Students remember Robert Frederick

By Dylan Sands

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Robert Frederick, 69, died Friday at The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. Frederick was flown to the hospital by air ambulance after an accident in which he fell over the handlebars of his bicycle.

Frederick was the athletics director at the University from 1987 until 2001 when he began teaching as an assistant professor in health, sports and exercise science.

Frederick’s family issued a statement Friday night shortly after he died.

“We would like to thank our family and friends for their love and support during this difficult time. As an educator, coach and athletic director, our father touched many lives. He always wanted to live a life that mattered ­and he did,” the statement said.

The statement also noted that Frederick donated his organs and that his family encouraged others to become organ donors as well.

Jake Hartman, alumnus from Logan, Utah, said he remembered the classes he took with Frederick fondly.

“I was in his sports marketing class and even though there were 60-to-70 kids in there, he really took the time to get to know each student personally,” Hartman said. “He was actually one of my favorite teachers.”

Brian Lewis, alumnus from Hutchinson, graduated with a degree in sports management and said he had deep respect for Frederick.

“Dr. Bob was just great. I remember a conversation I had with him in his office. He told me to do whatever it took to follow my goals in life,” Lewis said. “I really looked up to him. I wanted him to be the next chancellor.”

A memorial service for Frederick will be held at 1 p.m. June 17 at the Lied Center on West Campus. A private funeral service will be held on a date yet to be determined.

— — Edited by Brandy Entsminger

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