"Linwood in my opinion was the consummate educator and administrator. He had all of the requisite skills to lead others," said Walter G. Amprey, former city school superintendent.
"I admired his ability to relate to people. He was very humanistic. He was fair, firm and friendly," said Dr. Amprey. "He was outstanding in his work because he knew the system well from his years of service. I'm very saddened by his demise."
Barry F. Williams, who is director of the Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development, was an area executive officer for city public schools when Mr. Roberts was his area school improvement coordinator.
"He was one of those rare individuals who was just outstanding in everything he did. He was always professional and competent. He was a prince of a fellow," Mr. Williams said. "He was easygoing, laid-back but always prepared and always on time."
Mr. Williams praised his friend's ability to come to the table "with lots of ideas that he was willing to share with others, and he did this without being opinionated," and said he was "well-liked and respected throughout the system."
In addition to his work with city schools, Mr. Roberts owned and operated several businesses, including Mr. Meticulous, a cleaning business he established in 1980, and later a vending machine business which he later sold.
He also managed Natural Freedom, a local band, said his wife of 34 years, the former Elaine Jeffers, a retired General Motors Acceptance Corp. accounting manager.
Mr. Roberts, a sports fan, also enjoyed reading and traveling.
He was a member of Ray of Hope Baptist Church where funeral services were held Thursday.
Also surviving are a son, Nicholas L. Roberts of Essex; his mother, Gracie I. Wilson of St. Michaels; three brothers, Gary Roberts and Michael Roberts, both of St. Michaels, and Darryl Fountain of Cambridge; a sister, Jane Tillman of Easton; and a granddaughter.
