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Bob St. Clair
1931 - 2015
Bob St. Clair
1931 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1931
DIED
2015
Bob St. Clair Obituary
The Pro Football Hall of Fame, the 49ers and the University of San Francisco announced Monday that St. Clair had died.
A 6-foot-9 right tackle known for his speed, toughness and uncanny blocking ability in the passing and running games, St. Clair was a third-round draft pick by San Francisco in 1953.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 - 27 years after his final season of 1963 - and was nearly as famous for eating raw meat as he was for his football skills.
He shared with the Hall of Fame's web site in a 2000 online chat how he received his "The Geek" nickname.
"Because of my eating habits! There was a movie that came out with Tyrone Power where he was locked in a cage and called 'geek,'" he said. "They used to throw live chickens in there and that's where it came from ... However, I only let my friends call me that!"
"Bob was a true hero of the game and represented the many great values that the game teaches. He was a dedicated teammate, a true competitor, and a passionate and caring leader, to his community as well as his team," Hall of Fame President David Baker said.
"We are deeply saddened by his passing but he will be forever remembered in Canton as one of the all-time greats of the game. All of us who love the great game of football stand on the shoulders of men like Bob St. Clair."
The 49ers retired his No. 79 uniform at Candlestick Park in 2001.
"Huge loss for the 49ersFamily," 49ers CEO Jed York posted on Twitter. "We will miss you Bob St. Clair RIP Thanks for so many memories."
St. Clair played for the University of San Francisco's unbeaten 1951 team that took a stand against racism. He was one of eight future NFL players on that Dons team, which the school remembered that its "supreme triumph came in choosing not to accept an invitation to a bowl game under the condition the team played without its two African-American players, Ollie Matson and Burl Toler."
USF awarded each member of that team an honorary doctorate degree in 2005 for all the players did to take a stand against racism in what was considered a symbolic victory in college football.
"On behalf of the entire USF community, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the St. Clair family on the passing of one of the greatest Dons of all time," USF athletic director Scott Sidwell said.
"Bob was a great San Franciscan who along with his '51 Dons' teammates, embodied the character and values of our university by taking a courageous stand against racism in the early 50s. He will be greatly missed."
A longtime resident of Sonoma County, St. Clair was born on Feb. 18, 1931, in San Francisco.
___
JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
68 Entries
Conni Venturi
July 10, 2015
To my friend, Bob St. Clair. I will never forget our times at the Crosby tournament. Even though you didn't play golf, we all looked forward to your presence there. After Ken played his rounds we always enjoyed our dinners together, especially when you showed up as Frankenstein and scared everyone to death! We had so many laughs and I miss you very, very much! With love, Conni Venturi
lisa joachim
June 4, 2015
Deepest sympathies & love. I will miss your smile.
Norma Larroche (nee Foge)
June 1, 2015
I knew Bob when I was in Baboa High School in the late 40[s. I have seen him a few times around Santa Rosa. He was a really nice guy and will be missed.
My condolences to the family.
How you can show support
Jill Lawler
May 13, 2015
Bob and my parents were at a picnic when I feel in a pool. I was about 3 yo. All of a sudden this huge octopus was coming towards me, picked me up, and took me to safety. Thanks Bob
The Carter Family
May 4, 2015
With deep sadness we say goodbye to an outstanding football player and a courageous human being. Bob St. Clair will always be cherished and remembered with fondness. (Acts 10:34-35) Our condolences to the St. Clair family both on and off the field!
Amy Rose
May 1, 2015
Bob was one of the sweetest men I have ever met . I will always remember smoking cigars with him at the Boho show ever year . And all the fun times with Bob and Marsha .My prayers for the family and his friends for this loss of such a sweet loveable man . Rest in paradise my friend until we meet again ...
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 30, 2015
rip
April 27, 2015
With deepest sympathy to the Clair family. During this heartbreak period, it is my sincere wish that our heavenly Father comforts all those who already miss his presence and grant you peace during this difficult time. Cherish all those wonderful memories you have of him.
Jen Drocco
April 26, 2015
An incredible athlete but more so an incredibly kind human being.
April 25, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort provide your family with the needed strength to endure as you mourn for your loss.
RA Washington DC
April 23, 2015
I am sorry for the loss of the great Bob St. Clair. Please accept my condolences and keep in mind God's promise of comfort at Matt. 5:4, where it states,"Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted".
April 23, 2015
Condolences to the St.Clair family.
After 49er games in the '50's I walked off the "Bob St. Clair" field at Kezar with he and his team mates. in my eyes as a young 49er fan I never saw anyone so tall and so gracious. the city has lost a huge part of its athletic history which will never be duplicated. I have the honor of owning his 1955 home 49er uniform which I will treasure forever. Thanks Bob, RIP, you left us to soon.
