Death Notice
Dr . David L . Roberts
December 7 , 1932 – October 11 1 , 2021
Dr . David L . Roberts of Franklin , Michigan passed away peacefully at his home on October 11 , 2021 , surrounded by family and friends . David was born in Detroit on December 7 , 1932 , the son of Albert O . and Florence Roberts . He was preceded in death by his brother , Albert O . Roberts , Jr . ( Joyce ).
David joined the ranch with his father , mother , and brother in 1934 and his father completed the family cabin in 1939 . As a teenager he worked summers installing and maintaining the phone line around the ranch and Montmorency County . During one of his summers in veterinary school he worked at the Ranch Equestrian Stables assisting and treating the horses . As an adult David was an active member of the ranch holding various committee and board positions over the last 70 years . A passion he passed down to his sons and grandchildren who are now 4 th generation members at the ranch .
David graduated high school from the Edison Institute in Greenfield Village , Dearborn , Michigan and then attended Michigan State University for both his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine . During college at MSU he married his beloved wife Jane , and they were happily married for over 66 years . David and Jane had two sons , Gary ( Deborah ) and Daniel ( Virginia ), and four grandchildren , Benjamin , Tara ( Arthur ), Joseph and Brian .
November Biologist Blog The Importance of Deer Harvest Data
Collecting data from harvested whitetail deer provides valuable insight into our deer herd demographics . The harvest data combined with hunter observation reports , and the spring browse survey provide a clear picture of the deer herd health trends over time . The types of data that will be collected at the deer check station are sex , age , weight , lactation status , and antler measurements . Antler measurement data include total points , beam length , and beam diameter . Antler measurements are particularly important in younger bucks less than 2.5 years . Young bucks that have smaller than average antler sizes represent poor nutritional health and a delayed start to growth . For example , if there is a doe that raised a buck fawn with poor nutrition from gestation to lactation , the delay in growth is more evident in the buck ’ s first and second antler sets . Individual deer are not judged on the spot , but rather the averages from year to year will indicate whether the herd is under stress due to poor habitat quality or not .
Lactation status in does are used as an additional source to study reproduction within the herd . The mammary glands , when expressed , show whether the doe had a fawn preceding the hunting season . It is critical to collect this data annually and have participation from the hunters . As a result , we can make educated , professional , and most importantly , sensible decisions for future hunting seasons .
Throughout the years , David was not only an exceptional large and small animal veterinarian , he was also heavily involved in many other community activities . He volunteered his time at two different fire departments , in Franklin and Walled Lake , Michigan . He retired as Deputy Chief and Commissioner of the Franklin – Bingham Fire Department , having served that department and the community for several decades . David was also active in supporting and leading the Franklin Community Church and the Franklin Village Players . He was a published author , having written a fictional novel set during the civil war era . He also wrote , directed , and starred in multiple community theater projects .
Later in life , David and Jane became closely attached to the Bay View Methodist Church community near Petoskey , Michigan . They enjoyed spending as much time as possible with family and friends at their Bay View cottage , especially during the summer and fall months . David also enjoyed hunting and outdoor recreation at his 150 acre farm in northern Michigan , as well as at the nearby Canada Creek Ranch Association in Atlanta , Michigan .
11