Bob Sprenger, a veteran sports public relations practitioner who won the admiration, respect and affection of media colleagues coast to coast, died Sunday at age 77, after a year-long battle with leukemia
The Reno native spent his entire 50-year career “doing what I like to do more than anything else” he would like to say, which was diligently servicing an ever demanding, highly impatient and testy crop of journalists whom he treated as trusted family.
Bob launched a stellar career at The San Francisco Examiner where he covered high school sports honing his skills and earning the trust from coaches and players whom he treated with fairness and respect.
Following his stint with The Examiner, Bob joined the PAC-8 Conference, serving as Public Relations Director and assistant to the commissioner, handling media operations for seven Rose Bowls and earning his reputation as an engaging and energetic ambassador of goodwill as he helped elevate the growing conference into a new era of prominence and recognition.
It wasn’t long before the Kansas City Chiefs came calling, when in 1972 Bob was hired as director of public relations and coordinated media operations for nine SuperBowls and the first ProBowl. Bob adjusted to the national stage with his engaging and energetic manner, infusing the news bureau with renewed vitality and a welcome voice.
Upon leaving the Chiefs in 1987, Bob was hired for one year by the NCAA as the Executive Vice President of the Final Four Foundation in charge of the NCAA’s 50th Anniversary. He was subsequently hired full time as an Assistant Executive Director where he oversaw operations of the Visitor’s Center. After seven years, Bob joined his daughter Stacy in her company and opened Sprenger McCullough & Co., helping to develop the success of the marketing/public relations firm.
Fulfilling his pledge to support community projects, Bob continued his dedication to The First Tee Foundation, of which he was a board member of the youth development organization which introduces the game of golf and its values to young people throughout the greater Kansas City area. He also has been a devoted supporter and promoter of the Children’s Mercy Golf Classic.
Bob leaves his wife and love of his life, Joan, of 55 years, daughters Stacy McCullough and Allyson Maher and son-in-law Kevin, and five grandchildren, Hannah Maher, 25, Samantha McCullough, 24, Molly Maher, 22, Caroline Maher, 21 and Jack McCullough, 21; his sister Barbara Smith, brother-in-law Vern Smith and nieces Kathy, Lori and Bonnie.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Bob’s memory be made to The First Tee Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Indian Hills Country Club, 6847 Tomahawk Road, Mission Hills, KS, with a reception to follow until 4:00 pm.
Much of who I am and what I have in life are because of Bob and Joan! Many fun memories and crazy stories. Dad and Bob always shared a special and mischievous bond that provided hours of entertainment. I learned a lot about doing things on time, with accuracy and with quality-first from Bob. Love to Joanie, Stacy, Allison and all your extended family – I know the hole is deep and wide but may it be filled with the lasting legacy and love of this special person.
Clyde here. I have had the extreme privilege of being Bob’s (let’s not forget Joan’s ) friend for 35 years. There has been a rare relationship.
Joan, we’ll always be there for you. Bob, you will always be the best guy in my mind.
See many of y’all at Indian Hills on Tuesday
I had the opportunity to work for Bob during home games for the Kansas City Chiefs. The first few years I worked supervising the radio and television area and later work by his side giving him information he needed during the games. He was always professional and treated everyone with kindness and respect. It was an honor for me to work for him. Condolences to the family.
Bob as an all-timer, caring for the big guys and the little guys. And I mean care. Whoever wrote the obituary pictured Bob perfectly. One of the really good guys of sports.
Bob was a special member of the NFL Public Relations fraternity. I first met him as a PR assistant with the Denver Broncos in the 70s. A professional in every way, Bob mentored many and was a friend to many, many more. He always seemed to display that sly smile in good times and bad. Just two years ago, Bob helped organize a reunion of NFL professionals in Canton, Ohio. What a terrific weekend to relive great many and to see people who we hadn’t seen in some time. It was a fitting as he will always be a Hall of Famer to us. To Joan and the entire family, please know how special Bob was to us.
I remember so fondly the few times of being with Bob and Joan. Stories sprang to my mind immediately. Lovely man who gave so much. My sympathies to all his family and many friends.
Christie Metz
What a privilege it was to be asked to be one of Bob’s volunteers for the Final Four events and Tom Watson Golf event at Blue Hills CC. Bob was very organized, and gifted with a great attitude, always there for his family and friends. He is leaving a wealth of wonderful memories. It has been an honor to have known this special man and dear wife Joan for the past 30 plus years. Alvera and I are so grateful for Bob enriching our lives in so many ways.
Bob was a gentleman’s gentleman. He and my brother Ned did so many great events together. Joan, your and your daughters have so many cherished memories of Bob his love, his leadership, and examples he set. Fareda and I feel so privileged to have known Bob both professionally and personally, and as well as you and the girls. I hope our paths will cross again soon.
Fareda and Jim