Kenneth Edward Roberts, 61, of Sweet Home passed away in Corvallis on July 26, 2012 due to complications resulting from progressive liver failure and colitis. Ken was surrounded by his family, friends, and beloved dogs when he peacefully succumbed to his illnesses. He was a tremendously loved father, brother, friend, teacher, coach, and mentor whose humor, charity, integrity, intellect, and passion for his family and community will be greatly missed.

Ken was born in Portland to Carl and Jessie (Collins) Roberts.

A graduate of David Douglas High School in Portland and the University of Oregon, Ken also served his country as a clerk in the U.S. Air Force.

He had a distinguished 30-year career teaching middle-school English, History, and Social Studies. He also exercised his lifelong love for sports through more than 20 years of coaching, primarily basketball. He also kept stats for the football team, was a sports reporter for the local paper, and served as public address announcer for athletic events, where he was well-known for putting extra flair into the proceedings for the home team. He was also an active member of the Sweet Home School Board. Regardless of the place, subject matter, or sport, one thing was certain: students and athletes both would receive outstanding education, coaching, mentorship, and friendship from someone who was dedicated to making a difference in the lives of his students, often long after they ceased being one of his students.

Ken was a man of many interests including traveling around the country and visiting major league baseball parks with his longtime friend, Dave Trask. He and his family enjoyed a 30-year tradition of attending University of Oregon football games. He also had an elaborate sports card collection, enjoyed reading and debating history and politics, and, late in life, he was devoted to his three beloved dogs. But perhaps most of all, he was a man of studied faith, very active in his church and community, and thoroughly at peace with Jesus Christ as his Savior when he left us all too soon.

He is survived by sons Brandon and Adrian, daughter-in-law Georgia, brothers Don and Gary, and sisters-in-law Carla and Jeri, all of Portland.

Memorial services will be 4 PM Sunday, August 12, 2012 at the Community Chapel Amphitheater, 42250 Ames Creek Road, Sweet Home, OR 97386.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Ken’s honor to any of the following charities: Community Chapel at (541) 367-5106; ARC of Oregon at (877) 581-2726; or University of Oregon Foundation at https://supportuo.uofoundation.org/ (541)302-0300.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.