Edward Roberts, former N.L. lieutenant-governor and prominent politician, dead at 81

Edward Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador's 11th lieutenant-governor, a political stalwart during much of the province's post-Confederation era and a passionate student of history, has died.

Roberts passed away Friday. He was 81.

His legacy as a political leader who helped direct reforms in health, education, social services and government administration, and his long career as a lawyer and businessman, distinguishes Roberts as one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most notable citizens, says former premier Roger Grimes.

"The phrase used among politicians was that Ed Roberts will go down as the best premier we never had," said Grimes.

Roberts's passing prompted tributes from other notable leaders, both past and present.

Another former Liberal premier, Clyde Wells, described Roberts's contributions to the province as "substantial and always principled, and always with concern for the people he was thinking about."

Seamus O'Regan, the Liberal MP for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, and the federal labour minister, described Roberts's passing as "a deep loss."

"I don't know if there ever will be anybody like him," he said.

O'Regan began his political career as an executive assistant to Roberts in the early 1990s.

"What I got out of that was an incredible education from perhaps one of the greatest teachers and students of Newfoundland and Labrador's history that we've ever had," said O'Regan.

Roberts cut his political teeth teeth as an aide to then-premier Joey Smallwood in the 1960s, and later served in his cabinet. He became Liberal leader in the early 1970s, but his aspirations to lead the province were cut short, in part by Smallwood himself who formed a breakaway party that split the Liberal vote in the 1975 general election.

"That was regrettable because Newfoundland missed having a very, very good and able premier," said Wells.

Grimes, who served as premier from 2001 to 2003, became friends with Roberts in the early 1970s.

"He was Intelligent and well read, and so really seriously committed to trying to make sure the right things were done for the province," Grimes told CBC News.