William John ROBERTS

William John Roberts grew up in the village of New Denver in the West Kootenays of British Columbia. He attended UBC, graduating with a BSc in Microbiology and a teaching certificate. He married Jill Anne Smith in 1966, his partner and best friend for 60+ years.

Bill taught Chemistry and Physics for two years in Golden BC, then returned to UBC for an MBA in Organizational Behaviour. He joined the federal public service in Ottawa in 1971. He worked in the new Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, in areas of Combine Investigation, Bankruptcy, and Trademarks. In 1973, Bill was seconded by the Trade Commissioner Service for a posting to Rio de Janeiro, and soon after was granted a rare lateral entry into Foreign Affairs. During his career, he was posted to Pakistan, Thailand, Sweden, Edmonton and Singapore, interspersed with home postings to Ottawa.

In 2001, Bill and Jill retired to New Denver. The house he built with his parents in 1957 was renovated into a spectacular timber frame with mountain views all around. Bill often commented that this was the best place on earth. He bought a Cessna 172 and had 8 glorious years exploring the BC Interior and dropping into sons’ families in Calgary and Burnaby. During this time he used his bureaucratic skills in several creative ways. Two highlights include: a bargaining process that saved the local hospital from complete closure; and an innovative campaign with the Chamber of Commerce banning cell phones, that actually brought more tourists to the Valley. Bill was proud of his humble roots, and generously gave back to the community.

Medical concerns in 2015 required a move to a larger center. Serendipity brought Bill and Jill to Sidney and a wonderful close community of extended family and friends. There was not a day that Bill didn’t count his blessings. Even well into dementia, he always found something interesting to comment on from his 7th floor vista.

Bill was very engaged and present in life around him. He loved his postings, and chose challenging ones for the experiences they would bring. He was a raconteur. His stories captivated people, even when they were oft repeated. He loved his family, and lived “work-life balance” long before it was a catch-phrase. Simple pleasures brought great joy: being surrounded by happy chaos on the Roberts’ annual holidays in Mexico or at the family cabin in New Denver; watching his sons restore and run Bill’s '53MGTD and his mother’s ‘75 Valiant; catching crab with grandchildren on Fisherman’s Wharf.

Despite a full and exciting life in the fast lane, Bill’s wants in later years were basic: good food; strong coffee; an iPad and Wi-Fi connection for his many news sources; and a daily crossword puzzle printout. “The rock is rolling down the road” (his favourite expression) somewhere, and that was fine with him.

Bill will be deeply missed by: Jill; sons Jay (Jenn), and Chris (Julie); grandchildren Mackenzie, Carson, Jacob, Paxton, Abigail and Connor; brother Ted; Jill’s siblings and families; many friends; and feline Luca.

A memorial service will take place at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Sidney on Saturday, January 31st, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. would be appreciated.

Here is the link should you wish to attend Bill's service online.  The YouTube recording will be available later, using the same link. 

https://youtube.com/live/MOAgPHY1OSo?feature=share