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Christopher Roberts Obituary
64, of Scottsdale, Arizona died on Monday, July 13 at his home unexpectedly. He was born December 14, 1950, the eldest of four boys. He grew up in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a biology degree, and attended medical school at the University of Colorado in Denver. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Maricopa County Hospital. He then completed a fellowship in pulmonary medicine and practiced in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area in private practice for the next twenty-five years. He became board certified in critical care medicine and joined a group of physicians at Scottsdale Healthcare. The last ten years of his life he enjoyed treating and caring for patients in the intensive care unit. He was admired by his colleagues and his numerous patients. He is survived by his wife, Christina and her two children, Jake and Lori and their families; his two sons Brian and Colin Roberts; his 92-year old father, Dalton; his two brothers, Kirk and Al and their families. Chris was an avid cyclist, skier, and enjoyed hiking in the mountains and desert. His wife Christina was a constant companion and they were training for a bicycle trip in the Italian Alps just prior to his death. Chris loved everything about nature and could recite the names of flowers, birds, and all aspects of nature. He loved gardening around his home, loved jazz music, and gourmet cooking. He would make frequent skiing and biking trips with his wife, friends, and brothers. He helped build the family cabin approximately fifty years ago in the Rocky Mountain National Park area and would visit there frequently to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the mountains. Chris cared deeply for his family and was always a source of strength to those around him. He was admired for his many achievements, and will be deeply missed by all who loved him. A memorial service will be held at 5:00pm on Monday, July 20th at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Roberts
Al Roberts
July 23, 2015
This is Al Roberts, Chris's youngest brother. Thank you all for your condolences. Chris was an inspiration to me personally. My career as a doctor and eventually an eye surgeon was set in motion as early as my high school days thanks to Chris' belief in medicine as a premier career choice. He was a wonderful confidante and big brother to me. I will do my best to support his family and all the friends that loved him.
Dennis Yee
July 21, 2015
Some 30-odd years ago at the 'Copa, I was a medical resident on rotation in the ICU, and I had trouble intubating an adult patient who was crashing. Some of we residents were young, brash, cock-sure of ourselves (now I would say "cockamamie"), and never asked for help- because of our pride & egos. At the moment that I realized I was in over my head and started thinking about prayer, Dr. Chris came strolling by. I did the "unthinkable" and asked Chris for help with the intubation. Faster than Jack Sprat, Chris rushed over, moved me aside, reached for a scope, and asked Nurse Anne for a Pediatric sized tube. I quickly realized that I had suddenly become not only irrelevant, but superfluous. And, I had surrendered control of my patient. Faster than two rabbits on a first date, Chris had intubated that patient- on the first pass. It was faster and smoother than watching a professional cowboy rope a calf. GALLOP, LASSO, DISMOUNT, WHIP the rope 'round the legs, BOOM! DONE!! The major reason I remember this episode so vividly after 3 decades is not his procedural efficiency, it's because of what happened next. Chris "handed command" back to me, wrote a quick procedure note and continued strolling down the ICU floor, out to his next duty. No shaming me, no speaking to me in a condescending way, no fault-finding, no discussion of what I could have done "better", no chewing me out a "new one." This was a totally new experience for me, and took over a week for me to recover my ego. Whether he intended to or not, Chris taught me the first of many, many lessons in: humility; that it's okay to admit not knowing what to do next; that it's okay to ask for help; that it's okay to let go of control; that it's okay to treat one another with professionalism, and to not argue with God when help arrives (as in, "Thanks, but I really want Dr. Oz to intubate my patient"); and to focus on what's right in front of me. I also learned that asking for help does not always lead to getting reamed out. Thank you, and Blessings, Roberts Family, for sharing Chris with us.
Cynthia Hoppe
July 21, 2015
I have known Chris and Christina many years. I worked with her when they first met. (I will never forget those times) I also worked with Dr Roberts in the ICU. He was calm, professional and assisted staff as well as patients. He assisted in making decisions when my Mother was a patient in the ICU in 2013 .He was excellent with my family and I. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. There was room for angels in heaven. God Bless.
Paul Einan
July 20, 2015
I will miss him, I wish the best for his family and his father during this difficult time!
