Hugh Edward Roberts, 94

After 94 years of a full and very interesting life, Hugh Roberts passed away quietly at The Springs in Whitefish, with his dear friends by his side.

Hugh was born in Whitefish on Nov. 22, 1921. He was the only son of Mary Korting-Roberts and Hugh David Roberts. His father passed when he was 17, and Hugh lived with and supported his mother until he left for college. He attended Montana State, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He was drafted into the Army and discovered his passion for long-range rifle shooting in basic training, earning awards for his marksmanship and precision. He served in World War II with a stateside assignment in Oakridge, Tennessee, to work on what later was known as the Manhattan Project.

After the war he tried working for General Electric, yet did not like the constant traveling. In 1950 his mother developed multiple sclerosis, and Hugh returned to Whitefish to care for her until she passed in 1965. He hired out with the Great Northern Railroad, which later merged to become the Burlington Northern, working as a fireman/engineer for 30 years. He was a trustworthy employee, dependable, and a hell of a pinochle player when he was switching in the yard.

He spent his life living just off Whitefish Lake in various houses on Washington Avenue, as his father would move them every year or so, whenever the rent was raised. He inherited his mother’s home at 37 Washington Avenue and, although he moved into The Springs when he was 80, he kept his home in order to continue enjoying many of his hobbies until he was 92.

Hugh enjoyed fishing, playing cards, reloading and target shooting, cabinet making, and collecting firewood for his neighbors and friends.

Hugh was an active, kind and generous man, who assisted families with projects around their homes and helping many families send a child or two to college, or with extra expenses. His generosity was consistent throughout his years, and although he never married or had children of his own, he was fondly referred to as the “Grandfather of Washington” Avenue to those who loved him.

Hugh has requested a quiet burial with no services and will be laid to rest with an Honor Guard send off in Glacier Memorial Gardens next to his mother.