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William E. Roberts Jr. was born and raised in northern lower Michigan. His hometown of Lake City is surrounded by great fishing lakes such as Lake Missaukee, Lake Cadillac, and Jennings Lake. Over the years Bill has fished them all, as well as the Manistee and Ausable rivers. Mosquito creek runs through the Roberts property. It has not only produced fantastic brook trout fishing, but also some of the most famous mosquitoes ever. |
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It was William Roberts Senior who taught Bill to fish. They're seen below on the Little Canon Creek in 1946. Bill's mother Anna was no doubt in the cabin waiting for them to bring home supper. Fried potatoes, homemade bread, and fresh brook trout - just another simple meal at home with the family. |
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Bill began carving decoys at a very young age, influenced in part by carvers like Oscar Peterson, who was a fishing partner of his Dad. But it was after he retired that he began to take it serious. His skill has steadily grown with each passing year. |
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Bill and Betty successfully raised six kids (5 smart, and one good looking...). While Bill was working for the U.S. Postal Service they started the Roberts Tree Farm, growing and selling Christmas trees. The tree farm was a wholesale operation until Bill retired, and then each year he and Betty spent the month of December on their retail lot in Tennessee. They both enjoyed those days on the lot and meeting their customers. |
Bill and fishing buddy John Jackson - 1949 |
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William E. Roberts Jr. February 5, 1922 - January 9, 2012 |
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