Dan Michael Roberts

Dan Michael Roberts, a third-generation Astorian, passed away on May 10, at the age of 68, after battling acute myelogenous leukemia.

He was born on Jan. 27, 1956, to Gordon and Sylvia (Jerijarvi) Roberts. Dan, the youngest of three boys, took great pride in his Finnish and Norwegian heritage, and embodied the values of “sisu.”

Dan was known for his easygoing nature, quick wit, humor, brilliant smile and kindness, which touched everyone around him. He graduated from Astoria High School in the Class of 1974, and was a talented track athlete who once held the high-jump record. He earned his bachelor’s degree while competing as a track athlete at Western Oregon State College.

In his early years, Dan worked as a salmon gillnetter with his father and eldest brother, Jerry, in Cook Inlet, Alaska, and the Columbia River. Later, he owned investment, insurance and real estate businesses in Clatsop County and Honolulu, Hawaii. In his later years, he found fulfillment as a substitute teacher in Honolulu and school districts in Tigard, Tualatin, Hillsboro and Clatsop County. He often said that he “worked to recreate.”

Dan’s love for fitness, the outdoors and sports defined his life. He enjoyed running, basketball, hiking, mountain biking, camping, clam digging, sailing and longboard surfing. He was known for his passion for playing and competing in beach volleyball for over 35 years.

After falling seriously ill in August 2023, Dan bravely battled the illness, enduring months of chemotherapy and treatments at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland.

Dan is survived by his fiancée, Beth Flora, of Lake Oswego; sons, Weston Roberts, of Ilwaco, Washington, and Loren Roberts, of Seaside; daughters, Ashley Nice and Haley Lynch (Riley), and granddaughter, Elle Dudoit, all of Kahala, Hawaii; his eldest brother, Jerry Roberts (Gloria), of Cathlamet, Washington; nieces, Cara Murez (Jim), of Eugene, and Laura Biederman (Fabron), of Astoria; cousin, Leslie Reese, of Las Vegas; second cousin, Natalie Mandarano (Alan), of Portland; and numerous other beloved family members.

A memorial celebration honoring Dan’s life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Bridgewater Bistro in Astoria.

There is a memorial paddle-out at The Cove in Seaside planned, with a date to be determined. Additionally, a memorial Waikiki paddle-out and volleyball tournament are also planned, with dates to be determined.

If you wish, donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and please consider donating blood to the American Red Cross.