Henry
April 23, 2015
I met him at a reception for that sportcaster Monty who did the sports news for ABC TV and radio and I didnt know who he was until he introduce himself as BSC and I heard and seen his name before and he might have known CoachMcGrath from GWHS who coached Basketball and ushered at CandlestickPark(49ers) and perhaps even KezarStadium because thats how old Coach McGrath was. Anyway 'Twas nice of MrBSC to let me know who he was. Condolences to his survivors.and sorry about your loss.
Michael and Deborah Cali
April 23, 2015
Dear Marsha and the St Clair family
God bless you and the family. Bob will be missed so much. Michael and I have fond memories of Bob. He will always be in our hearts. Love you both so much!
Paul & Mandi Bolduc
April 23, 2015
Dear Marsha, and the St. Claire family, our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to you. We have many fond memories of Bob. His heart was bigger than he was. He was a kind and caring gentleman. He will be missed
Paul Garvey
April 22, 2015
I offer my sincerest condolences to Marsha and the entire St. Clair family. Bob was one of the nicest guys I have ever known. I was honored when he asked me to be the treasurer of his campaign for San Francisco District Election of Supervisors in 1976. I was always impresses how he handled adversarial jabs from his opponents' camps. He took it all in stride and with grace. It was amazing to see. Rest in peace, Bob.
jeff hourcade
April 22, 2015
Bless Him & your Family a Great man & father !!
Tony Hoskins
April 22, 2015
My sincerest condolences to Marsha and the rest of Bob's family. I considered Bob a friend, and always enjoyed our talks, Marsha. May God bless him and you.
RC G
April 22, 2015
To the St. Clair Family, I am very sorry for your loss as Bob was a wonderful man who took the time to talk with me at Candlestick Park before a 49er game. He was thrilled to know I was the son of one of his friends from the old day's in Daly City, such as gentleman. Thank you for that day Mr. St. Clair, that meant so much to me.
God Bless you and your Family
Scott Chamberland
April 22, 2015
Rest in Peace
April 22, 2015
Thanks for the memories Bob, you will be missed but never forgotten.
Mike Glover, Portland Ore.
April 22, 2015
Please know you have my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you. May time and prayer be healers.
Erin O'Bryan
April 22, 2015
Marsha and family,
Thinking of you and wishing you peace. Bob was a wonderful man and will be missed. May you feel the love and support from the lives he touched.
Bill Brodeur
April 22, 2015
Our prayers go out for bob and the family. He was a friend of the family and shared some of his memories with me. He will be missed. Bill brodeur
Darlene Jones
April 22, 2015
So sorry for the family loss, may you rest in peace, You will be missed by all those who knew you and loved you.
April 22, 2015
may god be y0ur strength in this time of sorrow matthew 5-4
ms. tony
April 22, 2015
May you find comfort in the wonderful hope found at John 6:40
April 22, 2015
St. Clair family and friends,
I would like to express my condolences. Please take comfort in knowing that "God is not far off from each one of us."
April 22, 2015
My condolences to your family. May God strengthen your family to endure.
April 22, 2015
My condolences to the family,
"he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Elizabeth
April 22, 2015
May the God of tender mercies and all comfort be with you.
April 22, 2015
May the God of all comfort and peace be with your dear family in the days ahead .May your memories bring you comfort and peace.Psalms65:2.
John & Traci Gale
April 21, 2015
Marsha & family so sorry to have learned the passing of Bob. He was such a great man in so many ways. May he rest in peace. He will be deeply missed by so many. God bless you all. John & Traci Gale
Bill Corsi
April 21, 2015
he was my hero growing up in SF I remember him playing at Kezar thanks Bob you'll be missed
Matt Venturi
April 21, 2015
Lynn and Greg, your Dad was a dear friend of both my Mom and Dad. We all have so many fond memories, including hanging out at Original Joe's in North Beach with your Dad having his steak served his own special way! Our thoughts are with you all.
Denise Lemucchi
April 21, 2015
I remember shaking his hand as a child of 6 some 55 years ago as he walked through the San Francisco airport. Was one of the biggest thrills of my life and something I will always remember. Rest in peace, Bob, you were such a kind man.
April 21, 2015
Death is to be brought to nothing 1 Corinthians 15:26.
Lynn Styles
April 21, 2015
Dear Lynn,
Heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your father. Much love to you and Chuck, kids and grandchildren. Lynn and John
Rick Bause
April 21, 2015
Condolences to the St. Clair family. My family moved to Daly City in 1961 when I was in fifth grade. We lived next door to the St. Clair's. Lynn used to babysit for us, and I remember Gary, Greg and Gail. In 1963 Bob gave my father tickets to a Giants-49ers game at Yankee Stadium. It was my first NFL game. Five days later, President Kennedy was assassinated. Bob had a great career culminating in his election of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I wrote this blog a few years ago. Those were the days. RIP. https://sportslifer.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/the-49er-who-ate-raw-meat/
April 21, 2015
Greg, my condolences to you and your family. Randy Smith
Edward Walsh
April 21, 2015
An enormous contributor to the athletic landscape and history of San Francisco. Poly, U.S.F. and the 49ers. RIP.
