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 plane on my way to the Keese family reunion , I think in Chattanooga. When I found a seat on the airplane (I'd had to change planes in Austin), I sat next to someone who looked vaguely familiar, but it took an hour or so for me to muster the courage to finally ask, "Are you Jean?" It had been many years since we had been together and I had grown up from the teen ager she had last seen! We had a delightful chat the rest of the way.

Years later I was doing my yearly stint attending all the plays that showed in Ashland, Oregon at the Shakespeare Festival there. That was the year after Robert had first made his "mark" with "Kentucky Cycle" (I followed his career avidly in every publication I saw) and had his play - "The Snake Handler" (?) showing in the little theater in Ashland. I learned that Bob and Phyllis were in attendance (staying at the old Mark Anthony Hotel). We managed to make connections and had lunch together.

I met some of you at Dirk and Patsy's wedding and then later at another event when I leaned of Jean's illness. (I believe it was at Robert's wedding, where I also met and had lunch with Bob's sister.)

We vowed to keep in touch forever, but as those things often go, it didn't happen - all of us aging, and going separtate ways. It was at the luncheon with Bob and Phyllis in Ashland that I finally learned of the strange illness that had taken Jean.

Condolences in your loss - he was a very special person!

Sincerely,

Patti (Mosher - Ohio clan) Kovach

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 wonderful family around you.
With best regards.
Viktor and Sirkka Kopponen

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 at the time, that meant everything. He was a real classy gent. He had a quiet strength, a profound intelligence and a sophistication born of great experience. I saw him at an art opening about five years ago and he had lost none of his fine and dignified bearing – all leavened with a warm smile, a keen sense of humor and a very masculine gentleness. He left the world a better place and for that, we should always be grateful.

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 reason to be happy with his time at UT. He put quality tools in the hands of quality people. I continue to benefit and thank him for the start.

Bob and I first met just prior to his leaving North Carolina. I was an employee of Radio House on the engineering staff and was aware that he had accepted the position as Director. Radio House was a fine physical plant and had some good employees, but seemed to be in need of direction. I was not sure if I wanted to stay with the group. While on vacation to Virginia I decided to pay a visit to WUNC. I arrived unannounced to see the facility and get an idea of the programs it offered. At the time I arrived, Bob was in the studio, directing a program so I could get some idea of how he operated. When he was free, I introduced myself and told him that I would like to know more about him and what he expected at UT. We had a very interesting conversation and I was very pleased with what I heard. As a result, we worked together for many years, until we both retired. He often introduced me as the "only employee who interviewed the boss".

Bob had a very good management style. He made it easy to work as a team. Anything that required attention would be discussed in all directions until we both were satisfied as to the outcome.

He remained a very good friend and we did many things together, both professional and personal.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Bob was a gentleman respected by all, the patriarch of a wonderful family, and a dear dear friend ... it was our privilege and honor to have known him ... Mary McGowan & Steve Cohen

Pete, Frances, Ben, Nate and Zach: It was sad to hear of the passing of your father and grandfather, but good to read and hear on KUT about his visionary and energetic life. Our thoughts are with you. --Merry Wheaton & Dick LeVan

Pete,

I worked for you at V&E several years ago. Had no idea about your father's role with KUT/KLRU. Not at all surprised. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Melissa Allen

Dear Phyllis and Bob's family,
I remember so well the first time I met you two gracious people. It was at a Paramount Theatre Gala with Nancy and Marvin. Bob was so charming. We talked of theatre, as my son, Michael was an aspiring young actor. Little did I know then, the extent of Bob's knowledge of drama and of the enormous contribution he made to public television and much more. I just knew him as an interesting, entertaining friend who loved his wife, family, travel, theatre, and friends. The world has lost a great man. I am including a picture of the last fun time we spent together. It was a beautiful April day in 2006, and we were out on Lake Austin for a fun boat ride. I will cherish the few times I was privileged to be in his prsence. Much love to you, Phyllis, and gratitude for your loving care.
Love and blessing, Mary Lockwood Crouch

Remembering Bob and Jean Schenkkan. . . .

