Brian Donald Robertson

Brian Donald Robertson

Brian Donald Robertson, 59, of Carnation, Washington, passed away on January 8, 2026. Born on August 24, 1966, in Ketchikan, Alaska, Brian lived a life marked by devotion to his family, service to his community, and a deep love for the outdoors and hard work.

Growing up in Boise with his mom and sister, Brian spent time in the Idaho mountains camping, skiing, and hunting with his grandpa, while summers often found him in Washington fishing with his dad.

Brian met Carol when they were sophomores in high school. They started dating in December of their senior year, attending prom together the following Spring. Throughout high school, Brian worked as a diesel mechanic, sparking a lifelong passion for mechanics and machinery.

Brian graduated from Capital High School in Boise, Idaho in 1984. The following year, he moved to Washington to begin working alongside his father at the Public Auto Auction in Woodinville. Over the years, Brian honed his skills at various pneumatic tool repair shops, before joining Genie in 2000. He then moved to Cooper Power Tools, and later found his calling as a salesman with Jiffy Air Tool, where he developed his passion for airplanes and the greater aerospace industry.

Brian and Carol got married in 1992 in Woodinville, and shortly after purchased their home in 1996 in Carnation, which brought them to the community that they would go on to build a life together in over the next 30 years. 1996 also brought the birth of their first two children, twin boys, Hunter and Duncan, followed by their daughter, Alexis, in 2000. Throughout the 2000s, Brian accompanied Carol on a few international trips which she won through work, where they got to experience places like Beijing, Prague, Budapest, Greece, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and more. He also had the opportunity to visit new places in his role at Jiffy, as his territory included the Western United States, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, India, and China.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Brian was deeply committed to public service. In 2015, he became a volunteer firefighter with the Duvall Fire Department, which was a role that brought him immense pride, fulfillment, and fellowship. Through this work, he built lasting friendships and became an integral part of the local community. Following the move of Duvall Fire to Eastside Fire and Rescue, the department ended the volunteer program, opening the door for Brian to run for and be elected as a King County Fire District 45 Commissioner.

Brian’s greatest joy came from being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to his high school sweetheart Carol for nearly 34 years, which was a partnership grounded in love and faith. Together they raised three children: Hunter Robertson (wife Hannah), Duncan Robertson (wife Mandy), and Alexis McKinnon (husband Parker). Brian cherished every moment spent with them and took special pride in being “Grandpa” to Kennedy (2), Aubrey (2), Paisley (1), and Rustin (3 mo).

He also shared close bonds with extended family members and is survived by his sister Shawna Robertson Starr (husband Craig); his aunt Heather Robertson; cousin Alana (husband Ewan), along with many nieces and nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his father Ian Robertson; stepmother Nancy Robertson; mother Ann Fuller; and brother Shane Robertson.

A man of many talents and interests, Brian embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He loved firefighting not only as a service but as a way of life. His hobbies reflected his adventurous spirit, including hunting, competitive shooting, scuba diving, snowmobiling, backpacking, skiing, road cycling—and he never missed an opportunity to attend concerts or sporting events. In recent years as empty nesters, he and Carol would enjoy happy hours at local wineries and restaurants – enjoying all of the great local northwest cuisine. His favorite spirit was Woodinville Whiskey, where he and Carol became regulars and collectors. He enjoyed sharing his passion for bourbon with anyone who would share a glass. He also had a knack for working on cars and took great satisfaction in home projects shared with his kids.

Above all else, Brian was known for his kind heart and servant leadership. He was smart and intuitive with a quick wit that brought laughter into every room he entered. As a Christian man of faith, he led by example—offering guidance not only through words but through action.

Brian Donald Robertson leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, humor, and unwavering dedication to those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.