Fred Roberts
ROBERTS - It is with sadness we announce the passing of beloved husband, Dad and Grandpa, Frederick (Fred) Clarence Roberts, in Phoenix, Arizona in February 2023.
Fred was born June 22, 1950 in Cereal, Alberta to Willie and Eileen Roberts. Fred grew up on the family farm south of Cereal with his five younger sisters. From an early age he became involved in the farming operation. As a young adult he purchased his first quarter of land and started his life-long calling of being a farmer. He was active in the Oyen Flying Club which is where he met Elizabeth (Liz), the new schoolteacher in town. Fred and Liz were married in 1978 and built their home on the farm. Children William, Candace (Candy), and Susan followed.
Fred enjoyed being involved in the community belonging to both the Cereal Lions Club and the Cereal Rodeo Association. As the children grew, he followed their interests becoming an active 4-H parent. Farming kept him busy too. It gave him the opportunity to work alongside his parents, wife and later children and their families. As the third generation on the homestead he saw the farm receive the Alberta Century Farm & Ranch Award in 2015. As Fred and Liz grew the farm together they were keen to adopt new farming techniques. Fred was eager to accept new challenges, fix almost anything and modify even new equipment to make it better.
Fred enjoyed summer family camping trips and always enjoyed a good drive to see something new. As the children moved away to pursue their education and careers, Fred could be found on the road to check-in on them. Fred and Liz started to travel and enjoyed trips to New Zealand, Europe, the United States and Canada. As a couple they regularly attended Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association conventions across North America. After Candy, William and Susan each started families of their own, the title of Grandpa became his favourite. Grandpa would put everything on hold to give out tractor rides or drive several hours to be with his grandchildren. His grandchildren were very special to him.
Fred is predeceased by his parents Willie and Eileen Roberts as well as parents-in-law William and Elizabeth Lysyk.
He is lovingly remembered by: his wife Liz; children William (Crystal) Roberts, Candy Roberts (Cory Bachmeier), and Susan (James) Bakker; grandchildren Catelyn, Emma, Julia, Cazzlyn, Frederick, and Bennett; sisters Mary (Peter) Bell, Anne (Andy) McCracken, Joan Roberts, Maxine (Guy) Anderson, and Muriel (Allan) Ostenberg; brothers-in-law Sam (Marie) Lysyk, and Bill (Judy) Lysyk; numerous nephews and close neighbours.
Memorial tributes may be directed to The Cereal and District Athletic Association, All Saints Anglican Church, Box 265 Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 @ 11 a.m. at the CJ Peacock Centre in Cereal, AB.
To leave condolences please visit ofsmacleans.com Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, AB.