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RaNae Green (Palmer)
OBITUARY FOR BILL ROBERTS
William P. Roberts
April 21, 1943 - February 14, 2023 (age 79)
William P. "Bill" Roberts, 79, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed from cancer on February 14, 2023, surrounded by family, after spending one last Valentine's Day with his sweetheart of nearly 50 years.
Bill was born to William Lem and Ellen Irene Cranor Roberts on April 21, 1943, in Pocatello, Idaho. He was the 2nd of 4 children and the apple of his parents eye which would be a theme throughout his life. He attended Pocatello High School and joined the Navy when he was 17. He proudly served as an Airedale on the flight deck of the USS Ticonderoga. After serving 3 years, 7 months, 2 days, 9 hours and 36 minutes (which he would happily tell anyone who asked) he left the Navy with the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer.
After the Navy, Bill returned home to Pocatello. He attended Idaho State University earning a Bachelor of Business Administration/Marketing degree and later a Masters degree in Occupational Training Management. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity where he received the silver distinguished service award and was a lifetime member of Phi Kappa Phi, National Honor Society. In 2002 Bill was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Idaho State University.
During his days at Idaho State, Bill worked for Westergard-Mayflower Moving and Storage. Following his graduation, he made the move to AMI (ON) where he worked for over 20 years. In 1996, Bill took a position with Hynix (Hyundal Semiconductor America) in Eugene, Oregon, where he retired in 2008 as the Director of Manufacturing and Equipment. More than a little homesick, Bill and Mary returned to Pocatello where he ran WPR Consulting and worked as a substitute teacher for several years.
In 1964 Bill married Veda Kruse and they were blessed with a son, Troy; they later divorced. In 1976, he married the love of his life, Mary Glenn Roberts, and became a devoted husband and a father to her three children, (Shawn Michael, and Keri Glenn). After a few short years, a daughter, Jamie was born. Over the next two decades, Bill found himself very engaged in any activity his family was involved in. He was a wonderful father who loved his children and oh how they love him!
When he could find a minute, Bill was very involved in the local community. Over the years he volunteered his time serving Bannock Boys Baseball, Campfire, Camp Taylor, The Cedars Homeowners Association, Supervisory Committee for Potelco Federal Credit Union, and the Citizens Advisory Board for the INL. Additionally he was roped into thousands of hours at Camp Taylor, Job's Daughters, Sweet Adelines, scouting and coaching many sports teams.
Those who knew Bill could affirm that he always had a twinkle in his eye and a personality that drew people to him. He loved people and made friends easily. Everywhere he went there were people who knew and loved "Mr. Bill". He lived a life filled with laughter and fun adventures. Bill especially loved camping, racquetball, skiing, and trips to the Oregon Coast with his family.
Bill is survived by his wife Mary Roberts, his children, Shawn Glenn (Jenny), Troy Roberts (Becky), Mike Glenn (Natalie), Keri Gunter (Lynn), and Jamie Cooper (Aaron); his sister Karlene Hunt (Bob), 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren (with more on the way). His children and grandchildren remember him as charming, generous, and one who was always there when he was needed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lem and Ellen Irene, brother, Carson Andrew Roberts, sister and brother-in-law, Isabel Julene "Judy" Jacobson (Jake) and niece Lori Knuth.
Memorial services will be held at the Cedar Hills Ward, 5425 Bannock Highway, Pocatello, ID 83204 at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
The family will receive visitors at the Cedar Hills Ward on Friday evening March 3rd from 6-8 pm and at 11am Saturday morning before the funeral.
A special thank you to the medical staff at Portneuf Cancer Center and to the loving nurses from Heritage Home Health and Hospice who took such tender care of him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in Bill's name to Camp Taylor at P.O. Box 1432 or www.camptaylor.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com. 208-232-0542.
RIP Bill, my friend
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