Robert A. Springer
August 15, 1932 ~ May 6, 2020
Born in:
San Francisco, California
Resided in:
Fremont, California
Robert Arnold Springer lived a long and inspiring life and after 87 years, he passed away on May 6, 2020.
Robert “Bob” Springer was born on August 15, 1932, in San Francisco, California. He grew up in the Sunset District with his parents and younger sister Diane. He attended Lincoln High School, where he played football. He went on to the University of San Francisco on a football scholarship where he was a running back on the famous 1951 USF Dons which were undefeated and later written about in a published book.
Robert went on to finish his studies in Education at San Francisco State when USF closed its football program. While there he met his future wife Lynn, who was studying education also.
After receiving his Master’s Degree in Physical Education, the couple moved to Sacramento and started a family. Stephanie was born while Robert coached and taught at El Camino High School. The next chapter was in Livermore where Melissa joined the family, and Robert coached and taught at Granada High School. Soon after the family moved to Fremont in 1966, where Bob aka “Coach” started his tenure at Washington High School. He would stay at WHS for 20 years. He coached football for the WHS Huskies for many years, which would turn out to be a beloved community. He also coached track for the Huskies for years. His time coaching at WHS was truly his glory days.
Still a teacher at Washington in 1981, he split his time elsewhere coaching. He coached at Chabot College for 4 years, Cal State Hayward for 2 years and San Jose City College for a decade. He spent 3 years working for the Oakland Raiders in their scouting department. Doherty Valley would be his last football coaching stop. Coaching was his passion.
Bob could be found every summer at the cabin where he indulged in his love for fishing and boating. He was an avid duck hunter and never missed a season. He ALWAYS had a Labrador doggy by his side that was the perfect companion in the cold wet duck blinds.
In retirement, Bob enjoyed New York City with his wife where they would take in Broadway shows and delighted in the fabulous restaurants. Bob and Lynn just celebrated 60 years of marriage in March.
He became a grandfather in 2005 and 2007. His grandsons were pure joy for him.
He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughter Stephanie; daughter Melissa, and son-in-law David and his two beloved grandsons Sam and Jason.
Robert was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, an inspiring Coach, and a mentor to many students and athletes.
Now he is resting in peace. He will be missed dearly but never forgotten.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
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Sending our love.
Love your niece Sheryl
The world was made better when Coach was a major part of it here on earth. His numerous accomplishments pale in comparison to him being a wonderful husband and father and grandfather. I know he’s organizing all the angels in heaven for the upcoming season! Best to you!
He was an amazing man with a beautiful family ♥️
~ Chris Edwards (Cole)
Michael leal
Memories of Bob are seeing him in his element at Lake Almanor – fishing, boating and enjoying all, almost always with a lab pup at his side. Lyn and the girls became fast friends with our family at the Lake….such great memories.
A great inspiration you taught me to look at other ways to get things done rest in peace Coach
By that measure, Bob was one of the richest men in the world.
Based on the amount of reverence and love he received in life and, now, after life, this is plain to see.
Sending our love forever,
Mitch and Lisa
Coach Springer was a second father to me. He was a mentor, teacher and coach to countless appreciative student-athletes.
Coach Bob Springer, aka “CBS”
will forever be in my heart.
So sorry
Your family are in my prayers.
Coach Bob Springer was a GREAT Teacher, Coach , Athletic Director and a mentor of life skills – “He was tough but always fair- and he made you better.”
He impacted many young men & woman -along with his good friend and Asst.-Coach Bill Harrison at WHS
Bob Springer is a type of person that can never be replaced – RIP.
His guidance as a teacher, coach and mentor will always be a part of his many wonderful accomplishments. His legacy and
domination on the gridiron is Herculean. Mr. Springer’s love of football and humanity will surely be missed. The San Francisco
State Gridiron Club’s flag if flying at half mast right now…in our hearts.
I will miss my uncle Bob. He was a good man who loved his family, football, and his dogs. Rest easy now.
I had the good fortune of playing for Coach Springer at SJCC in 1998 as a Punter. He was a kind man. I enjoyed the time I spent with him. Sounds like he lived a terrific life, I know he will be missed.
We are thinking of you and your loss of Coach Springer during this Holiday Season. We are so very sorry for your loss. We shared many good times together in the recent past reconnecting and attending several college football games. We are so grateful for the time we were able to spend with you Lynn and with and Coach Springer. Rest in Peace Coach Springer and thank you for all of your wonderful words of wisdom and your generous gift of time. We are praying for you all.
Sincerely,
Jim, Lorrie, Mike, Katie, and Sean Garrity
Mike Ricupito recommended Bob to me as someone who would be great to help out in the Oakland Raiders scouting department. He was always a joy to see and he always was happy to be there. He did some filing and made highlight tapes for us
Always enjoyed his stories about playing at USF and later on periodically coming down and having lunch with him. Wherever we went, he was on a first name basis with everyone. Very glad that I brought some joy into his life because he did far more than that for me
The world is a smaller place and I love itmless
Lynn Springer, I am just now responding as I didn’t know this wonderful program existed until my ear doctor pulled this up on Google. I miss my wonderful spouse of 60 years who left us May 6th, 2020 and love him to this day. I want to thank all you wonderful people who wrote such kind and beautiful words about him. I have a message to all, Stay young!
I am LOVIN’ reading the beautiful tributes to Bob. Brings back memories that are totally joyful. Love recalling the times spent with you and Bob. Beginning at the apartment above you guys on Arden Way.
Pat Van Noy