May 18, 2004

Family Mourns Death Of Portland Marine

PORTLAND, ORE. - Another Portland Marine has died while fighting in the continuing conflict in Iraq.

After two years of service, Lance Cpl. Bob W. Roberts, 30, of northeast Portland died Monday from enemy fire in Iraq's Al Anbar Province.

In a family that has endured the loss of their father, Roberts' mother told KATU that he believed he had found his calling in life.

"He would always say that he was fighting in Iraq to protect us," she said.

Roberts' friends told KATU that the images of the 9-11 tragedy compelled him to leave his job as a plumber in Newport Oregon, and join the Marines.

"The 9-11 tragedy gave Bob's life direction, " one friend told KATU.

Roberts' mother said her son, the second youngest of five children, called four days ago.

She said that even though he had two years left in the Marines, he told her that he may re-enlist.

"He was the adventurous one of the family," she said.

Roberts graduated from Madison High School in Northeast Portland in 1992 and was one of five children in a tight-knit family, his mother said.

So far a memorial service has not been scheduled, but the family said he will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery.

Roberts has been recommended to receive the purple heart and is the 19th service member with Northwest ties to die during the conflict.