Community remembers impact of Mr. Western
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – An iconic figure in the Bowling Green community and campus of Western Kentucky University, Lee Robertson, better known as Mr. Western, is being remembered Wednesday after passing away at the age of 102 this morning.
Robertson held many positions in the south-central Kentucky community, graduating from WKU in 1950, serving in the U.S. Army’s 44th tank battalion in World War II, being the Barren County Schools superintendent, the first alumni director for WKU and many other roles.
His impact on the community spans over half of a decade.
Robertson was recognized in August of 2022 by WKU with the first Spirit of Western award, which recognizes an individual who has shown immense loyalty to the university and gives their all to the community.
News 40 has spoken with Mr. Western throughout the years, and he has shared a bit about his dedication to WKU.
Robertson said, “And you know what? I believe if it didn’t work out, we would be here. I think my nature was that people need to be around, and I would hate this for anybody, like you just hanging on. And if I’m not productive, I don’t want to be here.”
News 40 also spoke to the president of the WKU College Heights Foundation, Donald Smith, who told us about the impact Lee Robertson has left on campus.
Smith says, “If you look at his whole body of work for 102 years, and the nearly eight decades love affair that he had with this institution, he has impacted so many lives but that doesn’t end today on July 3. The legacy that he’s left, the number of lives that he’s touched and the inspiration he’s been to so many will continue to live on for many many generations to come. So, we thank Mr. Western, and he’s been a valuable part of our lives through these years.”
Robertson is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Melinda, son Steve and three granddaughters. News 40 wants to thank Mr. Robertson for his countless years of dedication and love for our south-central Kentucky community.
