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BORN
1916
DIED
2010
William Roberts Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Roberts
Beverly and Peter King
October 8, 2010
Goodbye Bill ,We loved you and we enjoyed being next to you in our boat at Fleitz all those years.You helped me with my sailing,you sponsored us when we joined CBYC ,and regaled us with your stories of Hurricane Gulch in the "Old Days".Beverly and I missed you and Nan when we moved away,and now...........adieu !
Our deep sympathy Nan , and Love.
Beverly and Peter King,Los Osos , California.
Cheri Roberts
September 27, 2010
I was so sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a special man and a wonderful grandfather. Peter and Michael were so fortunate to be his grandsons. His deep love, genuine interest in and unconditional and consistent care and concern for them provided an unshakable foundation of values upon which they built their lives and for which he will always be remembered and treasured.
Bill was so kind to me and my family, and he always made me feel a part of his. He always had time for us and brought us such joy when his eyes lit up and his big warm smile and long strong arms embraced us when we visited. Bill touched our lives and made us better for knowing him. I shall miss him terribly, but his gentle and loving spirit will remain with me always.
And dear Nan, you brought out the best in him. You ignited his passion for life and living life to the fullest. It is without question that you were his life's greatest gift and all who knew and loved him benefited. You were a blessing to him and remain one to us all.
May special memories take some of the sadness from your heart and gently replace it with the warmth of treasured moments.
My love and prayers are with you.
Michael Roberts
September 26, 2010
I inherited my love of the ocean from Grandpa Bill. He would often take us sailing through the LA Harbor and, once when I was very young, to Catalina, where we moored off shore and spent a couple days exploring near Emerald Bay. I remember sitting on the front and watching the porpoises swim along with the boat as we sailed. More recently, maybe five or six years ago, we sailed outside the LA breakwater and sailed alongside a humpback whale for awhile. After sailing we would eat at Acapulco--Grandpa Bill's favorite--or sometimes the 22nd Street Landing.
Once, just a few years ago, Grandpa and Nan traveled and visited Michelle and I in DC. He toured our old 1908 row house, and even clamored up to our rickety attic, where I shared my crazy renovation plans with him. Grandpa rarely left southern California, so that visit was special to us.
Grandpa valued hard work and modesty. He was always warm, gracious, and gentle in a grandfatherly way that almost belied a fierce and stubborn independence that frustrated many, but that I also deeply admired. (This trait runs deep in the family.) He honed his carpentry skills as a boy when he built his own sailboat. He refused family money for college and instead earned his own way as a carpenter and contractor. As a contractor, he eschewed power tools and preferred hand tools. He restored not only the Muller house, but a lovely little 1912 craftsman house on the bluff above the West breakwater of the LA harbor at the end of 40th street. He loved craftsman homes, but other kinds of architecture too. He always wanted to build a house using shipping containers in the desert near Joshua Tree where his grandfather (my great, great grandfather, William Pitt) once owned a small hotel.
Grandpa Bill lived a long wonderful life. I'm happy and lucky to have known him for so long. But I miss him sorely and now regret not having seen him more often.
Thank you Nan for being such a wonderful partner to Bill for the last 23 years. You brought out the very best in him.
September 25, 2010
September 25, 2010
Jim Dumont
September 23, 2010
Bill was always an inspiration to me. I admired his strength and tenderness. The uncle that patiently taught me the subtleties of sailing a small boat through and beyond the L.A. Harbor in the late 50s. Our love and support goes out to you, Nan.
September 22, 2010
Doris and I are so sad to learn of Bill's passing. He was a gentleman and a man for all seasons. I regret that I wasn't able to re-connect with Bill and Nan after we moved back to San Pedro recently. Please know, Nan, that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
-- Bob Beck
Donna Littlejohn
September 22, 2010
What a kind, upbeat, genuine guy Bill was -- and such a good friend to San Pedro. How often he'd take the time to phone me and offer encouragement and it would always bring such a smile to my face. He'll be so missed. Prayers for the family, that you will know God's comfort and peace.
Diane Austen
September 22, 2010
I really only knew Nan and Bill from lunches at Cannetti's but when they weren't there, it seemed like someone important was missing. Bill was so entertaining. I wish I had been able to know him better. Our thoughts are with you, Nan.
Diane Austen ( CBYC)
Kathy Matthews
September 22, 2010
I had only a nodding acquaintance with Bill and Nan. Our lives intersected at various events in the harbor area that involved sailing and/or history... the LA Maritime Museum, the Muller House Museum, the Banning Museum, the San Pedro Bay Historical Society, the Point Fermin Lighthouse, etc. His legacy consists of the historic structures that are still with us because of his knowledge, passion, expertise, and the sweat of his brow. Thank you Bill & Nan for all you've done for San Pedro.
September 22, 2010
The world has lost a fine human being.
Al Bitonio
September 21, 2010
Hi Nan,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband Bill. May your faith sustain you and your family at this time. Blessing to all
JEANINE ALLISON
September 21, 2010
My Uncle Bill was extraordinary. So few of us in life find things that we are passionate about--but Bill's passions were many--sailing, of course, architecture, restoration, history, LA Harbour, San Pedro. But of all the things he treasured, he treasured most his dear wife, Nan--a perfect partner for sailing whose cooking is reknown, and whose devotion was endless. Nan, thank you for being the perfect mate in the good times and bad. Love you and God bless you. Jeanine
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