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Pierce J. Roberts
Battle Creek
Pierce J. Roberts, 83, MI died at Bronson Battle Creek on Friday, November 22, 2013.
Pierce was born May 28, 1930 in Calumet, MI to Pierce and Georgia Alberta (Gilmore) Roberts. He grew up in Calumet, was a 1948 graduate of Calumet High School and from Northern Michigan University with majors in History and Biology. He then served two years with the U.S. Army 1953-55. Pierce returned to Northern Michigan University and earned his teaching certificate and went on to the University of Michigan where he received a Master's Degree in Biology. Pierce first taught in Coldwater and Hudson, prior to his 35 year career at Battle Creek Central High School, which began in 1959. At BCCHS he taught History and Government; during which he coached football, track, and girls volleyball.
Pierce married Betty Ann Johnson in Marquette, MI on June 12, 1954. Surviving are his wife, Betty Ann; two sons, Pierce "Gregory" (Shannon) Roberts of Winnemucca, NV and Mark Roberts of Battle Creek; a daughter, Julie (Michael) Regner of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren, Bryan (Kelli) Regner, Adam (Katie) Regner, Erika Regner, Misha (Michael) Stannard and Hannah, Pierce James and Camille Roberts; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Elyse, Kayla and Anna Regner. Pierce was preceded in death by his son, David J. Roberts September 5, 2005; by his parents and sister, Marcia Poull.
Pierce was a member of the Civil War Round Table, was a History Teacher of the Year in the State of Michigan, a member of the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame and the BCCHS Bearcat Hall of Fame. He was elected to the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame and Pierce's blood ran Blue and Gold for the Bearcats. He enjoyed woodworking, music and especially spending his summers at the family cottage in Gwinn, MI.
Friends will be received 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Private services will be held for the family. Inurnment will be at Haglund Cemetery in Skandia, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of ones' choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
You made history come alive. Thanks for sharing yourself in class. You not only taught history but were history in my eyes. May eternal peace be yours.
Camille Hood (Gray-maiden name)
December 4, 2013
To Pierce's Family,
Pierce made my U.S History class at BCCHS come alive with his teaching style and captivating stories. His adeptness at storytelling is something I have tried to emulate in my 30 years of college teaching.
My favorite memories of Pierce where when I would come home to Battle Creek to visit my mother and the Y-Center would be kind enough to let me work out there in the mornings. I looked forward to seeing Pierce at his job there and talking with him about old times at BCCHS, the students, and life in general. After my mother passed those trips to Battle Creek stopped, but I will always have very fond memories of those conversations with 'Mr. Roberts'.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan McQuiston
November 26, 2013
Mr. Roberts was my all time favorite high school teacher. He was an amazing teacher..so animated. He really got me into history, when I had him one semester...so I made sure to take Wars and Revolutions the next, so I could experience his great teaching again..complete with sound effects. My condolences to the family, and his friends also. What a great guy! He'll be missed.
BCCHS Class of 1988
Caralyn Barton (Loftis)
November 26, 2013
Rest in Peace Coach Roberts.
Wilbur Watson
November 25, 2013
Our prayers are with all who loved him. He was the best history teacher at BCCHS. Peace and Love, Jeanie Parrish & Family
November 25, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and the Roberts Family. Pierce was a colleague at BCCHS, a respected history teacher and football coach of our son Jay. May your memories sustain you and bless you. The Tad Randolph Family
Bonnie Randolph
November 24, 2013
Mr. Roberts was a big reason I went into education. I loved the way he taught history and how he even brought Vietnam veterans in to tell their stories. He truly had an impact on his students and I took every class that I could possibly take that he taught. He was always asking about my wrestling career and we loved talking sports. Mr Roberts, please say "Hello" to Mr. Evans for us. Both of you are in a wonderful place. Although you will be missed, you will never be forgotten. Bearcats Go! -Todd Skinner Class of '89 and current teacher.
Todd Skinner
November 24, 2013
Battle Creek Central Class of 1986. Rest in peace Mr. Roberts.
November 24, 2013
I'm always going to remember Mr Roberts, he truly was the best teacher I ever had at BCCHS. My Roberts gave me my love of history, up until I had him, I hated history and always thought it was boring. You were a great man and a great teacher Mr Roberts RIP My Friend :'(
Ronnie Bowen
November 24, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Roberts. Although I was a poor student, and wasn't receptive to his mentoring advice, I knew he was concerned about me, as he was about all in his charge. He was a great history teacher, and a great support for the young and impressionable students in his classes. Thank you, Mr. Roberts.
William Schaeffer
November 24, 2013
RIP Mr. Roberts.
Carol Dunham-Byrd
November 24, 2013
I always appreciated that Mr. Roberts provided a place for all the neighborhood kids to ice skate and walked us to school with his black lunch box. My brother Chris and I always considered the Roberts our second family and were always made welcome. God Bless you and may your fond memories of Mr. Roberts brighten the days ahead.
Mary (Vogt) Bobrofsky
November 24, 2013
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