R. Dee Roberts

Roger Dee Roberts (known as "Dee"), 88, passed away on April 12, 2025, from congestive heart failure. He was born in Nome, Alaska, on March 27, 1937, to May Strople Roberts and Curtis Otto Roberts, who preceded him in death, as did his brothers, Van Roberts (of Anchorage and Seattle) and Don Roberts (of Fairbanks and Nome).
Until the military, Dee was raised in Nome, Alaska, and Arlington, Washington. He joined the Marines after a year and a half of high school (easily earning his GED years later). He spent 4 years in the Marines during the Korean War, earning a National Defense Service medal, an M-1 Rifle Sharpshooter's Badge, and several good conduct medals. He posted to Hawaii for his last two years, where he was active on a Marine Wrestling Team, ending service as a Sergeant and AMTRAC Crew Chief.
After the Marines, he spent the rest of his life in Fairbanks, Alaska, only leaving three times: first for a two-month vacation across the US with his wife and first two young sons, once for a few weeks after he retired (his only trip to Disneyland), and most recently to attend his oldest son's wedding in New Jersey.
In Fairbanks, he worked for the Fairbanks Security Police along with his brother, Don. Both brothers (excellent chess players) joined the Fairbanks Chess Club, which met at the USO on First Street. There, Dee met his future wife, Ann Drury Roberts, a UAF student who had a summer job at the USO and entered the same chess tournament. They were engaged in two weeks and married a month and a half later, on March 26, 1964, enjoying sixty-one years of marriage.
In 1985, he established his own business, Security Heating and Maintenance, as a locksmith and furnace repairman, serving many loyal customers for years. Dee was the parliamentarian for many years for the Alaska Independence Party, once even running for Lieutenant Governor on a ticket with Joe Vogler. He was also very active in the Two Rivers Grange in the early years, helping them to build their original log building. He will be remembered for his even temper and sense of humor.
Dee is survived by his wife Ann and their five children: Lance Roberts (and wife Mary Jean) of Eagle River, Larry Roberts (and wife Barbara) of Fairbanks, David Roberts (Missionary in Africa), Deanna Roberts (and partner David Hughes II) with grandson, Dean Roberts, all of North Pole, and Jonathan Roberts of North Pole, as well as his brothers' children scattered mostly throughout Alaska.
No services are planned- in lieu of flowers, friends may wish to donate to a Veteran's organization in his memory or simply enjoy a chess game with a friend!