Gary Robertz Obituary

September 2, 1950 – September 2, 2023

BRISTOL, TN - Gary William Robertz, of Bristol, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on his 73rd birthday surrounded by his beloved wife, Carol Jensen, sister Karen Catto and husband Bill, brother Wayne Robertz, and brother Scott Robertz (Janet). He is also survived by stepchildren Kristina Gatz, William Gatz (Sara), as well as two step-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry John and Zelna Beth Robertz.

Gary was an accomplished professional musician with a Bachelor of Music degree in woodwind instruments from Indiana University (1973) and a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from the University of Southern California (1975). A long-time resident of Los Angeles where he worked as an insurance broker, Gary performed in recitals, chamber ensembles, orchestras, jazz bands, musical theater, churches, and other venues. Before moving to Bristol in 2012, Gary was contracted to play saxophone aboard cruise lines in the Caribbean and Alaska. After settling in Bristol, Gary taught woodwind students at King University and Emory & Henry University. Gary was an active musician in the region, notably with the Johnson City Community Concert Band, the Tricities Jazz Orchestra, the Appalachian Clarinet Quartet, Stateline Wind Symphony, Winds of the Mountain Empire, numerous musicals, church performances, and many other opportunities. He was well-respected as a musician and well-liked by everyone who knew him. He was intelligent, patient, kind, generous, talented, and had a good sense of humor.

The family wishes to thank Amedysis Hospice Care and the vast medical community who took care of Gary. Extreme gratitude goes to Lydia Novruzov, PA, who demonstrated an abundance of professional wisdom and compassion to Gary during the years under her care. In honor of Gary's courageous fight, donations may be made to the Johnston Memorial Cancer Center in Abingdon, VA.