Stuart Robertson (CBC)Longtime CBC broadcaster Stuart Robertson died Tuesday night at Montreal's St. Mary's Hospital of complications from pneumonia after a lengthy battle with lymphoma. He was 65.

Robertson, who was hired by the CBC in 1990, worked as a researcher, writer-broadcaster and traffic reporter — but was perhaps best known for his gardening expertise.

Initially a freelancer, Robertson was the featured gardening expert on the Radio Noon program in Quebec from the 1970s until his retirement in June.

'He always gave good advice .... He was a practical man — and it was advice you could take.'—Longtime friend George Bowser

The author of two gardening books, Robertson was the former owner of a hydroponic gardening store and wrote a gardening column for the Montreal Gazette that first appeared in 1981.

He was the co-founder and former president of the Westmount Horticultural Society.

From 1987, until he was hired by the CBC, Robertson also served as a city councillor in Westmount.

Remembered for roguish humour

Former Westmount mayor Peter Trent said Robertson "was very, very good on council, very fair — listened to citizens' needs — a very moral type of politician."

George Bowser, half of the comedy duo Bowser and Blue, is a current Westmount city councillor and a close friend of Robertson.

"He was a very bright light in any room he was in," said Bowser, who recalled often seeking Robertson's advice.

"The more I talk to my colleagues, many of them have talked to Stuart for advice. He always gave good advice. ... He was a practical man and it was advice you could take."

'The Stuart [listeners] heard on the air was the same Stuart we knew at the office.'—CBC's Nancy Wood

Bowser said Robertson dealt with his illness with dignity.

"Nothing seemed to get him down. I've never seen anyone deal with what he had to deal with. He was sort of put out that he couldn't have a gin and tonic from time to time — always irrepressible."

Stuart Robertson and CBC colleague Jane Lewis at his retirement party in June. (CBC)Nancy Wood, former host of Radio Noon and current host of CBC Montreal's Daybreak, said Robertson was a man of contradictions.

"He was a real gentleman, but he had this roguish sense of humour, and he had dignity and class — but he was a fighter at the same time. And he was quiet, but he was so passionate," said Wood.

She said CBC listeners were attracted by his genuine interest.

"They just loved his personality, and they were right to. The Stuart they heard on the air was the same Stuart that we knew at the office."

Robertson is survived by his wife, Donna, and son Jeremy, 22.

Visitation will be held at the Kane and Fetterly funeral home, 5301 Decarie Blvd., in Montreal on Friday, Sept. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m., and from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Westmount Park United Church, 4695 de Maisonneuve W. in Westmount, on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m.