ROBERT PRECHT

PRECHT--Robert Henry, "Bob," was born May 12, 1930, in Douglas, AZ, to Robert Henry Precht, Sr. and Agnes Branagh Precht. The family moved to San Diego in 1941. Bob attended UCLA and UC Berkeley. In 1952, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Sullivan. He was commissioned in the Navy, served in the Korean War, and, after attending Russian language school, was assigned to Navy security. He entered the television business in 1956, becoming a producer. For 40 years, he produced numerous enter- tainment television programs, most notably "The Ed Sullivan Show" (1958-1971). Bob and Betty raised their family of five in Scarsdale, NY, later moving to Los Angeles. In the 1970s and 1980s, Bob transitioned from television production to media investment and management, acquiring broadcast television stations and cable systems throughout the country. In 1990, he and Betty moved to Missoula, MT, where he assumed management of his company's western Montana television broadcast stations. In Missoula, he participated in civic organizations and served on various boards, including the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Missoula Art Museum. He coached tennis at Loyola High School. In retirement, he enjoyed travel, studying the cello, playing tennis with friends and being with his family. Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and son, Andrew. He is survived by his children: Robert Edward Precht (Hitoshi Yoshida) of New York City; Carla Elizabeth Precht (Al Rodriguez) of Brooklyn, NY; Vincent Henry Precht (Saralynne) of Burbank, CA; Margo Precht Speciale of Annapolis, MD; and five grandchildren.