Basil Paul Robertson, Mahpiyahotanka, was born October 4, 1921 in Aberdeen, South Dakota and died peacefully at his home April 14, 2020 in Sisseton, SD at the age of 98.

Basil lived in Veblen SD before graduating from Riggs High School in Pierre SD. He was a member of the Lake Traverse Reservation, a WWII U.S. Army combat veteran, and as a career employee of the Indian Health Service founded and directed the Winnebago, NE Drug Dependency Unit.

Basil was a storyteller. His family and friends enjoyed the reminiscence of his various achievements and misadventures: boxing matches, the years with U.S. Infantry, and his numerous fishing and hunting trips with his sons and many friends.

Basil's stories made the smallest aspects of his childhood profoundly important. He described in detail his appreciation of a simple meal or fond childhood escapades with his cousin Bernell. Every life event was enviable.

Basil P. Robertson: father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He is forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his sons Michael (Ann) Robertson, Richard Robertson, Brian Robertson, Terry (Misty) Robertson, Jon (Tammee) Robertson and daughter Lauren (John) Robertson, and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Basil was preceded in death by his mother Eunice (Robertson) Morrison, wives, Mildred (LaRoche) and Phyllis (LaRoche), daughter Michelle, and son Larry.

Details to celebrate Basil's life will be provided when it is safe for family and friends to gather.

When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me

I wish you wouldn't cry
The Way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We did not get to say

I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
Each time that you think of me
I know you will miss me too

When tomorrow starts with out me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand

The angel said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And That I would have to leave behind
All those I Dearly Love

But When I walked through Heaven's Gates
I felt so much at home
When GOD looked down and smiled at me
From his golden throne

He said This Is Eternity
And All I promised you
Today for life on earth is done
But Here it starts a new

I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And Since each day's the exact same way
There is no longing for the past

So When Tomorrow starts without me
Do not think we're apart
For every time you think of me
Remember I'm right here in your heart

Author: David M Romano