Loyal followers were saddened last month by the sudden death of longtime Texas meteorologist Dan Robertson. The Spectrum News weatherman died on April 1, leaving behind his wife and three sons, as well as countless viewers who relied on Robertson for their weather forecasts over his more than 30-year career.
Robertson’s wife, Diane, has now launched a GoFundMe in his memory to support the family during this difficult time. As of Wednesday, May 6, it has raised more than half of its $10,000 goal, collecting over $5,500 from 25 donations and helped the Robertsons hold a celebration of Dan’s life in Leander on April 18.
“This would not have been possible without your donations, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one of you,” Diane wrote in an April 13 update. “Your kindness has lifted a tremendous weight off our shoulders and allowed us to focus on honoring his memory in a meaningful way.”
Robertson’s life spanned the length of Texas. He was born in Dallas, went to high school in Houston, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the 1970s, and got his start in weather coverage in East Texas out in Lufkin. He moved back to Austin in the mid 90s and spent more than 30 years in the Capital City, earning the National Weather Association Seal of Approval in 1991 and the National Weather Service Special Service Award in 1992 and 1994.
Known for his “weather songs,” Robertson leaves behind numerous viewers who relied on his updates and will miss his “silver” voice on the airwaves.
“Dan was the heart of his family, never hesitating to drop everything in a moment’s notice to save the day. He was the source of laughter in their home, their superhero and their icon. From his crass jokes to his silly little sayings, his presence is felt in everything they do. The sound of his music will echo in their hearts forever and his sons look to carry on the legacy of a great man,” the GoFundMe reads.
It continues, “He was a loving husband, who wrote many songs for his wife Diane, often about how happy it made him just to come home. We take comfort in the lyrics of one of those songs, ‘When the time is right, I’ll hold you tight, you’ll never be alone.’ He was a soft spoken man with a heart of gold, and a voice of silver.”