Robert F. "Bob" Schenkkan

Dear Phyllis and Bob's Sons - Jean was my first cousin, so does that make us all second cousins, once removed? I've never been able to figure that out! She was my absolute idol all the time I was growing up, although the only times we saw each other were at reunions held at Grandmother and Grandfather Keese's place at Bonny Oaks in Chattanooga. But I always kept up with where she was and what she was doing and thought she was the most glamorous woman I had ever met. One time I was on a...

This is a message from Ireland! Jean is dating our brother Anthony. If Jean is anything to go by Robert must have been a great man. Our condolences go to all who have loved and lost.
Yours,
The Fitzgerald Family
County Limerick
Ireland.

Phyllis,
I didn't know Bob, I do know what he has done for all of us. PBS is my absolute favorite station. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Dear Phyllis.
With sympathy we express our condolences. From the very first meeting with you and Bob we sensed that warm friendliness and intelligence. We didn’t meet very often but when we did, it was always pleasant and inspiring event. We always will remember those fun “Finns and Friends” picnics you hosted several times at your home. Those occasions gave us opportunities to meet and communicate with interesting people. You were blessed to have Bob and you are blessed to have a...

Bob was my hero and role model. He taught my generation to love and protect public broadcasting for our children and grand children.

Deepest sympathies to his family.

Bruce Christensen, PBS President 1983-1993

Dear Phyllis,

Please accept my deep condolences. If there are any heavens, Bob will, all by himself, have one.

Phillis Jeffrey

I grew up with two of Bob Schenkkan's sons, and, during high school, I spent a fair amount of time at their house. Mr. Schenkkan always impressed me with his quiet strength and dignity. I always enjoyed the atmosphere of quiet intellectual achievement that permeated their home.

I remember walking past him once as he was reading, trying not to make a sound. But he looked up, saw me and gave a smile and a wink. That was all, but it signaled his approval, and, for a kid like I was...

To Bob's family my condolances.

My time at KLRN/KUT was 1961-1964. Bob accepted my summer job experience at Subscription Television in LA as my senior project with him; thereby creating the only slam dunk "A" I ever made.

By coincidence, his neighbor in Austin is my longtime best friend. Sometime ago, on a return to Austin Bob was walking by, recognized me after 35 years and we visited about all the old names, some of whom are listed here in other posts. He had...