It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Michael (Mike) James Roberts, at the age of 88. Mike passed away peacefully at Waterford Heights Nursing Home on June 17th, with his children by his side.

Born in 1938 in Lingan, Mike (also known as “Bruds” to the old Linganers) was the son of the late Lionel and Hazen (Young) Roberts. Following the early death of his father, Mike was raised on the family farm alongside his sister Sylvia by his mother and his aunt, Mary "Mamie" R. Roberts.

Mike valued the strong education championed by his aunt Mamie. He attended school in Lingan, graduated from Central High School and Mount Carmel, and attended Xavier Junior College. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts (Math) and then a Bachelor of Education, later furthering his education at Dalhousie University. Mike enjoyed a respected career as a math teacher, starting at Dominion High School, moving to Mount Carmel School, and then to Breton Education Centre (BEC), where he remained until his retirement in 1994.

Beyond the classroom, Mike was an outstanding multi-sport athlete who achieved Maritime and national prominence. He excelled in all sports, winning a Maritime championship setting a record in the triple jump at St. F.X., and playing as a core member of the legendary New Waterford Strands basketball team, capturing numerous provincial and Maritime senior hoops titles.

Mike truly excelled on the baseball diamond. A standout shortstop, he signed a professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957, playing his first season with the McCook Braves in Nebraska, where he earned second-team all-star honors, and a second season in Boise, Idaho. Returning home, he anchored the New Waterford Giants, capturing historic Maritime championships in 1959 and 1965. His athletic legacy is enshrined in the Maritime Sport Hall of Fame, the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame, and the New Waterford & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Mike was a reserved and quiet man who enjoyed one-on-one chats, telling good stories, and sharing a laugh. He found his truest peace and comfort in nature. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and time spent at the cottage at Lake Ainslie. He enjoyed these activities even more when they were shared with long-time friends such as Paul and Jim Jobe, Charlie and Eddie Prendergast. He liked to garden, and he was always reading a good book.

Mike was predeceased by his beloved wife, Judy (Connors) Roberts and his sister, Sylvia (Roberts) Carrigan. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Paul) McLellan in Rothesay, NB, and Lionel (Jill) Roberts in Saint John, NB; and his cherished grandchildren, Brett, Ally, Jack, and Alex. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Glenna (Connors) Hilborn; brothers-in-law, Wayne (Buzzy) Connors (Joan) and David Connors (Debbie), and several nieces and nephews.

We sincerely thank the team at Waterford Heights for their care and support over the past four years. We would also like to thank Eddie Murphy for his visits and friendship during this time.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from noon until the time of the service at 1 p.m all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A reception will follow in the funeral home with burial in Mount Carmel cemetery immediately afterwards. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.