ROBERTS, William Wells

1935 - 2022

William (Bill) Roberts passed away peacefully on Earth Day, 22 April 2022, at the age of 87, in hospice near his home in Tsawwassen, Delta, British Columbia. He was born in Grenada, and that sunny Caribbean island was never far from his thoughts in his final months.

William studied architecture in London, England, where he lived for 15 years, married, and became a father. One of his first professional contributions was to the blueprints for the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy at the University of Cambridge. His career took him next to Jamaica, where he lived for 9 years and was involved in the design of numerous projects including Kingston Mall. Moving to Canada in 1978, his subsequent work ranged from single-family houses to large commercial projects. He also served on the Design Panel for Delta. William's talents will be most fondly remembered by the friends and relatives for whom he designed homes and renovations over the decades.

A life-long lover of classical music, William attended innumerable concerts by legendary performers in England and Canada, and cherished his extensive collection of recordings. He was passionate about nature conservation and social justice, and was an avid reader on these topics, history, and politics. A true gentleman, William set an example of unwavering decency, modesty, and integrity. All who knew him will miss his wit—dry but never caustic.

William was predeceased by his parents William and Lillian Roberts, and eldest sister Yvonne Roberts. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Anne Roberts (née Paterson), his son Mark and daughter Kim, and sisters Fay Miller and Margaret Steele.

Services for William will be held at Canadian Memorial United Church, corner of Burrard St. and W 15th Ave. in Vancouver, on 16 May 2022 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in his memory to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.