Obituary - George Roberts

George Roberts, 84

George Roberts, professor emeritus of the Department of Art at the University of Idaho, passed away in Moscow on March 11, 2012. Friends, colleagues and former students are invited to celebrate his life at 3 p.m. April 7 at the University Inn-Best Western Palouse/Washington Rooms, in Moscow.

George (fondly known as Bugs) grew up in Madison, Wis., and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He came to the University of Idaho Department of Art in 1957 and retired there in 1992. He taught sculpture, ceramics and drawing and also served as department chairman from 1963-77. He received many awards for his art, including the Governor's Award and Medal of Excellence. George was a Danforth Fellow and a recipient of the University of Idaho Outstanding Teaching Award.

Although a prolific artist, George will be remembered most fondly for his great kindness, robust sense of humor, twinkling eyes under massive brows, and the sweet odor of his ever-present pipe. All those who were fortunate enough to know and learn from George will miss his powerful observations, wonderful stories and generous spirit. Friends are encouraged to bring their stories of George as well as their own art portraying George or art that George produced to share.

Donations in George's memory may be made to the George Roberts Endowment through the University of Idaho Foundation.

Lewiston Tribune, March 28, 2012, p. 5C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock

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