December 11, 2023

In Loving Memory ~

Our husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather William Waddell Roberts took his last journey on December 11.

He is survived by his loving partner Gwenn, his two remaining sisters (Beth and Marguerite), children Dale (Maureen), Barbara, Della (Dan), and Tammy (Jordan), and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. There wasn't one that he didn't proclaim as "red, wrinkled and ugly" when they were first born, then burst with pride at all their accomplishments as they grew.

Dell, as everyone knew him, ("That's Dell, like farmer in the dell," he would say) was a larger-than-life personality, with a straight-from-the-horse's-mouth, playfully provocative manner.

He had two great loves in his life: Elizabeth Drysdale, wife, and mother of his children, who predeceased him, and Gwenn Vallee, with whom he spent the last two decades of his life and whose family loved Dell as much as she did.

Dell was an athlete and sportsman, excelling at hockey and baseball in his youth. He continued to hit the golf ball straight down the fairway and curl to the button right to the end of his eighth decade. He was as good at business as he was at winning money on the golf course.

He started out as a station agent and telegrapher for the Northern Alberta Railway, then, when railroading ended, joined forces with Norm Radbourne to create Radbourne and Roberts Insurance and Real Estate in Fairview, Alberta.

Dell retired at 50 but didn't quit working until his mid 80s. First, he managed a real estate office, then moved to Courtenay, BC, where he worked for Coast Country Insurance, inspecting wood stoves, and taking pictures of homes (while wearing a hat proclaiming, "I am not a Peeping Tom.")

Dell was willing to take responsibility in any organization where he was involved. He was a town councillor and hospital board member in Fairview and served as president or on the board for numerous local, provincial, and national organizations, including golf, insurance, curling, real estate, square dancing, and community service.

Despite his having no previous experience beyond inviting people over for dinner, he turned out to be a stunningly able caregiver when his wife Beth was suffering from the dementia that eventually took her life. Dell threw himself whole-heartedly into her care, staying by her side until her care at home became impossible, short months before her death. His dedication was a true inspiration to all who observed it.

He was a loved, respected, memorable and honourable man. We'll all miss his adventurous spirit, his constant jokes, his keen judgement, and the sheer power of his presence.

Dell was genuinely the life of the party, and it will be a real challenge for those he left behind to fill his shoes, whether on the clown or the serious side. We will not see his like again.

A Celebration of Life for Dell will take place in the summer of 2024 in Courtenay, BC.

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