Conrad George Roberts
July 26, 1923 - June 13, 2012
Obituary
Conrad “Coke” Roberts
Coke Roberts was born on July 26, 1923 in Black Diamond, Washington. His parents were Victor and Marie Roberts and he had an older brother, Gordon. Vic was a coal miner in Black Diamond. After graduating from Black Diamond High School in 1941, Coke worked at several jobs including Boeing and the Winslow Shipyards. In 1943, Coke met and then married his wife of 61 years, Marjorie. He was drafted soon after and joined the United States Navy. Coke commanded a ship repair group in the South Pacific until the end of the war.
After leaving the Navy, Coke and Marge lived in Seattle and he attended and then graduated from the University of Washington in 1948. During that time, Randy (1946) and Eileen (1947) were born. Coke’s first teaching job was in Grandview, Washington from 1948 to 1952. It was during that time that Janice (1951) was born. Coke’s next job was at West Seattle High School where he taught from 1953 to 1980. At West Seattle Coke was a teacher, activity coordinator, and coach. Kristie, his fourth child, was born in 1955. It was during these years that Coke worked as the Director of Evergreen Boy’s State and the Washington State High School Leadership Program. He was also involved in high school and college football and basketball officiating. Coke was instrumental in the forming of the Pacific Northwest Athletic Roundtable which is a group of coaches, officials, sports salesmen, and sports enthusiasts.
After retiring, Coke and Marge moved to Auburn in 1981 where Coke formed the Leadership West Company based out of Green River Community College. Through his Leadership West Company Coke taught leadership skills to many high school and college students. During these years Coke spent many hours working at the Black Diamond Historical Society and Museum. He was well known as the “Old Miner” who told tall tales of the history of Black Diamond. Marge passed away in 2005 and Coke remained in the Auburn area until his death.
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the hope of seeing your loved one again by means of the resurrection (John 5:28,29)