Robert Blees

June 9, 1918 - January 31, 2015 The Motion Picture and Television Fund announced the passing of longtime board member Robert Blees at the home of his daughter, Cynthia Klustner, in Menlo Park, California, and in the presence of Cynthia and Mr. Blees' son Jonathan. He was 96 years old. Bob Blees was a prolific film and television writer/producer whose career spanned five decades and included screenplays for Magnificent Obsession starring Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman and Autumn Leaves with Joan Crawford and Cliff Robertson. His television credits stretched from Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Kraft Suspense Theater to Columbo. He produced Combat!, Bonanza and Cannon. "While my tenure on MPTF's board overlapped Bob's for only a few years, it didn't take long to appreciate his grace and intellect as well as his compassion for the people of our industry," says MPTF CEO Bob Beitcher. "Bob served the entertainment industry through his tireless dedication as a board member which spanned 30 years." Bob served countless hours on all of MPTF's main committees and, after retiring from the board, continued to serve on the MPTF Case Committee until he relocated to Northern California three years ago to be with his daughter and grand-daughter, Kimberly. A former board member of Writers Guild of America, West, and Producers Guild of America, Bob also served as a member and Chairman of the Board of the Producers Guild Pension Plan, receiving the Founders Award in 1971 "with our deepest gratitude to Robert Blees whose diligence and wisdom guided us through crucial years." He was an active member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Bob was born in Lathrop, Missouri, on June 9, 1918. He earned Phi Beta Kappa honors as a junior at Dartmouth College and worked for Time and Life magazines as a writer and photographer before turning his talents to screenwriting and producing. He also served as a bomber navigator in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Based on the thousands of lives he touched, Bob will be remembered for his storytelling, sense of humor, patience, and the goodness he promoted. Above all, he was a true gentleman. He is survived by his son Jonathan, daughter Cynthia, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kristie, in 1995, and his wife of 56 years, Dorothy, in 1997. At his request, no services were held. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Motion Picture & Television Fund or Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.