Paul Brooks MacRoberts

Brooks—as he was known then—was the third of four boys. They grew up together in East Aurora, New York. As a kid, Brooks kept bees, raised rabbits, played pool at the local Boys Club, worked at the drug store, and ran a paper route. Brooks unwittingly served as his oldest brother’s knot-tying project once, a story he loved to tell.

Brooks graduated from East Aurora High School in 1956, served four years in the Air Force, and then attended the University of Kansas. Paul—as he was later known—earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there.

Paul began his career in Kansas City, at what is now the Environmental Protection Agency. He met his future wife, Linda Lane, there. He then began a long and distinguished career at Black and Veatch, and one of his earliest projects was in Puerto Rico. Paul and Linda were married there, in old San Juan, on July 22, 1969, a few days later than they had originally planned. Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon put the wedding on hold.

Paul worked at Black and Veatch for nearly thirty years, successfully managed many projects around the world, and was named Executive Partner. He was a hard and faithful worker, but always made sure to be home in time for dinner with the family.

After he retired, Paul became a substitute teacher, winning a teacher of the year award. During the summers, he captained his boat, “The Jayhawk.” He kept her on Lake Ontario in Sodus Bay, New York. He took “The Jayhawk” across the Great Lakes to the Chicago River, and then down the Mississippi to the Gulf Coast. He worked his way through the Florida Keys, the intracoastal waterway, and back to Lake Ontario though the Hudson River.

During his many trips, Paul’s friends and family would often join him. Linda joined him in Louisiana for a brief time (always moored), his son Brooks joined him in the Gulf, and his son Sam in the Keys and the Great Lakes. They all have great memories of the times they shared with each other on the boat. The Captain dutifully and thoroughly kept a daily log of these adventures, a treasure in its own right.

Paul loved the water and was a natural behind the helm. He made friends at the harbors, docks, and watering holes along the way. He was always at ease on the water, and always returned home with a dark tan and long hair.

After he left his boating days behind, he began a career delivering vans throughout the United States for Hallcon. He would drive from Kansas City to Tacoma, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, and other points in between. This was a perfect job for Paul. He loved his years of driving and the new friends he made while driving to the many cities.

Paul and Linda had two boys, Paul Brooks MacRoberts II and Samuel Guy MacRoberts. He was predeceased by his parents, and two brothers, David and Peter. He is survived by Linda, Brooks (Sahlee), and Sam (Polly). He leaves three grandchildren, Ashlee, Ralph, and Eleanor, with another granddaughter expected in August.

His brother Wayne, his sister-in-law Patricia, and his four nephews also mourn his passing.

Paul had a long and interesting life. He will be greatly missed.