Posted by Tom Maertens, Jr. Class of 1970 on July 13, 2010:

I was saddened to learn of the passing of my classmate and friend, John Roberts. He was just a terrific person in every way and one who clearly lived the values of West Point...Duty, Honor, Country. He was the captain of our hockey team and served his country well as an artillery officer. I recall visiting Fort Wainwright, AK in January of 1971 and visiting with John during a free evening. It was only negative 57 degrees ambient and I had just flown in from Charleston AFB, SC. Being from Warroad, MN...the weather did not affect John in the least. We jumped in his Toyota Landcruiser and headed out to a party and when we pulled in to park, I observed that John forgot to turn off his car? Well, he pointed out that if he turned of the car, it would never start again since we did not have a plug in! Sure enough, the parking lot was full of cars all running. I have never forgotten that funny sight. The last time I saw John and Dona was in January of 1998 in Sedona, AZ when I was traveling for the AOG. I experienced "Float Sedona" and then we had a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. John was just very happy and truly enjoying life. He always did! It was just a pleasure to be around such a positive person. We will all miss John but will treasure always the memory of such a dedicated and faithful soldier and father as well as a loyal and cheerful friend. "And when our work is done, our course on Earth is run. May it be said, "WELL DONE JOHN ROBERTS", Be thou at Peace. Tommy

admin