Oct. 25, 1950 – July 26, 2012
Kenneth Edward Roberts, 61, of Sweet Home died July 26, 2012 in Corvallis due to complications resulting from progressive liver failure and colitis.
He was surrounded by his family, friends, and beloved dogs when he peacefully succumbed to his illnesses.
He was a tremendously loved father, brother, friend, teacher, coach, and mentor whose humor, charity, integrity, intellect, and passion for his family and community will be greatly missed. Mr. Roberts was born Oct. 25, 1950 in Portland to Carl and Jessie (Collins) Roberts.
A graduate of David Douglas High School in Portland and the University of Oregon, he served his country as a clerk in the U.S. Air Force.
He had a distinguished 30-year career teaching middle-school English, history and social studies.
He also exercised his lifelong love for sports through more than 20 years of coaching, primarily basketball.
He also kept statistics for the football team, was a sports reporter for the local paper, and served as public address announcer for athletic events, where he was well-known for putting extra flair into the proceedings for the home team.
He was also an active member of the Sweet Home School Board.
Regardless of the place, subject matter, or sport, one thing was certain: students and athletes both would receive outstanding education, coaching, mentorship, and friendship from someone who was dedicated to making a difference in the lives of his students, often long after they ceased being one of his students.
Mr. Roberts was a man of many interests, including traveling around the country and visiting major league baseball parks with his longtime friend, Dave Trask.
He and his family enjoyed a 30-year tradition of attending University of Oregon football games. He also had an elaborate sports card collection, enjoyed reading and debating history and politics, and, late in life, he was devoted to his three beloved dogs.
But perhaps most of all, he was a man of studied faith, very active in his church and community.
He is survived by sons Brandon and Adrian; daughter-in-law Georgia; brothers Don and Gary; and sisters-in-law Carla and Jeri, all of Portland.
Memorial services are planned at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Community Chapel Amphitheater, 42250 Ames Creek Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mr. Roberts’ honor to any of the following charities: Community Chapel at (541) 367-5106; ARC of Oregon at (877) 581-2726; or University of Oregon Foundation at https://supportuo.uofoundation.org/(541)302-0300.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.