Hugh Roy Roberts Jr., affectionately called Robbie, passed away April 1, 2024, in Payson, Utah. Hugh was born to Hugh Roy and Lorena Ida Boyce Roberts in San Pedro, California. With his father in the Navy, his family moved from California to Texas and finally to Washington state where he and his brothers, Kip and David, attended school.
He graduated from Friday Harbor High School early in order to join the United States Navy, where he served as a SeaBee in the South Pacific and later in Japan. It was in Japan where he met and courted Irma “Jane” Stuart. Hugh served in the Navy from 1951-1955, during the Korean War.
After Hugh was discharged from the Navy, he returned home and ten days later married his sweetheart, Jane, on March 14, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. In 1959, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake, Utah Temple. Hugh and Jane were blessed with six wonderful children.
To provide for his family, Hugh worked in law enforcement, eventually earning a degree in Police Science. He served as a patrol officer, a state trooper, deputy sheriff, undersheriff, and later he retired as Chief of Police. He also conducted private investigations and owned a private investigation and security services company. Civically, Hugh was involved in city and county government and community plays.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings over the years including as a missionary, along with his wife Jane. He delighted in sharing his love of the gospel and truths of Jesus Christ.
His hobbies and interests were varied; he enjoyed carving, drawing, writing poetry and stories, reading mysteries and westerns, playing the b-flat cornet, and singing in musicals. His physical activities included: boxing, self-defense training, horseback riding, and playing sports.
Hugh is survived by his children, Sandi (Ray) Lamoureux, Susie (Larry) Leggieri, Hugh R. (Cindee) Roberts III, Richard Roberts, Sarah (Cary) Burrup, and Elna Cerda, 27 grandchildren, and 59 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kip and David, his wife Jane, one grandson, and two great-grandsons.
Visitation will be Friday, April 4, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home located at 587 South 100 West in Payson, Utah. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024. Visitation will take place prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 895 Gage Boulevard, Richland, Washington. This will be followed by a graveside service with military honors at Sunset Gardens, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, Washington.
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