Charles S. Roberts

Charles Roberts Obituary

ROBERTS , Charles S. On August 20, 2010, CHARLES SWANN ROBERTS, devoted father of Mark C., John S., Paul S., Elizabeth J., Kevin B., Robert M., Bonnie K. Roberts, Jean E. Schweitzer, Joanne M. Greene and Gail R. Ways; beloved brother of Jane R. Stern; also survived by 12 grandchildren and two nieces.
Graveside Services and interment of cremated remains will be held on Tuesday in New Cathedral Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send memorials to Maryland Public Television. Arrangements by Cremation Society of MD, Inc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Baltimore Sun on Aug. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Roberts

13 Entries

Michael Lind

June 19, 2011

Condolences to the Roberts family. There's simply no way to thank Mr. Roberts for giving me the opportunity to enjoy a hobby that's lasted my entire life and that continues to provide me with endless hours of enjoyment and challenge. So many thousands of people owe him a a huge debt of gratitude for giving birth to a wonderful pastime.

Lew Schneider

September 9, 2010

I was stunned to read tonight of Charles S. Roberts' passing. His Pennsylvania RR Triumph series was a real triumph. I was waiting patiently for treatment of the line from Indianapolis to St. Louis. I particularly enjoyed his comments on politics, the economy, corporate management and the like. Even though sometimes I disagreed with what he said, he was more right than wrong.
He will be greatly missed.

Lewis Goldberg

September 8, 2010

I too remember Mr. Roberts fondly for the wargames. Roberts' invention of board wargaming spurred the creation of probably more than a hundred other publishers over the years, many of which keep producing wargames to this day.

I have been in the hobby he invented on and off since 1974. Thanks for the wargames, the good times, the education, and the inspiration!

JD Walter

September 2, 2010

When I was only 8 or 9, a neighbor gave me an old Avalon Hill game: Gettysburg.

It sparked a life-long love of both history and fun.

Charles S. Roberts is one of my heroes. God Bless to him & his family, and may he rest in peace.

David Olie

September 1, 2010

I've been a board wargamer since 1978, and it was Charles' game designs that started my lifelong hobby. I'm sad to see him go; he brought a lot of pleasure to my life. Very best wishes to you all.

Brad Hessel

August 31, 2010

The last Avalon Hill game Charles S. Roberts designed was Afrika Korps and it was the first wargame I bought back in 1964 at the age of 11...I was already interested in history but what closed the deal for me was the legend on the side of the game box: "For ages 12 to adult". LOL irresistible, that.

Most of my gaming these days is computer-based. With Starcraft, there’s no need to roll the die and consult the Combat Results Table; you just focus on the strategy and tactics and the software handles all the tedious arithmetic and bookkeeping.

But the next time I succeed in holding off a Zerg rush and have a moment to relax, I'll take a moment to reflect on the Siege of Tobruk and raise a toast to Charles S. Roberts...and the Jewish Battalion that he included in the British order of battle in his Afrika Korps game and which historically played a key roll in that battle. Both merit responsibility for capturing the imagination of an 11-year-old boy and providing him with what has (so far) proven to be a lifelong source of entertainment and education.

So, thanks, Mr. Roberts...and, RIP.

August 27, 2010

thanks to all who wrote a nice message about my father,he was a great man who was so creative as all who knows his work can attest to,i hope his various types of works lives on for many generations,his love of railroads,military,roses,scotland and bagpipes,and border collies will trigger his memory in all who knew him,he loved art as well,he told me to allways get the picture "if it sings to you",ill always think of him when i see those things that sang to him. love from his daughter,Joanne M. Greene

Annmarie Scottson

August 26, 2010

My deepest condolences to the Roberts family. Charlie was not only a client, but a friend and confidante that was never shy about sharing his views with me of life, publishing, and anything else he wanted to bring up that he felt I would enjoy. He also made sure I read every edition of Triumph, including volume 9 and his reference to my hometown.

I do know he loved each and every one of his children and grandchildren as he always spoke so highly and lovingly of his family. He also enjoyed his dear "puppy" he swore he would never get after McTavish passed away! My prayers are with you at this time of loss. He will be sorely missed by me and those at my company who had the honor of working with him.
Annmarie Scottson - Howell, NJ

Diana Ennis

August 24, 2010

"With Sincerest Empathy"
May the loving moments you have shared bring comfort to your thoughts;
and memories of his laughter bring a chuckle to your heart.
May you feel his presence as he watches over you; and know
that when you speak to him, he will answer in your peaceful dreams.
May the passage of time help pain and sorrow to gently fade;
while precious memories of him remain with you forever.
The family of Frances Rae Weber (The Type House) extend their deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Charlie Roberts.

Mike Klink

August 23, 2010

I also add my deepest sypathies for the family of Charles S. Roberts. He was one of the best historians on railroads and railroading, specifically the Baltimore & Ohio and the Pennsylvania RR. He will be missed.

Mike Klink

August 23, 2010

We have seen the passing of a great author and historian for the B&O and PRR with his series of books. You may agree or disagree with what was written by him, but you cannot discount the fact that he loved the railroads and put his heart and soul into every writing he did. Sand Patch was the 2nd book I purchased that was written by him and I was amazed at the history that he dug up on the part of the former B&O that was my hometown, Meyersdale, PA. He will be missed.

Mike Klink, a B&O and railroad enthusiast.

Cherie Trytall

August 23, 2010

My deepest sympathies to the entire family. We have lost not only a great wealth of knowledge but a truly inspiring mind and entertaining wit . . . and I will miss him terribly.
Cherie Trythall

August 23, 2010

A most takebted historian and writer with a great sense of humort and ability to captivate onee's interest., He will be soreely misssed by the masses readerrs of his works. Condolaences to the familly.
Rev. John H. Meyer

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