For those that went to Camp Longhorn

[smupony94]

Tex Julian Robertson


Tex, born April 23, 1909 in Sweetwater, Texas to Frank G. Robertson and Nancy Emerson Robertson passed August 27, 2007 at the age of 98.


As a youngster, Tex began a swimming career by learning to swim in a flooded creek and practiced in a horse trough. Following graduation from Sweetwater High School, Tex attended USC, L.A. Jr. College, University of Michigan (B.A.) and University of Texas (B.S.).


Tex was a member of the 1932 US Olympic Team and while at Michigan, won Big 10 and N.C.A.A. championships. Tex became Swim Coach at U.T. from 1935 to 1950 and his teams won 13 out of 13 Southwest Conference championships.


Tex and Pat Hudson of Dallas were married in 1939 and together started Camp Longhorn with one camper and 17 counselors. Following Navy service in WW II as a swim instructor and UDT Trainer, Tex returned to Texas and Camp Longhorn, summer home to 3 generations of campers. Camp Longhorn Inks Lake and Indian Springs have grown to host over 4,000 campers each summer.


Tex was instrumental in the founding of CAMP (Camping Association for Mutual Progress) to promote youth camping in Texas. His involvement in his local community has resulted in the creation of The Burnet Community Center and Honor Citizen Program, the Halloween Carnivals and COBS (Citizens of Burnet Schools). In 1998, he was honored by the Lower Colorado River Authority by inclusion in the LCRA Walk of Honor.


While continuing his successful camping career, he had a vision for the future of Texas swimming. He created WETS (Working Exes for Texas Swimming), and TAGS (Texas Age Group Swimming) and pioneered High School swimming in Texas. He was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1965 and the International Swimming Hall of Fame (Gold Medallion) in 2003. He competed in Masters Swimming well into his 90’s, winning numerous national and international titles, and received the Texas Masters Swimming Lifetime Achievement Award this summer.


Tex is preceded in death by his parents and older brothers, Frank, Jr., Laclair and Jack. He is survived by Pat, his wife of 67 years; Sons John and wife Donna; Robby and wife Deidra; Bill and wife Carol and daughters Sally Lucksinger and Nancy and husband Bobby Manning; 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The family along with many campers, camp parents, alumni, swimmers and friends will miss him and honor his memory; Attawaytogo Tex.


Internment will be on Church Mountain with a service for the immediate family. Pallbearers are to be Tex’s grandsons. The Camp Longhorn family invites you to a memorial service (Camp casual dress) at Inks Lake from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, September 1. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the newly established Texas Swimming Hall of Fame at the University of Texas, PO Box 6962 Houston, Texas 77265 or to Burnet Swimming, Hill Country Swim Boosters, PO Box 1134 Burnet, Texas 78611

[NavyCrimson]

Gosh!!! I remember him.

I went to this camp in '65 or '66. What a memory!

They are still around. Hope the camp is doing well?!

[smupony94]

Gosh!!! I remember him.

I went to this camp in '65 or '66. What a memory!

They are still around. Hope the camp is doing well?!

Still going strong.

[NavyCrimson]

if i remember correctly, tex was a very dark, very tanned fella with leathery skin / real friendly/ i was in the 5 grade @ that time / what an impression

[mrydel]

if i remember correctly, tex was a very dark, very tanned fella with leathery skin / real friendly/ i was in the 5 grade @ that time / what an impression

Are you sure you were not at Camp George Hamilton?

[NavyCrimson]

hey mrydel -

did u know that george hamilton owns one of the local cigar bars here...

Hamilton's
9713 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills
(310) 278-0347

Sumptuously overdecorated with antiques and memorabilia from actor George Hamilton's personal collection (note the red, GSH-monogrammed horse blanket that is casually thrown over a sofa arm), Hamilton's is the consummate Beverly Hills cigar bar. Hamilton and wine-purveyor-to-the-stars Dennis Overstreet (of the Wine Merchant of Beverly Hills) collaborated on this establishment, which boasts a humidor and several private rooms. Hamilton's has a full bar; you can also bring your bottles purchased from the adjacent Wine Merchant's stock for a corkage fee. Appetizers and light snacks are served. Reservations are suggested; jackets for men are preferred in the bar and required in the Raj Room, where entertainment is offered after 8:30 p.m.
http://www.winespectator.com/Cigar/CA_F ... 27,00.html

nice, real nice!!!

[smupony94]

if i remember correctly, tex was a very dark, very tanned fella with leathery skin / real friendly/ i was in the 5 grade @ that time / what an impression

That is him. One of the nicest people I have ever met.