Don was the man who founded and developed Finlay's business in North America.Withou him it might never have happened! His lovely nature inspired confidence and trust in his customers,and he was always a man of his word.Nothing was too much for him and his silky instantly recognisable telephone voice was always reassuring. He dealt with large corporations and small one man developing businesses with equal care and attention.
We have lost a true and lovely friend.
I am very sadden to hear of Mr. Roberts passing. I actually worked for him at his Tea brokerage in Morristown NJ around 1980-81 as a very young Clerk. It was the days of working IBM typewriters & telexes. Mr. Roberts was a very kind man who never raised his voice to me even when I made mistakes! He always tried to encourage me and make me feel I could do the job. He was my first boss in an office job that I dreamed of doing. Though it didn't work out for me, when I joined the USAF I came back to visit Mr. Roberts as well as his fantastic staff at James Finlay Ltd., and was welcomed back with lots of hugs and praises. I kept in touch with them all including when I had the opportunity to be stationed in England. I thought of him often there. He truely gave me confidence in the beginning of my career and I thank him for it. Mr. Roberts was a wonderful man and I know many will miss him dearly. I wish his wife and children peace and joy at this time may God Bless you Mr. Roberts.
Warmest Regards,
Brenda Decker
Few times in life, one has the opportunity to meet a true man of his word - Don was one of this for me. A mentor, teacher, big brother and gentleman all combined in the proper amount. Rest in Peace, Don. We will miss you. My condolences to Cathy, daughters and family.
We really have lost a gem of a man. His wit, stories and demeanor made him an instantly likeable person. I will miss the golf and I will miss, when he hit an off-line shot on the course,his standard comment: "Poor Compass". He was a fine player and great friend of many. Our condolences to Cathy, his children and to all who loved him. Anita & Vinny
Don was a lovely, lovely man who will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues at Heron Glen Golf Course. He was always a happie chappie (as we say in England) and was always telling jokes on the golf course. I really wish I could have known him longer.
Condolences to Cathy and family.
A gentlemen of the tea trade has passed away. It is difficult to imagine a more generous and honest person than Don Roberts. Our condolences to his wife Cathy and his daughters. We shall greatly miss him. Roberto, Amanda and children. Buenos Aires, November 2012.
Don will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a true gentleman who honestly cared about others. A man of great integrity who's handshake was as good as any written contract, Don was fair to everyone he worked with. I will always remember his stories and advice. May God bless his soul and comfort his loved ones.
What sad news. We only learned of Don’s illness in recent days. He will be missed by his friends at Sea Oaks. We loved his enthusiasm, his kindness, his encouragement, his British character, his golf game……his life game! God bless this gentle man.
Don was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We miss our evening chats as we would meet Don and Kathy walking through Mountainville. He was kind and gentle and we were lucky to have had him as a neighbor.
