Franklin Lewis Roberts, 1934-2012

Franklin Lewis Roberts, who for 33 years taught genetics, biology and evolution at the University of Maine, died on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. Roberts graduated from UMaine with honors in 1955.

According to an obituary in the Bangor Daily News, Roberts during his career led many groups and served on many committees, including the Zoology Department Graduate Committee, Medical Education Committee and the University of Maine AFUM Chapter. He also conducted significant research and authored many publications and textbooks in his area of focus. Embracing the opportunity to travel throughout the world during his career, Roberts spent significant time in Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. One of his foremost professional and personal passions was the humanitarian work he did in Haiti. Roberts visited the country numerous times, focusing on development projects to improve the lives of Haitians, such as building fish ponds. He was also responsible for the student and faculty exchange between UMaine and Brazil.

Survivors include his wife, Betsy Roberts of Somesville, five daughters and two stepchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Dorine Roberts, who died in 1988. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Somesville Union Meeting House, Somesville. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery, Mount Desert.