FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine – A well-known lawyer who can be seen at virtually all Fort Fairfield Middle-High School events was lauded recently as the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year.
Philip C. Roberts was presented the award March 16 by longtime friend, John Gorman.
“I feel very strongly that the award is well deserved and timely,” said Gorman, who has known Roberts for 61 years. “So often it happens that the person’s real worth isn’t appreciated until after he or she dies. I’m glad to see that PC is being honored while he is still with us, and be able to see how much we value his contributions to our town.”
Gorman described Roberts as a “quiet man … not one to toot his own horn.”
“He’s known for his sense of humor and sharp wit, and is a pretty good skier,” said Gorman. “He also jogs in the spring, summer and fall … not fast, but steady.
“One day I saw PC and his dog out for a run,” he said. “She was way out ahead, straining at the leash, and PC was plodding along. When I got home I called him up and said, ‘I want you to be the first to know that I’m reporting you to the ASPCA. I saw that little dog pull you up the street and that’s animal cruelty.”
Roberts was born in Fort Fairfield in 1925, and received his law degree from St. John’s University in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1953. While there, he met his future wife, Joan, and the two later had four children, all of whom attended the recognition dinner.
After passing the Maine bar exam, Roberts came back to Fort Fairfield to practice law with his father.
“For over 50 years, PC has served the legal needs of many, many Fort Fairfield residents,” said Gorman, “while still contributing his time and efforts to serve on various committees.”
From 1958 to 1964, Roberts was a member of the SAD 20 board of directors.
“During his tenure, the land which now comprises the school campus, including the elementary and middle-high school and the athletic fields, was purchased and also the high school was built,” Gorman said.
“From 1959 to 1976, he was elected moderator at the annual town meeting,” he said, “and from 1959 to 1969, he was a planning board member.”
Roberts was the presiding judge at the Fort Fairfield Municipal Court from 1960 to 1964, and served on the public library board from 1975 to 1995.
“He was chairman for 19 of those 20 years,” said Gorman. “It was my pleasure to be able to serve with him on that board.”
With the exception of only a few occasions, Roberts has donated blood every year since 1984, and is now a regular fixture at SAD 20 home games.
“He can be seen at all home games including basketball, baseball, softball and soccer for both girls’ and boys’ teams,” Gorman said. “He’s also traveled to many away games of these teams. PC recently won a 50-50 drawing at one of the games, and he donated his winnings back to the school.
“That’s just his nature to make a fine gesture like that,” he said.
Gorman said Roberts has also served as the moderator at SAD 20 budget meetings.
“He always performed this service himself and at no charge to the district,” he said. “According to Superintendent Jeanette Condon, SAD 20 still continues to seek counsel from Mr. Roberts … especially on matters pertaining to land, titles, deeds and historical matters. He has graciously provided all of this information and has never sent a bill.’”
In accepting the Citizen of the Year Award, Roberts told the audience they were “seeing something you’ve probably never seen before.”
“A speechless lawyer,” said Roberts.
After thanking the community for the honor, Roberts demonstrated the sharp wit he’s known for.
“Thank you for reminding me I need to send a bill to Jeanette,” he said.
Town Manager Dan Foster called Roberts a “fair and impartial leader.”
“A fair leader is someone whose integrity and judgment is above reproach, and Mr. Roberts’ demeanor and deliberate style demonstrate nothing but credibility,” said Foster. “He has always been seen in this community as a fair and impartial leader.
“Tonight’s honor is long overdue,” he said, “and Fort Fairfield is a better place because of Mr. Roberts’ efforts.”
