PHILIP C. “GEE” ROBERTS
FORT FAIRFIELD

Fort Fairfield – Philip C. “Gee” Roberts, 89, husband of the late Joan E. Roberts, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, September 21, 2014 at his Fort Fairfield home. He was born June 13, 1925 in Fort Fairfield, the son of Melvin P. and Ethel (Chamberlain) Roberts. He attended Fort Fairfield schools and Mount Hermon High School in Leeds, Massachusetts. He then attended Bowdoin College, the University of Miami, and graduated from Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA in 1950. He received his law degree from St. John’s University in Brooklyn, New York in 1953. After passing the bar exam, Gee moved back to Fort Fairfield to practice law with his father Melvin P. Roberts at their law firm, Roberts & Roberts.

For over 50 years, Gee served the legal needs of Fort Fairfield people as well as others in neighboring towns, while still contributing his time and effort to serve the community, including: various town committees, town moderator from 1959 - 1976, the Fort Fairfield Chamber, serving as President in 1957, director of the local Red Cross in the 1950s, actively involved in the former White Bunny Ski Club, the local school board from 1959 - 1964, the Fort Fairfield Planning Board from 1959 - 1969, and was a member and contributor to the Fort Fairfield Historical Society. Mr. Roberts also served as the presiding judge of the Fort Fairfield Municipal Court from 1960 -1964, and served on the Fort Fairfield Public Library Board of Trustees from 1975 - 1995 and as chair of that board for 19 of those 20 years. For many years, he also served as moderator for the annual school budget meeting. Throughout the years, he had been an ardent supporter of school extracurricular events. He was also an active supporter of many area organizations including the Francis Malcolm Science Center, Easton, where he was an original member of the board of directors having served for over 20 years. In 2007, Mr. Roberts was honored as Fort Fairfield’s “Citizen of the Year” for his many contributions and service to the community over the years.

Gee was married to Joan E. Palmer on May 15, 1954 and was a member of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fort Fairfield. In addition to his parents, Gee was predeceased by his wife Joan on October 31, 1997; one brother, David G. Roberts, Esq.; one sister, Sarah Trafton Roberts Christopherson. He is survived by two sons, Phil D. Roberts and his wife Terri of Bangor, Steve P. Roberts of Seattle, WA; two daughters, Joan E. Neptune and her husband Mike of Fort Fairfield, Jean C. Roberts of Brewer; seven grandchildren, Catherine Roberts of Brewer, Jessie Shoemaker and her husband Kirk of Reston, VA, Rachel Roberts of Denver, CO, Ian Roberts of Bangor, Heather Schlauch and her husband Eric of Derry, NH, Gregory Neptune and Tyler Neptune, both of Lowell, MA; one great grandchild, Ayden Schlauch of Derry, NH; several nieces and nephews.

Gee enjoyed visiting friends while taking frequent jogs and walks in the community. He had an exceptional memory for local history, events, etc., and a great sense of humor. Gee, or “Papa”, will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The Roberts family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Sherri Dumont and staff for the wonderful care given to Gee over the years.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 170 Main Street, Fort Fairfield with Rev. Kevin Kinsey officiating. Interment will be private. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held at the church parish hall immediately after the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Roberts to the Francis Malcolm Science Center, P.O. Box 186, Easton, Maine 04740. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com