Services will be Saturday, May 8, for John Roberson, a native of Scotts Valley, who died of natural causes April 21 at his home. He was 58.
Born on March 7, 1952, to C.R. and Marcia Roberson of Scotts Valley, by age 12 he was a heavy-equipment-operating engineer making more money than most adults. His family ran the largest construction company in Scotts Valley, and he later became the owner of Roberson Construction.
Much of Scotts Valley’s site work was developed by Mr. Roberson, including City Hall, the old roller rink, Siltanen Park, city water wells and countless roadways and housing pads. The Little League Majors field in Siltanen Park carries his name.
As a teenager, Mr. Roberson was a member of the city’s teen council, which organized dances for youth out of the old airport hangar where the community center is today.
After graduating from Soquel High in 1969, Roberson developed the Scotts Valley Businessman’s Association, which did volunteer construction work for a town that was just getting off the ground.
By age 26, Mr. Roberson was one of Scotts Valley’s more colorful personalities, relatives said, and he played as hard as he worked.
Mr. Roberson was active in the Lions Club and was a lifetime member of the Scotts Valley Sportsman’s Club.
By age 45, Mr. Roberson had lost much, including his health. He spent the last five years of his life as an active member of GateWay Bible Church and developed a ministry he called “Word on Wheels.” He put large-print Bible verses on the back of his wheelchair and rode along Scotts Valley Drive and around town, sharing God’s word and passing out wooden crosses. His wheelchair had the words “God is my pilot” written across the front.
Mr. Roberson is survived by his sons, Corky Roberson and Clint Roberson; brother, Ron Roberson; and three grandchildren, all of Scotts Valley.
Saturday’s memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. at GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road, in Scotts Valley.
