H. Douglas Roberts passed away peacefully on May 13, 2012 at his home in Tidnish, NS surrounded by his loved ones. Doug or “H.D.” as he was known, was in his 70th year, a father, a grandfather and a friend to many. He is survived by his children, Katharine (Kerby) Elizabeth Kociancic, Clair Douglas Roberts & their mother, Betty (Hicks) MacLaren (Bob); Monique Allen, Christine Melanson & their mother Germaine Melanson; his grandchildren Katelyn and James Kociancic, Owen, Sophie and Isabelle Allen; his treasured friend Jean Bednarski; his brother Edward (Eve), sister-in-law Betty Badcock; and cousins Robert Giannou and Avalon Roberts (Tom Bowen). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother (Peter) and his infant son, Patrick Maitland Roberts.

Doug, a Newfoundlander, was the son of Dr. Harry and Katharine Roberts. He grew up in St. John’s, NFLD where he attended Holloway School and Prince of Wales College. Later he continued his education at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, ON, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS. While tradition was a core principle for Doug, his entire lifetime was a learning experience. He embraced innovation and new experiences ranging from the latest building technologies, to the world of Apple and white water rafting in Alaska in 2010. He worked as a financial advisor, real estate agent, business consultant, and entrepreneur; making a success of each as well as a legion of friends along the way.

Tidnish became Doug’s home where he honed his construction and woodworking skills in The Toy Shoppe. He created a cottage on the Northumberland Strait that was both a comfortable home and a reflection of his personality. Nothing pleased him more than enjoying time there with family and friends as well as working on the project of the moment. Less than a fortnight before he died he was well into planning an upcoming renovation and supervising its first steps.

Some of his other interests included following most professional sports, particularly golf and football, maintaining the cottage property with his motorized wheelbarrow (tractor) and solving puzzles of all kinds. Doug’s friendship was treasured by a wide and varied group of people from all over Canada and the United States whom he frequently visited (often unannounced).

Following Doug’s explicit wishes, he has been cremated. There will be a celebration of his life at the cottage later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Terry Fox Foundation or a charity of one’s choice. www.furlongjones.ca