CORWITH TWP. - Craig and Dennis Roberts were more than brothers. They were hunting buddies “since we were old enough to deer hunt, 14 years of age,” explained Dennis, choking back tears. Craig, 57, died Tuesday at deer camp, the apparent victim of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

Had he died from one of the chronic illnesses which had plagued him for so many years, his family might not have been so stunned. But Thursday afternoon, they were still reeling in disbelief that this veteran outdoorsman - mild-mannered, and a stickler for organization and detail - would suffer such a fate.

He'd been looking forward to opening day next Tuesday, said Dennis, a year Craig's senior. “He couldn't wait for Adam (his youngest son) to go to deer camp. He told me that Saturday night when I was out there.”

“This would be my second year (hunting),” 20-year-old Adam said.

“He wanted to see Adam shoot a buck this year,” added Dennis.

A news release from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Gaylord Post said the Hayes Township man was found dead in a travel trailer around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in a remote area of the Pigeon River Forest.

Troopers and personnel from the Vanderbilt-Corwith Fire/Rescue and the Otsego County EMS/Rescue responded to a call around 1:15 p.m. from an Otsego County Road Commission employee who was driving on a seasonal road west of Tin Shanty Road. Roberts' hunting partner James Dipzinski of Gaylord flagged down the road commission employee after discovering Roberts dead on the floor of the hunting trailer.

State police troopers believe vented exhaust fumes from an outside gasoline generator entered from underneath the trailer, causing Roberts' death. They believe he may have been overcome by the deadly fumes early Tuesday morning, possibly while making coffee. Troopers reportedly found a full pot of coffee and a clean coffee cup inside the trailer. His Irish setter/labrador, Emily, waited in the woods.

Roberts had set up deer camp in that same area near Round Lake for the last 15 years, said Dennis. He was an avid hunter - bow and firearm - and routinely spent the entire month of November at deer camp, said his wife of nearly 34 years, Phyllis. It's where he marked his 57th birthday Sunday. “He just loved being out there,” she said.

“He enjoyed the camaraderie of camp; the family tradition of it, the pleasure of being outside with nature,” said Dennis.

Eldest son, Lance, recalled his father “always fit in with any crowd ... He would just light up a room telling jokes and stories, to us kids and brothers.” That was especially appreciated at deer camp.

He'd taken his share of bucks over the years, too, Dennis confirmed.

Roberts, who retired from Standard Products in January, just last week had been approved for medical disability because of his health. Prior to Standard Products, he'd worked several years for Otsego Memorial Hospital. For the past seven years, he and Phyllis operated the Roberts Gentle Care Adult Foster Care Home. “He was so good with the clients,” she said.

“My dad was just one of the most lovable guys I know,” said Lance.

Additionally, Roberts loved his Harley-Davidson, and was looking forward to be installed as a member of the Harley Crew next week. Instead, his fellow riders will present his patch for his leather vest to the family posthumously, and erect a plaque in his memory.

The circumstances of Roberts' death brought pleas and a message from members of his family.

“It's (carbon monoxide) not something to second guess,” said Lance. “Don't take it for granted. Don't fool with it.”

“Get a detector and plug it in your trailer, or rental,” urged Dennis's wife, Sharon, whose father and four other family members were overcome at deer camp 10 years ago in another carbon monoxide poisoning incident.

“This Nov. 15 won't be the same without Craig,” Dennis read from some thoughts he'd jotted down. Deer camp was a family tradition. “At this time, I don't really feel I have the mood for hunting, but knowing Craig, he would say ‘You'd better not miss opening day on my account.'”

“He passed away exactly where he would've loved to,” acknowledged Lance.

- Staff Writer Michael Jones contributed to this report.

Subscribe to the Herald Times

• Visitor Comments

No comments posted.