August 4, 2024
In Memoriam: Sandy (Alexander) Roberton
Long-time CNLA volunteer Sandy Roberton passed away after a long battle with cancer at age 83. Roberton received the CNLA President’s Award for volunteerism in 2008, recognizing his contribution, commitment and dedication to the industry.
Born and raised in the U.K., Roberton’s early years were spent in the agricultural sector. Realizing agriculture was not for him, he joined the Highland regiment in the British army in 1957. After being demobilized in 1966, he returned to the agricultural sector. In 1980, he moved to Saudi Arabia where he found employment in the landscape sector and he knew he had found his true calling. He moved to Nova Scotia in 1984 and started Earthcraft Landscaping. Roberton soon recognized the lack of training opportunities for the trade was a serious issue for both the industry and the consumer.
His search for solutions became his passion. Over the years, Roberton led or participated on numerous committees and initiatives, including curriculum development work for the N.S. Department of Agriculture and Landscape Nova Scotia. He became chair and chief champion of the CNLA’s Certification Committee in 1995. Roberton was instrumental in organizing the first two certification tests for landscapers, first in British Coloumbia, then in Nova Scotia.