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Chris Roberts remembered as a passionate advocate, bright political mind

Roberts served more than two decades on the JP school board and parish council before resigning last year.

METAIRIE, La. — Those who knew Chris Roberts best remember him for a life of public service, not the circumstances surrounding his death.

Investigators said Wednesday night, the former Jefferson Parish Councilman hung himself in a wooded area of Belle Chasse, just off Harvey Boulevard near the Plaquemines - Jefferson Parish line.

"I would hope people will focus on the great things that he did and not the end of his life," JP Councilman Deano Bonano said. "He did so much for this parish."

Roberts served more than two decades on the JP school board and parish council before resigning last year.

A grand jury later indicted him on federal fraud and tax evasion charges.

JP President Cynthia Lee Sheng called Roberts' death, "heartbreaking."

"The night before I was on the phone with him and it's typical Chris, you know he was reporting some lights out that he saw and was calling me to get on top of it," Lee Sheng said. "I think that was a testament of how he just truly loved this parish."

Lee Sheng said Roberts, 42, was the Westbank's best friend.

"That's where his passion was, all areas of protecting it from Mother Nature or crime, trying to develop it.," Lee Sheng said. "What ever issue is to hit the community he had the back of the Westbank and out coastal communities."

Jennifer Van Vrancken served with Roberts on the JP Council.

"He was a very passionate advocate for his constituents," Van Vrancken said. "I think he brought a lot of emphasis to first responders and the needs of first responders."

JP Councilman Deano Bonano was Roberts legislative aid for seven years.

He said Roberts kept his demons well hidden.

"I never knew he had problems with gambling and things like that," Bonano said. "I never knew any of that. It was something that he kept personal. But, it made it very difficult to see how it changed the man who was going to be such a great leader, who was a great leader."

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Roberts and Bonano were roommates in Grand Isle after the BP oil spill in 2010.

That's when Bonano served as JP Homeland Security Director.

"I can tell you he was so dedicated to preserving that marsh and keeping that oil out of there and people didn't even realize it, but at the time, he was fighting cancer," Bonano said. "He had lymphoma. He was going though chemo. Never missed a step."

Bonano said cancer had a profound impact on Roberts.

"He spent a lot of his time every year mentoring children who had terminal cancer," Bonano said. "He spent a lot of his own money and time making sure those kids got to do fun things at the end of their life."

Roberts also battled depression for a long time according to his family.

He leaves behind a wife and four children.

"My heart breaks for his family and my thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time," JP Councilman At-Large Ricky Templet said. "His troubles aside, he should be remembered for his countless achievements and his tireless work to make Jefferson Parish better, safer and stronger.  May God have mercy on his soul and comfort those he left behind."

Roberts trial on federal charges was set to start in August.

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