Obituary of Emlyn Roberts

Emlyn "Robbie" Roberts of Saint John passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, with family by his side. Born at Colwyn Bay, Wales on May 8, 1922, he was a son of the late John and Elizabeth (Jones) Roberts. Emlyn immigrated to Canada as a young boy with the rest of his family, settling in the Woodstock area. In 1943, he joined the Army, enlisting in the 17th Duke of York Royal Canadian Hussars, and served in Europe during World War II. He was wounded in battle, and became an amputee, and upon his return to Canada, he worked for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. He was heavily involved in the War Amps Association of Canada and the CHAMPS program, both at the national and provincial level. Always active in his community, he was a member of Branch 69 of the Royal Canadian Legion, a charter member of the Lancaster Golden Service Club, a member of the Board of Directors of Bay View Credit Union and Cedar Hill Cemetery, and was a social member of the Westfield Golf and Country Club. He volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels, and was an active member of St. Mark’s United Church, where he served on the Official Board and was a member of the Men’s Club. In recognition of his wartime and civil accomplishments, Emlyn was awarded both the Golden Jubilee Medal and the Diamond Jubilee Medal, along with the French Legion Medal of Honour in recognition of his service to France during World War II. Emlyn is survived by his children, David Roberts (Anne) of Halifax, Joyce Miller (Andrew) of Saint John, and Gordon Roberts (Carla) of Saint John; grandchildren Wylie Roberts of Halifax and Katherine Miller of Saint John; and a sister, Gwyneth Roberts of Woodstock. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary K. (Wylie) Roberts; his second wife, Leda (Weir) Roberts; an infant son, James Paul Roberts; brothers Gwilym and Edgar Roberts, and an infant brother, Peter. Resting at Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John West (634-7425), with visiting on Monday, May 13, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 1:00 PM from St. Mark’s United Church, 50 Dexter Drive, Saint John. Interment will take place in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the War Amps CHAMPS program, St. Mark’s United Church, or to any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family, in lieu of flowers. A Royal Canadian Legion Veteran’s Tribute will be held on Monday at 7:00 PM from the funeral home. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.