Merlin Robertson Obituary

Merlin Edward Robertson

Glendale, California

Son of Camest and Velma Robertson, Merlin Edward Robertson, affectionately known as "Merle-the-Pearl," passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 91 in Pasadena, California.

Born November 3, 1933 in Madisonville, Louisiana, Merle's father joyously shot his shotgun three times into the air to announce Merle's birth to the neighbors. After his family moved to California in 1943, Merle discovered his life's passion for golf while a student at John Muir High School in Pasadena, learning the game at the Brookside Golf Course. His talent and dedication to the sport eventually led him to UCLA, where he played as the "First Man" on the university's golf team.

In 1954, at age 21, Merle proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Germany (1954-1956). There, his golfing prowess earned him a spot on the Army's Special Services six-man Golf Team. During this time, he played courses throughout Europe and competed in the British Amateur Championship (1956) while managing a military golf course in Augsburg, Germany. After the Army, Merle returned to California and attended the University of Southern California (Business Administration), graduating in 1958.

During his lifetime, Merle played on more than 100 golf courses (extremely low estimate) around the U.S. and the world. He was a devoted member of several golf communities but considered Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California his home. Merle served as Oakmont's Club President in 1982, finished as a three-time finalist in the Club Championship, and won the Senior Club Championship five times (1991-1994, 1996). Merle also served as a Board Member and President of the California Seniors' Golf Association, continuing to contribute to the sport he loved well into his later years.

Merle's other passions included dominos and squash. As a member of the University Club of Los Angeles, he won countless domino tournaments and the "Athlete of the Year" award in 1980-1981 for his expertise on the squash court. While Merle actively played golf for over 70 years, his supremacy over the game of dominoes (San Francisco rules) continued until his passing. Put simply, if you ever managed to beat Merle at dominoes, it was only because he let you-just long enough to lull you into a false sense of confidence before casually asking, with a sheepish grin, "Shall we play for money?"

Merle's working life began with a paper route in Pasadena at age 12. In fact, he would often boast to his children that he had had dozens of jobs growing up, hence he knew the value of a dollar. It was no surprise then that Merle worked in finance throughout his professional career as a stockbroker and relationship manager at several prestigious firms: Merrill Lynch, Eastman Dillion Union Securities & Co., Wood, Struthers & Winthrop Inc., White, Weld & Co., Merrill Lynch (again), the Trust Company of the West (TCW), and the Capital Group (Senior VP). If that wasn't enough to keep Merle busy, he also served as the President of the Los Angeles Bond Club in the mid-1980s.

Merle is survived by his younger brother, Donald, Wife of 50 years Linda Robertson, his five children-Christopher, Janet, Charles, Laura, and Susan-, two daughter-in-laws, three son-in-laws, and eleven cherished grandchildren, and many other relatives and long-time friends. Merle will be remembered not only for his remarkable accomplishments on the golf course but also for his humor, warmth, and deep love for his family... not to mention for his golf lessons and peach milkshakes.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 16.