Dayton family seeks help after father's death

Linda Wishart of Dayton is asking for her community's help following the death of her brother Matthew J. Roberts, 41.

His death May 15 from pancreatitis has left Roberts' family burdened by medical and burial expenses.

"He had nothing, no health insurance, and his boys, Kevin, 17 and Kenny, 16, are going to need help and I don't know how else to go about it.," Wishart said.

"He never realized, I don't think any of us did, that this would be fatal."

Roberts had been diagnosed with pancreatitis about two years ago but, with no health insurance, never had medical care, Wishart explained.

Roberts served in the U.S. Air Force, Nevada Army National Guard and Naval Reserve. He was given military honors at his funeral on Friday.

"The boys are probably going to need counseling and basic needs covered," said Wishart, herself a counselor and now employed as the chemical-dependency services manager at West Hills Mental Health.

"All they have are their clothes. There's nothing extra to pay the bills with," she said.

Wishart presently has her mother, Carol Whitney, living with her and assumes the boys will also be with her once school lets out.

"Matthew would call me almost every day to say he loved me, or to stop by for coffee and was always there for us with never-ending love and support," she said.

"And the way he played with his kids, nieces and nephews - he was always just a kid at heart who loved his children and his country."

Donations can be made to US Bank, account no. 153700026575.

For information, contact Wishart at 246-8083. Leave a message, and she will return calls in the evenings.

• Contact reporter Karel Ancona-Henry at kanconahenry@sierranevadamedia.com or 246-4000.