As a young 19-year-old, new to Austin in August 1961, I pounded the pavement looking for a great job for my PHT experience. I interviewed with Human Resources at UT and, after various departmental interviews, landed a job as secretary to Robert F. Schenkkan, head of Radio/TV/Film. Mr. Schenkkan was an incredible person – warm, kind-hearted, smart, and admirably respected by peers and UT administrators. I met and worked with Nocky Willett, Harvey Herbst, Bob Squire, and of course, Chub Benjamin. Later, there was Bill Arhos, the graduate student.

My only complaint (nonverbal, of course) was there was no cream or sugar for the coffee. I promptly learned to drink it black, which I do to this day – always remembering fondly how I learned to drink it without cream or sugar.

Some scrapbook experiences at Radio/TV/Film include serving coffee to Vincent Price on the set before a filming, having Walter Cronkite on-site making a guest appearance, and watching some of the first Julia Child demonstrations.

I still have the wine glasses Bob and Jean brought me from Italy on their first trip there. And then there is the silver letter opener with my initials on it that Mr. Schenkkan gave me as a going away gift. He even came to our attic apartment at 2601 San Gabriel as we packed to present it to me. I use it every day.

My husband graduated with his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in August 1965, and we headed to South Carolina, where he accepted a job with DuPont, primarily because Camden was loaded with tall pine trees, reminiscent of our home town, El Dorado, Arkansas.

Now fast-forward three years to 1968. We are sitting in Bob and Jean’s home at 1804 Robinhood Trail in Tarrytown. Our first child, Jennifer, is toddling around their living room while we adults visit. Jean softly shared her most prized advice to any young parents: “read every day to your children – it is a gift that will come back tenfold.”

That night, I began the ritual that would enormously influence my children every day of their lives. To this day, some 43 years later, all of my children and my granddaughter in Austin are avid readers. Jennifer even became a volunteer with Reading Is Fundamental, now BookSpring, and she read to many young children and influenced their capacity for expansion and knowledge.

Even to a fault, my girls would rather read than “do”. I, on the other hand, am a doer. And, because I am a doer, I took very seriously Jean’s simple philosophy. A philosophy that has never failed me and one for which I am so grateful to have graced the lives of Bob and Jean Schenkkan.

I met Bob in the early 80's on the Board of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. He was a faithful, active board member and always an intelligent, reasoned voice. And gracious. My sympathy to all those whose universe was expanded by his life and is diminished by his death. Kathleen Davis Niendorff

We are so thankful for your contributions to our nation and our community, you will be singularly missed. Joe and Jayne Dibrell

Everytime I drive by the once "rusty" building with the "bat ledge" on the corner of 26th & Guadalupe, I remember my time as your secretary between 1974 and 1976. It was an exciting time then in the life of KLRN and KLRU-TV, KUT, the Communication Center , Austin City Limits pilots, Carasscolendas productions, beloved other staff members, including Nocky Willet, Eleanor Page, Harvey Herbst, and Bill Arhos. Rest well, Mr. Schenkkan.

Thank you for helping create one of the most amazing things about Austin - KUT. My heart goes out to Phyllis and David and the rest of the family.

As a returning WW2 infantry combat veteran I had Bob as my teacher in script writing for radio at the University of North Carolina in 1947. Bob threatend to flunk me if I was late one more time, so on the last day of class I had myself carried in on a stretcher by two white jacketed fraternity brothers (Sigma Chi) with a sign on my back "Deliver Dad or Alive to Schenkkan's class," and rolled me off at his feet. While the class roared with laughter, Bob remained stony eyed, admitting to me later that he almost choked keeping a straight face. He was a wonderful teacher and good friend.

Bob was truly an extraordinary man; bright, funny, caring, earnest and loving.
Doris Laird