"Some of it's magic, some of it's tragic. But I had a good life all the way" - Jimmy Buffet "He Went to Paris"

Dennis George Roberts, a resident of Springfield, MO, passed away on August 22nd, 2023. He was born on May 19th, 1978, in Weymouth, MA. At the age of 45, an age many of us believe to be far too young, Dennis left us. He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Carrie Roberts, and his twelve beloved children: Austin West, Autumn Roberts, Grace Roberts, Lillian Rojas, Arayah Roberts, Cameron Roberts, Grey Roberts, Cheyanne Roberts, Graham Roberts, Faith Roberts, Alix Roberts, and Teddy Roberts. Dennis is also survived by both of his parents, Geri and Alan Roberts, as well as his mother-in-law, Denise Tuttle. He was also blessed with three grandchildren – Keyshaun, Luka, and Keilani – and though their time together was shorter than we'd have wished, his love for them was profound. Dennis also leaves behind several cousins, aunts, uncles, godparents, and a large extended family, all of whom cherished him deeply.

Dennis's legacy lives on through the positive impact he had on those around him. Despite his introverted nature, the friends he chose were enriched by his presence in ways beyond measure.

In Loving Memory of Dennis Roberts

Dennis was born as an only child to two remarkable individuals, who he always professed his deep love for – his mother and father. His childhood was marked by exuberance, constantly seeking new experiences. He relished the challenges life presented, often dismantling objects just to fathom their inner workings. This innate skill extended to practical tasks; he rarely sought outside help for repairs, preferring to expand his knowledge and do it himself. While he found fulfillment in his career in IT and cybersecurity, working for various companies including Softricity in Boston, The Community College of Vermont, The St. Albans Co-Op, Liberty Bank, and City Utilities in Springfield, MO, Dennis's true essence lay beyond his work. He found solace on a beach with a glass of rum cream in hand. Life for him encompassed family trips, exotic vacations, embracing novel experiences, and encouraging others to embark on extraordinary journeys. His unparalleled passion, unyielding determination, and boundless vision set him apart. He reached for the stars, unfazed by where his aspirations would land him.

Among his greatest passions was his unwavering love for geek culture, a fascination cultivated since childhood. Always immersed in various computer projects, his office shelves were adorned with hard drives, floppy disks, keyboards, mice, 3D-printed curiosities, and objects that brought him joy. His workspace, adorned to whisk you away from suburban worries, resonated with his tropical tech wizard persona. This was Dennis – conversing with family on a beach while simultaneously troubleshooting servers or monitoring data miles away on his laptop. Additionally, Dennis discovered profound joy in his performances with the Springfield Little Theatre, shining in productions like Lightning Thief, School of Rock, and Beauty and the Beast. He poured his heart into his passions, making his absence all the more heartbreaking.

"Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you." - Nietzsche

Remembering Dennis

A celebration of Dennis Roberts's life will be held on Sunday afternoon at the Springfield Lake Boathouse from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The address is 2312 Lake Springfield Park Rd. Please follow the signs upon entering Lake Springfield Park; the boathouse is approximately 2 miles down the road. We warmly invite you to join us, share cherished memories, and partake in food, laughter, and remembrance. All are welcome.

Furthermore, Dennis's family encourages you to honor his memory by engaging in activities he held dear: indulging in a Swiss Cake Roll or some Mike & Ikes, sipping a Diet Pepsi, playing a captivating computer game, listening to tunes reminiscent of Margaritaville or "5 O'Clock Somewhere," stepping out of your comfort zone to learn a new skill or hobby, relishing live theater, delving into a captivating fantasy novel, or any endeavor that evokes the joyful moments shared with him.

We also invite you to contribute your treasured memories of Dennis to the Roberts family. Your anecdotes and reflections will aid in preserving his legacy, forever etching him in our hearts and minds.

Though Dennis was burdened by pain, he has now found solace. He will be missed dearly but never forgotten.

"Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one." - Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan