Tom Herbert Roberts

Tom was born on September 6, 1943 in Boise, Idaho to his parents Winston and Helen Roberts. He first attended Collister Elementary School, and graduated from Boise High School in 1961, where he was a member of the choir and band, playing clarinet. He enjoyed sports, with a special love for the game of baseball, and had many school friends with whom he remained in contact over the years and at class reunions.

Tom, along with his brothers, grew up with a strong work ethic helping with his father’s successful gladiolus business in Boise, as well as working at a local auction. He first attended Boise Junior College (now BSU), and graduated from Idaho State University in 1965 with a B.A. in Education. Tom was blessed with a beautiful, mellow baritone singing voice, with which he entertained family, friends, and the public, over the course of his life. While at ISU, he spent a summer working in Jackson, Wyoming, near Yellowstone, singing as part of a barbershop quartet at The Pink Garter Theatre.

He first taught English in Eugene, Oregon at Roosevelt Middle School. While there, one of his students was future MLB and NBA star and executive, Danny Ainge. In later years, Tom liked to joke that he “taught Danny everything he knew”. In 1966, he met a fellow teacher, Diana Snyder, through mutual friends, and they were married that same year in what would become a wonderful 54-year journey together. After he received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Oregon, he continued to enjoy a successful career working in various aspects of public education, and raising a family as a loving father to children Jennifer and Andrew. While in Eugene, Tom continued pursuing his musical interests, singing and acting in local productions of “Where’s Charlie?” and “A Little Night Music”.

In 1977, the family moved to Bend, enjoying many new activities and friendships. Tom was employed in the Bend School District, where he ultimately became Assistant Superintendent. Family, and a never-ending spirit of positivity came natural for Tom, where he attended, and occasionally coached Andy’s baseball, basketball, and soccer games, ensured that Jenny was able to attend lessons and camps in her budding love of playing the cello, all while encouraging and supporting Diana with part-ownership and operation of a local yarn store. He also found time to continue his own musical outlets, and sang in the local Methodist Church choir, as well as in larger productions such as “The Messiah” with the Central Oregon Symphony.

In 1984, the family moved to Portland, where Tom served as Principal of Cedar Park Middle School, in Beaverton. In subsequent years, he moved back to school administration, where he retired in 2001 as Director of Secondary Education. His accessible, easy-going nature, yet strong sense of responsibility to others enabled him to enjoy positive interaction with students, and long-lasting friendships with school staff members and administrative co-workers throughout his career.

Tom and Diana’s final move was from their beloved Oregon to Colorado Springs in 2001 to be closer to children and grandchildren there, and in Texas, which added special joy. An active semi-retirement awaited with a large perennial flower garden and pond to care for, with plenty of time for family gatherings, traveling, attending musical events, singing with the Colorado Springs Chorale, dinner group events, and rooting for the Colorado Rockies.

Family, friends, musical expression, and enjoying sporting events were dominant themes in Tom’s life. His spirit in life for warmth, compassion, optimism, and finding the goodness in people will live on in our family, and along with his smile he will remain lovingly in our hearts and memories forever.

Tom is survived by daughter Jennifer (Roberts) Yopp and her husband Michael Yopp of Colorado Springs, CO, son Andrew Roberts of Fort Worth, TX, grandchildren Autumn and Nicholas Yopp, Erin, Samuel, and Allison Roberts, Zachary and Ethan Glenn, seven great-grandchildren, and brother John Roberts and his wife Annette of Lynnwood, WA. Tom is predeceased by his wife Diana (Snyder) Roberts, brother Jim Roberts, and sister Mary Jo (Roberts) Owens.

A graveside service will be announced at a future date and time, to take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO.