Charles S. Roberts

Charles S, Roberts, lovingly known as Chuck, Chief or "The Most Interesting Man in the World", passed away on September 4, 2012 at 2:07am in Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He was surrounded by his wife of 44 years and his four beloved children, connected in hands and hearts, with kisses and hugs. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in April 2012 and fought a strong and valiant battle. Although he was with us for what felt like a very short time, every moment was full and rich of adventure. Born on May 12, 1948, in Leadville, CO to parents Bill and Dollie Roberts, Chuck began his life journey. With his family, they moved from Telkeetna, AK to Santa Barbara, CA with 11 moves in between, exploring out-of-the-way corners of America and even Moose jaw, Canada ... here began his early thirst for adventure. His early career was spent mining and building tunnels for Peter Kiewit & Sons, following in the footsteps of his dad, where he spent nearly 27 years as a construction manager in the tunnel division. He led teams building large-scale tunnels across the United States including the Eisenhower tunnel in Frisco, CO, Main Stream Pumping Station in Chicago, CA, and the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Project in South Carolina. He shifted career gears to start businesses across the country, including co-founding and managing Dolphins Car Wash in Omaha, NE; small business owner of Adobe Construction in Breckinridge, CO; owner of Silver Wings restaurant at the Santa Barbara airport; and most recently worked as business manager at Bishop Diego High School, the alma mater for he and his bride and two sons. He enjoyed riding his Hayabusa motorcycle, playing with grandkids, and experiencing all the flavors of life with his friends and family. Chuck is survived by his high school sweetheart Harriet "Ruby" (Bohnett) Roberts, daughter Christina and her husband john Enneking, son Matt and his wife Tammie (Brainard) Roberts, son Charlie and his wife Liz (Strittmatter) Roberts, and son Cody Roberts. In addition, his beloved mother Dollie Roberts, brother LeRoy Roberts, sisters Lorraine and her husband jerry Nespor, Marie Bonella, six grandchildren Cole, Hannah, Abigail, Zachary, Carly and Will. His extended family and friends include many, particularly the Roberts, Montano, and Bohnett families. Chuck was a loving father, husband, grandfather, mentor, friend, and buddy to many people. He was a selfless hero who demonstrated through his life the importance of actions speaking louder than words. Throughout his life, there was always steady dose of warmth, humor, celebration and unrelenting love. The evening before he passed away, his family wheeled Chuck to a beautiful rooftop patio at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The skies were vivid with color from 'the most beautiful sunset of the year' along with buttermilk billowing clouds. One hospital staff member suggested "this is highly irregular" and the family respectfully agreed and replied "you haven't met this family." The family enjoyed singing, music, storytelling, laughing and being in the comfort of the Santa Barbara skies as a backdrop for celebrating life and love. This was his grand crescendo. Solid as a rock, with under-the-radar humor, loving demeanor and a "can do attitude", he is a legacy to all who know and loved him. He was a life enhancing person to all. He passed away as he lived his life, with honor, dignity, courage and kindness. He will be so very missed. A special thank you to the Sansum Cancer Clinic and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for their loving care and support. Also thank you to the Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Home for helping with the memorial arrangements. A rosary vigil will be held at San Roque Church in Santa Barbara, CA on Friday, September 7th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. A mass for Chuck will be held at San Roque Church on Saturday, September 8th starting at 11:00 AM. A celebration of his life will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Bishop Diego High School for educational scholarships. In his honor, the family also asks that for blood and platelet donations to the American Red Cross donation centers - "we want to make deposits for our withdrawals" with love.

Charles S. Roberts

May 12, 1948 - September 4, 2012