Former VIMS marine biologist Morris Roberts Jr. dies

As a marine biologist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at Gloucester Point, Dr. Morris Henry "Mory" Roberts Jr. studied the movement and effects of toxins through marine organisms and their environment.

"He was an internationally known authority on issues related to the early development of marine organisms and the effects of environmental conditions, natural and man-made, on critical underlying processes," VIMS Dean and Director John T. Wells wrote in an e-mail.

A memorial service for Dr. Roberts, who retired as head of the VIMS environmental sciences department in 2002, will be held today, Sunday, at 2 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home at Gloucester Point.

The Gloucester County resident died Wednesday in a Gloucester hospital after suffering a heart attack at home. He was 69.

"He passed on the concept of caring for other people and doing things that were right to do even if it was hard," said his daughter, Jean Shock of Blacksburg.

Michael A. Unger of Hayes, an associate professor at VIMS, said colleagues recalled Dr. Roberts motivating students to do research by talking about interesting questions in science and how to pursue them.

"Mory was good at looking at the applied use of the science we do here, using science to answer the question and solve problems," Unger said.

Dr. Roberts was heavily involved in the project to clean up the Elizabeth River.

The Westchester County, N.Y., native got interested in marine biology while completing a premedical biology degree at Kenyon College in Ohio. He earned his master's and doctoral degrees in marine biology at the College of William and Mary's VIMS.

Dr. Roberts returned to VIMS in 1973 after teaching at Providence College in Rhode Island and doing research for a private business in Boca Raton, Fla.

In his down time, he got involved in the organic-gardening movement, landscaped his yard and did woodworking.

In addition to his daughter, survivors include his wife of 46 years, Beverly Martin Roberts; a sister, Anne Creveling of Port Republic, N.J.; and two grandsons.

Contact Ellen Robertson at (804) 649-6115 or .