Dr. Willis Fowler Roberts, P. Eng, RPF, NBLS, B.Sc., Massey Medal
Dr. Willis Roberts of Fredericton, NB, passed away on March 5, 2013, at his residence in the Veteran’s Health Unit.
Born July 7, 1919, in Lincoln, NB, he was the son of the late William and Attie (Fowler) Roberts.
In 1983, he received the Massey Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society; in 1998, he received the George Sproule award from the Association of New Brunswick Land Surveyors; and in 1992, he was inducted into the New Brunswick Forestry Hall of Fame. He was also proud to have received his Doctor of Science Honoris Causa from UNB in 2005.
Willis married his wife, Joyce in 1941 and together they raised their family; two daughters, Regi Miles (James) and Kris Harvey. Joyce predeceased Willis in 1993 and he is survived by his daughters; his grandchildren, Christopher Larsen (Leslie), Kerri Schriver (Derek), Brenda Johnston (James), Karen Harvey (Marc LeBritton) and Susan Saulnier (Julien); great-grandchildren, Paige and Bailey Larsen, Jayden Schriver, Amelia Johnston and Alex and Justin Saulnier; his nephews, Gord, John and Rob McFee; as well as his friend, neighbor and companion, Polly Parks.
He was predeceased by his wife; his parents; his son-in-law, Buster Harvey; and his siblings, Etta Carruthers, Greta Roberts, Leota Meehan, Lloyd Roberts; and his sister-in-law, Yvonne McFee (Hymie).
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Veteran’s Health Unit for the exceptional care they gave to Willis throughout his time there.
Visitation will be at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Saturday, March 9, 2013, from 2-4 p.m. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 will hold a tribute service at 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at 3 p.m., with the Reverend Canon T.A. Smith officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the Fredericton Rural Cemetery.
For those who wish, donations in memory of Willis may be made to the SPCA, UNB’s Hamilton-Roberts Entrance Scholarship or to Christ Church Cathedral Restoration Fund.
www.mcadamsfh.com.