April 21, 2015
I know of Bob through an HBO football program that aired perhaps thirty years ago - his bird hearts story is hilarious. A tremendous football player and a great personality has left us. I wish today's NFLers could be more like him. Thanks for great memories, Bob. I think I'll have a raw meatball in his honor....
Mark A.Clark
Faithful Always
Ernie Foster
April 21, 2015
So sorry to hear about your dad.... he was the best....great friend of my dad & family. He will be missed.
Bobby Wilcox
April 21, 2015
Another athlete that I watched, as a boy. Too many of these great guys are leaving us. A quality individual who brought us many good memories. Thank you for that and God Bless your memory. Prayers go out to all his family.
Harry Simpson
April 21, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. God Bless and Godspeed.
Jim Murray
April 21, 2015
Mr. St. Clair was a gentleman of the first order. It was my pleasure to meet him several times and share dinner with him twice. He will be fondly remembered by me and my family.
April 21, 2015
Sorry for your loss may God continue to bless the family.
April 21, 2015
Check out and share Bob's interview with the Chiligods at Bob St. Clair Stadium. RIP Bob https://youtu.be/X0zF0i8RYIU #49ersFamily #RIP
Denise Neely
April 21, 2015
Dear Marsha, & St. Clair family: Bob such a great friend, we all will remember the football games, stories and laughs. I'm sure he's talking with my dad eating there famous corn on the Cob! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love
Jim Rausch
April 21, 2015
One of my long time heroes.
Pete Cullen
April 21, 2015
Sorry to learn of Bob St. Clair passing,he was one of the premier offensive lineman of the NFL in the 1950s and 1960s.He was the biggest offensive lineman of the era that I recall and was as big as the biggest defensive lineman as well in that era.He was one of my football favorites of that time . R.I.P.
April 21, 2015
My sincere sympathies go out to the family at this time.
I will always remember the good times I had with your family and that Mr. St. Clair was such a great and caring man, and that great smile. I know he will always be smiling down on you all.
Sandy Sisser Walter
Jim & Ave Seltsam
April 21, 2015
We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the St. Clair Family; especially Marsha and his Children. Bob, a wise, gentle giant; will be missed more than we can express. With love, The Seltsam Family; Jim, Ave, Sarah & Joey
Jeanette Suzan
April 21, 2015
It is so so sad to see him go... He was such a good person, a great man, a great friend... We will miss him dearly... Our condonlences to the St.Clair Family. J.Suzan and Joe Colchico
NS
April 21, 2015
My condolences to the family of Mr. St. Clair. Please know that God has promised to bring our loved ones back to us when they are redeemed from the power of the grave. (Hosea 13:14)
April 21, 2015
A great friend from years back. Promise of prayer for Bob and his family. - Ed Cereghino
Christine Zagar
April 21, 2015
We just met Mr. St.Clair on an Alaska Cruise last year. What a sweet, down-to-earth, gentle giant he was. My condolences to his family.
April 21, 2015
My condolence to the family. Many thoughts and prayers. Draw comfort in knowing that God understands your grief and he cares.
(1 Peter 5:6,7)
April 21, 2015
He also played for the University of Tulsa
April 21, 2015
My sincere condolences to the St. Clair family for the loss of your dear loved one. Our God and Creator will comfort and strengthen you. May your memories of he wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
C
April 21, 2015
To the CLAIR FAMILY in their time of grief, drawing close to the 'God' of all comfort is what will sustain you." (2 Cor. 1:3)
Frank Wanken
April 21, 2015
Another great person and football player leaves us with many great memories. May he rest in peace.
With Sympathy,
April 21, 2015
I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Bob St. Clair. As a USF parent, my children and I are very proud of the fact that he and that 51' team took such a courageous stance against racism...way before the civil rights movement. May God hold him in the hollow of his hand.
willis humphrey
April 21, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 21, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
K. Fraser
April 21, 2015
Condolences to his family. I used to accompany my dad when he went to his liquor store at 24th and Sanchez. He was quite the imposing sight to a 7 year old, always a kind word when we went there.
Rhea
April 20, 2015
I am absolutely devastated to hear of Bob's passing. I met him when I was just a child and being that I was a huge Niner fan, even then, Bob took the time to talk to me and tell me some of those stories he so loved to tell, and did it so well. I will never forget his surprise that a 7 year old girl in the 80's knew exactly who he was and was so excited and honored that he took the time to hang out with me. RIP Bob, you will be so missed!!! Thank you for taking the time to get to know a tiny little fan, you will never know what that meant to me then and means to me now.
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