Elder Joseph Roberts

Elder Joseph Roberts III, a proud member of the Lummi Nation, known by his ancestral names TEL-A-SUT and SNUL-THUL-KIN, was born on May 20, 1970, in Bellingham, Washington, to Elder Joseph Roberts Jr. and Sharon Marie Roberts (Solomon). Joe passed away peacefully at his home on the Lummi Reservation on June 28, 2026. Joe's life was rooted in family, culture, and the traditions of the Lummi people. A commercial and treaty fisherman, hunter, and gatherer, he took great pride in providing for his family and community. Whether on the water, in the woods, or sharing his harvest with others during times of need, Joe lived a life of generosity, humility, and service. His home overlooking Hale Passage was his sanctuary. There he welcomed family and friends with a warm smile, a barbecue on the grill, music playing, and a yard that became a gathering place filled with laughter, softball games, and memories. More than anything, Joe treasured being a grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, passing down his love, teachings, humor, and unwavering devotion to family. Joe was passionate about Jammer-style softball, where lifelong friendships became family. A fierce competitor and respected teammate, he loved the game, the camaraderie, and the stories that surrounded it. He also proudly represented his people as a puller on the Red Wing and Lone Wolf canoes, carrying with him the teachings of discipline, respect, and cultural pride. A devoted Seattle Seahawks and Lummi Blackhawks fan, Joe loved football almost as much as he loved good company. He enjoyed gathering with family to watch the games, share meals, laugh, and create lasting memories. His love for music from AC/DC to Hawaiian reggae reflected his vibrant spirit and his gift for bringing people together. Joe will be remembered as a proud Lummi man, a provider, fisherman, teammate, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. He was known for his strength, generosity, humor, fierce competitiveness, warm smile, and the deep love he gave so freely to those around him. Though he is no longer with us in body, Joe's spirit lives on in the waters he fished, the land he cared for, every Jammer softball game, every family gathering, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. Joe was survived by his mother, Sharon Maria Roberts (Solomon) and his sister, Pauline Hoskins His children, Maria Roberts (Frank Rabang), Tashina Roberts (Westin Sam), John Perrin (Danielle Perrin) Marissa Wilson, Sebastian Scarborough and Dustin Tom (Sarah Tom) His grandchildren, John Perrin Jr., Kylee Perrin, Kawai Rabang, and Frankie Rabang, Sabrina Scarborough, Cree, Jaymz, Damian, and Shiloh Tom, Kye, Raelynn, and Kade Hoskin His uncles, Nick Solomon, Victor Solomon, Ralph Phair, and his aunty Donna Hunter His nephews, Raymond Jefferson, Paul Jefferson, Deion Hoskins, Hank Hoskins Jr., Stanford Hoskins, Daniel Jefferson and Terrence Solomon Joe is preceded in death by his son, Elder "Smokey" Roberts IV; his father, Elder Ralph Joseph Roberts Jr.; his brother-in-law, Hank Hoskins Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Stanford and Marjorie Solomon; and his paternal grandparents, Bill (Elder) William Roberts SR and Rose Roberts (Joe) and his aunties Shar Roberts, Sam Roberts (Joseph), Jan Roberts (Cooper), Aunty Sister Roberts and his uncle's John Roberts, Maynarb “Merv” Roberts, Roy Roberts, and Doe Aure Prayer Service Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 6pm, Wexliem Community Building, Lummi, WA. Funeral Service, July 3, 2026, at 10am, Wexliem Community Building, Lummi, WA

Elder Joseph Roberts

May 20, 1970 - June 28, 2026