relatives.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2019, at the St. John Cemetery at 11:00 am. A potluck reception will follow at the Christian Life Assembly Church.

Family is asking that donations be made to the Lane K. Brown foundation c/o Shane E. Brown. P.O. Box 1626, Pullman, WA 99163. Justin this isn't goodbye – it is just, "see you later."

On-line condolences may be made at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax has been entrusted with arrangements.