2.16.2009

Saying Goodbye.



Edward Clarence Roberts
1918-2009



Ed passed away January 30, 2009 at the age of 90, in Sun City, CA. Ed and his twin sister were born April 14, 1918, in Pittsburg, PA, to John and Anna Rightweisner Roberts. 

His youth was spent in Brent-wood, PA, where he graduated from Brent-wood High School in 1937. In 1936 Ed set the Pennsylvania state high school 2- 1/2 mile run record and his mile run set the Brentwood High School record. This record still stood as he functioned in his position of class V.P. during his 50th class reunion in 1987. His talent of long-distance running earned him a track scholarship at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. The president of Franklin & Marshall College announced, "Bobby Roberts was one of the most outstanding men on campus." 

After graduation in 1941, with a degree in accounting, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He then headed to California prior to World War II, where he met the girl of his dreams Florence E. Watts. They were married on July 18, 1942, in Portland, OR. while living in South San Francisco, CA, the children loved him bringing ice cream home with him, as he was managing an ice cream shop! 

Ed was always willing to help everyone and, until the end, always having an upbeat, positive, cheerful attitude. 

Ed was employed by Pacific Gas and Electric utility company, where he worked until he retired. After retirement at age 55, Ed and Florence moved San Diego, CA, and made their last move to Sun City, CA, 21 years ago, where it is warm and close to a golf course. One of Ed's favorite courses was Torre Pines Golf Course in San Diego, CA. They have enjoyed spending time together with their friends in Sun City. The door was always open for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren where they all enjoyed grandpa and grandma. 

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Roberts; brother, Russell; twin sister, Margaret Lombardi. Ed is survived by his wife, Florence; sisters, Dorothy Williams of Key West, FL; Mabel Davies of Hurst, TX; brother, Henry (Hank) of Bella Vista, AK; 3 children: Larry (Terry) Roberts, Auburn, CA., Janet (Glenn) Gold, Bountiful, UT., and Dennis Roberts, Hilo, HI; 6 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. 

Those of us who remain give thanks to Dr. James Krieg and staff at the Sun City VA Clinic, Loma Linda VA Clinic, and the loving care givers in the memory unit of Sun City Gardens. 

Funeral services to celebrate Ed's life were held Thursday, February 5, 2009, in Sun City, CA. 

In Utah, friends and family will celebrate his life on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, where a visitation will be held from 12- 12:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the family plot at the Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) Donations can be made online.

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