Walled Lake Mourns the Loss of an Icon: Bill Roberts
Walled Lake, a quaint city known for its tight-knit community, is coming to terms with the passing of a beloved local figure, Bill Roberts. The 78-year-old political powerhouse and devoted family man died on Saturday after a long illness, leaving behind a rich legacy that echoes through the very streets he helped shape.
A Lifelong Dedication to Walled Lake
For over four decades, Roberts was the embodiment of what it means to be a community leader. As both a city councilman and a mayor, his dedication was palpable. “Bill was dedicated to the citizens of Walled Lake,” said Mayor Linda Ackley, who worked closely with him. “He lived and breathed Walled Lake.” The enthusiasm he held for his hometown was infectious, and his commitment to the community paved the way for numerous developmental projects that transformed Walled Lake into a flourishing city.
From Councilman to the Mayoral Office
Roberts became one of the youngest elected officials in the country at the tender age of 22, when he was elected to the council in 1968. That same year, he found himself at the chaotic Democratic National Convention in Chicago, exerting a curious blend of excitement and dismay. His stepson, Bryan Droste, recalls how those events fueled Roberts’ passion for politics: “He was enthralled by the nomination process and dismayed by the violence out on the streets.”
It didn’t take long for the community to realize they had a committed leader in Roberts, who was elected mayor in 1973. During his tenure, he oversaw significant developments, including the introduction of city water and sewer systems, expanded police services, and a successful housing boom. Ackley stated, “Roberts helped Walled Lake evolve from being a little country bumpkin town to what we are today.”
A Man of the People
Known for his charismatic personality, Roberts was also a people person who wasn’t afraid to rub shoulders with political heavyweights. His connections included the esteemed Sen. Phil Hart and former Governor Jim Blanchard. Ackley fondly recalled how Roberts would confidently introduce himself to important figures, saying, “I’m Bill Roberts, I’m the mayor of Walled Lake.” Such interactions illustrated his undeterred spirit and passion for city representation.
From Politics to Purpose
Beyond politics, Roberts’ career extended to his role as a salesman for the esteemed Hudson’s department store chain. He began his journey at the flagship store in downtown Detroit in 1967 before moving to the Pontiac location, where he sold various items ranging from luggage to menswear. It was here he met Alicia, who would become his devoted wife. Ackley noted, “He cared very deeply for Alicia,” highlighting another facet of his fulfilling life.
Roberts didn’t stop his service with his retirement from Hudson’s in 2009. He continued to influence people as he became the first deacon of the local Episcopal church in 2010 and later ordained as a priest the following year. His ministry took him into local senior and assisted living facilities, where he found immense purpose in helping others.
A Final Farewell
The community’s love and respect for Roberts are evident as arrangements for his memorial are made. Visitation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, with a second visitation on Saturday morning at The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit, starting at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.
Bill Roberts’ journey touched countless lives in Walled Lake and beyond. As the city bids farewell to this remarkable man, his legacy of love, dedication to community, and faith will continue to live on.
