The Rev. Victor William Roberts , O.S.B., died Sunday at St. Gregory's Abbey after battling cancer. He was 59.

Father Victor was born William Michael Roberts on February 22, 1942, in Oklahoma City to E. L. and Anna Couglin Roberts.

He attended grade school in Ada and studied at St. Gregory's High School. In 1962, he received his associate degree from St. Gregory's College and entered the novitiate of St. Gregory's Abbey.

He made his first monastic profession on June 24, 1963, followed in 1966 by his solemn monastic profession.

Father Victor received his bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, in 1965. His theological studies were at the University of Ottawa, Canada, where he received an S.T.L. and a master's degree in theology in 1969.

Several articles developed from his master's thesis on St. Anselm of Canterbury were published in the American Benedictine Review.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1969, in Ada.

Father Victor pursued graduate studies in philosophy at Fordham University, New York City, where he received a master's of arts degree in 1971 and a doctorate in 1973.

He then returned to Shawnee and began his 28-year career as a teacher of religion and philosophy at St. Gregory's College. He also served as a residence hall adviser and chairman of the Division of Humanities.

In 1977, he assumed the role of academic dean at St. Gregory's College, and later vice president for academic affairs at St. Gregory's University in which he served until 2000 overseeing the growth of the academic programs from associate degree level to the baccalaureate.

Father Victor helped to establish honor societies at both the associate degree and bachelor's degree levels. In his early years, he played golf and tennis and served as athletic director of the university during the last year of his life.

Survivors include the monks of St. Gregory's Abbey; his mother, Ann Roberts, Ada; four sisters and their husbands, Tish and Dale Hall, Plano, Texas; Peggy and Brian Buchanon, Lufkin, Texas; Mary Sue and Larry Spitzer, Lewisville, Texas; and Judy and Lynn Willett, also of Lufkin.

The reception of Father Victor's body will be 11:45 a.m. today at St. Gregory's Abbey.

Vigil service will be 7:00 p.m. today at the Abbey Chapel.

Mass of Christian burial will be 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Abbey Chapel.

Principal celebrant will be Abbott Martin Lugo, O.S.B.

Burial will be in St. Gregory's Abbey Cemetery under the direction of Roesch-Walker Funeral Chapel.

Memorials may be made to St. Gregory's University for a scholarship fund.