Carol Hammond
July 20, 2015
Dear Chris and family,
So sorry for your sudden and traumatic loss of Chris...it is a difficult experience.
If you need a sympathetic ear who has been through it, I am here for you.
Heidi Brewer
July 19, 2015
Dr. Roberts is one of the most brilliant and kind physician's that I have ever known. Thank you Dr. Roberts for being an amazing doctor and teacher, Dr. Roberts seemed to loved to educate nurses and medical students alike. Thank you Dr. Roberts for your committed professionalism, no matter what the situation he always held a calm, patient demeanor, and never raised his voice. My condolences go out to the Roberts family with his tragic loss, the impact he made on those he came in contact with will never be forgotten.
Muriel Ray
July 19, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Ceccarelli
July 18, 2015
Dr. Roberts was a great doctor and a caring man that I worked with for 24 years. His dedication to his profession and his empathetic nature will be missed! Sympathy to all his loved ones but at least we know he lived life to its fullest and I'm sure left this life with no regrets other than leaving it to soon!
Janis Reinmuth
July 18, 2015
Dr. Roberts was the calming force and voice of compassion and reason in a sometime chaotic ICU. He was a mentor, role model and healer who inspired one to be great. I came to SHC-Osborn as a new graduate RN and he was someone that I respected and learned a great deal from. He was ever patient and willing to share his vast knowledge. I will also remember his quiet sense of humor that he had with always the right thing to say. I will always remember this great doctor, teacher and man. This world has been a better place with his influence and for his being in it. May he rest in peace.
Barry Cunningham
July 17, 2015
Worked with Chris many years as an RT,beginning my years at SHC, and as an RN till present he will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Craig Benner
July 17, 2015
It was in deed my pleasure to have worked with this fine physician for the past ten years. His skill and knowledge and presence helped mold Scottsdale Critical Care,PC into the excellent practice it is today.
Joe Sever
July 17, 2015
As an allied health professional I admired the professionalism and knowlege of this great man . His style of interaction with allied health professionals, patients and their loved ones was an inspiration . He will be greatly missed . May God bless him , his family , loved ones and friends ---- Teri and Joe Sever
Mark Coleman
July 17, 2015
I have riden many a mile with Chris and Chris and wish I could have had many more rides with Christopher. Chris loved the challenges of life, lived it to the fullest and left many happy memories.
BJ Weimer
July 17, 2015
Christina,
I am so at a loss of words; Dr. Roberts was a true friend . He always had something kind to say and when I got a little laugh out of him , it was great . My deepest sympathies at this trying time . I will always be here for you . Dr. Roberts may you rest in peace and know that you were loved.
Christina, now you have a special angel in Heaven . All my love , BJ
Kathy Glindmeier
July 17, 2015
In October 2012 Dr. Roberts took care of my father in the ICU at Scottsdale Memorial. He was his physician the first night and through the next week until Dad passed away. I truly appreciated Dr.Roberts and was grateful for his caring manner. He helped my family make difficult decisions in a kind, non judgmental way.
(The Davis Family)
July 17, 2015
Dr. Roberts will be missed.
Our deepest condolences for your family, we are so sorry for your loss. May your loving memories hold close in your heart and God's love give you peace and comfort. (Psalm 83:18)
Lawrence Dixon
July 16, 2015
It's was a privilege to work along side Dr Roberts these last 10 years at Scottsdale Osborn. He was a very kind and gentle person. He was very patient doctor and taught me a lot through the years. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family.
Fran Gerdes
July 16, 2015
I have worked with Dr Roberts ever since becoming a new graduate nurse in the intensive care. Then and up through now, he has always stood as a calming leader, no matter the chaotic scenario. As nurses, we take the physician's lead and he was one of the greats, especially when we needed his skills the most. The intensive care team will always miss his subtle neat sense of humor, his calm and his professionalism. He was always one of the most admirable physicians, one I would want caring for a loved one! My thoughts and prayers are with all of those closest to him. He will be greatly missed, but his influence on our critical care team will remain.
vic luevano
July 16, 2015
Thank you for your kindness, thank you for your words of encouragement to families facing uncertainty. Thank you for your teaching. .. and most of all thank you for being you . You were a kind soul and will be missed. ...
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Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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