DR. LANCE WILLIAM ROBERTS

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I knew Lance only as the older brother of my childhood friend Dale Roberts. Lance was friendly to everyone who passed through the family home, including Dale's annoying friends. I owe him a musical debt: he introduced me to the marvellous jazz guitar playing of Wes Montgomery, which he was playing on the family's cabinet stereo one day in the living room. I was listening to Montgomery this evening, which made me think of Lance and look him up on the web, where I found this sad news. My condolences to his children and grandchildren, and to his brother Dale. Neil Hughes Athens, Georgia (Holyrood neighbour, across 95th Ave. from the Roberts' house) - Posted by: Neil Hughes (Neighbour from Edmonton) on: Sep 04, 2020

• On September 20th weekend - just a mere 10 days ago - we had our 50th College reunion at what was then known as Camrose Lutheran College in Camrose, Alberta. In the weeks before this momentous occasion I contacted several of my dearest friends from that time. Lance was one of the first I got in touch with. He was very enthusiastic about possibly attending our renion. And then the communication suddenly stopped. I was definitely perplexed. I had submitted several photographs to the reunion organizers of us crazy college kids just having pure clean fun. Lance was in many of these photos. At the reunion there was an ongoing slideshow with all of the photographs that people had submitted. Everybody spoke so highly our good friend Lance, and wondered why he hadn't attended after all. And now we know. Thank you for helping me with that Sociology paper 50 years ago, Lance! - Posted by: Leah Ziegler (Friend from College) on: Sep 30, 2019

• Lance was an excellent sociologist - one of the very few who had intense interest in and deep knowledge of classical and contemporary sociological theory and at the same time the methodological competences to test and apply it, thus adding substantial new evidence and insights to the field. He was an excellent teacher and mentor - honoured by many teaching awards - and wrote several important textbooks. But beyond being an extremely dedicated and hard-working professor, who was internationally connected and renowned, he was also a successful entrepreneur, who established and ran several businesses in various fields. And he was an ambitious athlete and had a keen interest in everything related to a healthy life style, never hesitating to adapt approaches that convinced him (like special diets or breathing techniques). He felt almost larger than life - always full of energy, telling stories, laughing about jokes, making and diligently pursuing plans, taking up new things (like learning French), and very engaged in ensuring that his children and their families were well, supporting them whenever and however he could. Lance was also a very sensitive and perceptive man, warm-hearted, caring and empathetic, and a truly wonderful and reliable friend. I miss him and will remember him for the rest of my life, with love and gratitude. - Posted by: Susanne von Below (Mentee and friend ) on: Sep 29, 2019

• Lance was a very good friend of mine - the type of friend everyone wishes they had. We had a lot in common, and usually enjoyed a good laugh or two whenever we spoke. Almost always when we were out for a lunch or dinner, a prior student of his would come up to say "Hi", and add a few nice words about him and how he had affected their lives. He was clearly well liked, respected, and thought highly of as a professor. While Lance was a reliable, loyal friend, he could surprise me on occasion with a new passion. His tastes were eclectic, and he would take to a new endeavour with gusto, never one to just dip his toe in. Banjo playing, bluegrass music, and the cowboy/country home decorating theme were just his most recent enthusiasms. He was a dedicated, loving family man. He was so very proud of, and always spoke highly of his children, grandchildren, and their accomplishments. My sincere condolences to Megan, Jason, their families, and all those who were close to Lance. I miss him and will honour him by remembering and speaking about him. I will imagine what we would be talking and laughing about now. Rest in peace my friend, and know you will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Wilf Pinsonneault (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2019

• I'll always have fond memories of Lance. His deeply human, engaging and sympathetic way to pursue sociology was always an inspiration and I deeply enjoyed our cooperation in the international research group Comparative Charting of Social Change. About twenty years ago during at one of our meetings Lance and I took a trip to visit the Speyer Cathedral in Germany which was built in the 11th and 12th century. On our way from Heidelberg to Speyer we got stuck in the traffic of the visitors of a Formula 1 race. When we were finally entering the Cathedral, he was quite impressed. He stood in the central aisle and said: “You Europeans can do really awesome things if you take the time and you are not totally focused on how fast you get it done.” Even in his joyful remarks he hit the nail on his head. My deepest sympathy is with his family and all who mourn the loss of Lance Mathias Bös, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany - Posted by: Mathias Bös (Fellow Sociologist) on: Sep 23, 2019

• I am so sorry to hear this news. My sincere condolences to Megan and Jason and family. - Posted by: Bev Sigurdson (Friend of Laverne) on: Sep 21, 2019

• So very sad to see this news. Lance was always so full of laughter and jokes whenever he stopped in for wild bird supplies. He always wanted to see a Northern Cardinal at his birdfeeders and I’m sure he is seeing flocks of them now. Rest well Sir. - Posted by: The Preferred Perch (Business) on: Sep 21, 2019