of West Islip

William "Jack" Roberts (Ret. Naval Architect, Lloyds of London) of West Islip, died August 22, 2004.

Mr. Roberts was a long-time member of the NY Yacht Club, Circumnavigators Club, Magoun Landing Yacht Club and St. George Gold and Country Club.

Mr. Roberts, known as Jack to his many friends, was well schooled in the British tradition and became a Naval architect. During World War II, he was assigned by the British Government to secretly travel to Canada. There he would be in charge of designing and building ships to sweep for mines blocking the harbors and others to carry goods from the North American Continent to England. His own wife, was not apprised of his leaving England until he arrived safely in Canada about 10 days after his departure.

After the war, Mr. Roberts found employment with Lloyds of London and was given the territory that encompassed all of the North American Continent and was responsible for the Ship’s Registry. Mr. Roberts’ offices were in Battery Park in lower Manhattan. He took up residence in West Islip on the waters of the Great South Bay. There he enjoyed sailing his sailboat and was a member of the New York Yacht Club, Magoun Landing Yacht Club, Circumnavigators Club and The Naval Architects Society. He also like to golf and belonged to the St. George Golf and Country Club in Stony Brook.

He and his wife Winifred loved taking care of animals, especially their feline friend and companion, Morris, the cat.

Jack had a long and adventure-filled life that spanned more than 97 years. He lived life his way and at the end, died in his own home, peacefully, in his own bed, said his family.

Mr. Roberts was predeceased by his wife Winifred. Surviving is his cousin Paul Housden.

Mr. Roberts reposed at the Claude R. Boyd Spencer Funeral Home, 448 West Main St., Babylon. After services at the funeral Mr. Roberts was cremated and his ashes were cast on the waters where he spent much time sailing.

The flags in his Magoun landing neighborhood will be flown at half-mast in his honor.