William W. Roberts
William Walter Roberts (Bill), 73 of Parker, Colorado died on October 9, 2017 in Hill City, South Dakota. Bill was vacationing with family at the time of his death.
Bill was born on May 20, 1944 in Port Huron, MI. His Parents were Dr. Joseph Youmans Roberts and Mona Lombard Roberts, both deceased. Soon after his birth he moved to Watkins Glen, NY, where he lived with his parents and his sister Judy Roberts Marciniak. He remained in Watkins Glen throughout his childhood and high school years, where he enjoyed family, friends and summers on Seneca Lake. Bill was an avid Yankees fan and played golf in high school and beyond. He graduated Watkins Glen High School in 1962 and matriculated to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where he earned a double degree in Biology and Geography, graduating with the class of 1966. He continued his education with studies in Buffalo, NY and Boston, MA., then began work as a Systems Analyst for MIB in 1969. He worked for MIB for 31 years until he retired in 2000 as a Systems Engineer. In 2004 he and his wife moved from his beloved New England to Sun City, Texas. He remained in Texas until moving to Parker in 2014. Bill loved exploring the Colorado mountains and seeing the historical sites of Colorado.
In 1996, Bill married Paula Roberts. He was a faithful and loving husband, friend and traveling companion to her for 21+ years. Bill was an honored and respected family member who will be greatly missed by Paula, her children, grandchildren, his sister Judy’s family and the friends he leaves behind. He had close ties to his Watkins Glen family of friends, work associates and the many treasured friends he made at Dartmouth. He loved to talk about his experiences with his family, especially times with his niece and nephews. He was close to his cousins and enjoyed their company. Bill’s greatest joy was visiting friends whenever possible.
Bill loved Christ and often spoke to others about his faith. He was a member of Ft Square Presbyterian Church in Quincy, Massachusetts and served as an Elder for more than a dozen years. He and Paula transferred their memberships to Georgetown Texas First Presbyterian Church in 2004 where they were active for 10 years.
Bill is survived by his wife, Paula, her children Joseph Strovas and his wife Leslie Corley Strovas, Kimberly Taggart and her husband Robert Taggart, Deborah Ramirez and her husband Juan Ramirez, Carla Pearson and her husband Donnie Pearson. His grandchildren by marriage Regan Hammell, Maddy and Jamie Bragg and Griffin Hammell; Peyton and Addison Taggart; Amber Hewitt, Dwight and Tegan Hewitt, Corey Hewitt and Ricky Ramirez; Lexie Pearson, Ashley Pearson and Amber Pearson. Great grandchildren include Tripp and Tory Bragg; Fin Hammell; Ophelia and Mia Hewitt. He is also survived by his sister Judith Marciniak, her husband Dr. Robert Marciniak and his nephews and nieces Adam Marciniak and his wife Alisa; Catherine Thompson and Kevin Sheehan; and Matthew Marciniak and his wife Julia. His surviving grand nephews and nieces are Alivia and Alex Marciniak; Ally, Max and Conner Thompson; Annake, Anna and Alena Marciniak. He will also be greatly missed by his sister-in-law Marilyn Jordan, Preston Jordan and his wife Michelle; their children Chase, Camryn and Claire Jordan; Ashley Jordan Sisk, her husband Jeremy Sisk and their daughter McKinley.
Bill struggled for most of his life with complications due to DYT1 Dystonia, a neurological disorder, and he passed from complications of this condition. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Dystonia Medical Research Foundation 1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1730 , Chicago, IL 60601.
Monday evening, October 9, 2017, Bill Roberts suddenly died while eating dinner. His wife, Paula, called and asked me to please inform the group that paid him that surprise visit a few years ago. Paula thought it probably was a stroke. She said it was sudden and our good friend apparently died without much pain.
Bill did such a beautiful job playing the cards he was dealt. He graduated with honors from high school despite the fact he was bedridden part of the time with a special TV hook up between his bedroom and his classroom. He always participated to his fullest ability and with such enthusiasm. His comportment was always that of a gentleman. Do you remember how we sometimes referred to him as the "mild mannered reporter"? In all his years I have never heard him complain of his dystonia. In fact Ed Brown who shared a Boston apartment with Bill for a year and a half said he also never heard a word of complaint.
He certainly earned our admiration.
— Bill Baldwin
On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, Bill's wife Paula posted the following on Facebook:
My dear husband and constant companion, Bill Roberts, passed away last night. For those of you who knew Bill, he fought a lifelong battle with DYT1 Dystonia...and for the last few years he suffered with progressive physical disability and dementia. We were on vacation in South Dakota with family and his passing was quick and peaceful. Bill always gave me hope, peace and joy, and he was my rock as much as I was his. He walked through this life with courage and faith and was an inspiration and friend to more people than I can count. I will always cherish the time I had with him. My family and I truly thank all who have extended condolences. We are missing Bill tonight.