I remember Bob Foshko from when I was a kid. Dad was a student of his, and an engineer there on the 4th floor. They had a rocky relationship while Dad was a student; they both were very exacting, and believed strongly that their way was the right way. But Dad always had a great deal of respect for and admiration of him. Outside the classroom they were good friends, and remained so until Bob passed. He was fond of cigars and hats, and he and Dad would give these to each other from time to time. 
My own memories of Mr. Foshko were of a kind man who really knew his craft, and a great deal about many subjects. We talked about science fiction in TV and film. When my father passed this year, I found one of the hats Bob had given him years before. I have it now, a memento of them both. 
Godspeed, Mr. Foshko.

Did not have Mr. Foshko as an instructor, but as a UT RTF grad, was able to meet and work with him on technical matters on some of his many projects.  His stories from "the old days" were priceless ! ! !

Being the mad graduate student I was at UT  -- I was  working with the brand new(ish) Grass Valley 300 just updated in studio 4A at about 2am.     I suddenly felt a presence and turned a bit peevishly to look into the very curious eyes of Bob Foshko...  Possibly one of the greatest teachers I have ever had.     He smiled  "What is it supposed  to do?"

     I looked at him for a long moment, taking in the glasses, the short hair, the white shirt, the skinny tie, the rolled up sleeves...  I looked to see if he had a pocket protector.  No.  Not an engineer then.  What is he doing HERE?  At 2AM?  "Are you lost, sir?" I asked.
He shook his head negatively, smiled a bit.  "No, I think I'm found okay."  He looked at the board full of it's hundreds of buttons "Do you know this thing?"
I nodded.  "Yes, but it's got a mind of it's own and it's not behaving."

He moved over next to me and sat down saying; "Teach me to talk to it?  Maybe it will listen to us if we gang up on it."   Within 10 minutes we'd solved my problem -- by having me go through the process carefully FOR him,  I found what I was not doing correctly.

Thus Bob Foshko gave me my first true lesson in teaching.  A teacher should take every opportunity to learn and a REAL teacher does not have to know everything, but learns everything he can about what he does not know.  A strategy I have used and emphatically taught daily these 30 years of teaching television production in Los Angeles -- the Bob Foshko Way.

I still use his production book system -- as do some thousands of former students of mine spread through out the world.  I still use his examples and try to have his patience.    I found this memorial because I went looking to tell Mr. Foshko I'd just written a course on criticism HIS way!  After all it came from seeds he planted almost 40 years ago.   From him to me.. to an endless stream of students.  Sixty Semesters worth.  Thanks Bob.  You ARE remembered and always will be.

Thank you so very much.





I took his Advanced Screenwriting class thru Continuing Education one semester. He was so kind, caring and concerned that we students got the most out of the class. He was very courteous as my script involved the world of Star Trek and the Professor wasn't familiar with it. Once I explained the key points of the show He really got me pumped up with his critique and suggestions.

May God accept him into the afterlife with open arms and enable Bob to enjoy the wonders of our universe! RIP Professor.

I'll never forget the Foshkos. Love them all. Pat (Tink) Key.

I worked with Bob at KCET, the PBS television station in Los Angeles in the late sixties and early seventies, directing all of the national programs that he produced or executive produced.   Bob was a true genius and he mentored many, many of his collaborators, including me. When Bob started teaching at UT Austin in 1979, I was fortunate to be starting a three year stint directing Austin City Limits, where I could follow his work as a Professor.   He showed many of our productions to his students, including "Jazz in the Round", the first national program  broadcast in stereo.  I remember when he pioneered the FOSHCAM, giving his students the opportunity to critique their work.  He was an incredible producer and innovator, and those of us who had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him are very fortunate.

Bob Foshko taught me how to tell a great story. He was a professor, a mentor, and a friend. A group of us who met in his classes still refer to ourselves as The Foshkites. He was a true mensch. Thank you for sharing him with us.

I wouldn't be half the writer I am today without Bob Foshko as a teacher and mentor. May he rest in peace. :-(

I just saw a Man from U.N.C.L.E poster at the movie theatre and it reminded me of Mr. Foshko. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was my favorite and most influential professor at UT. I loved being in his classes, working as his TA, working for him in the summers, basically, every minute I got to spend with him. You were right, sir. Moving to LA was the right decision. Thank you for everything, Mr. Foshko. You will be missed.

Bob was a dedicated teacher, mentor and colleague.  He was a gentleman and I will always cherish his help and guidance when I was his Teaching Assistant and Assistant Instructor.  Now that I am a university professor I sometimes hear Bob's words in my own presentations.  He will be remembered!

Bob Foshko was one of the top 5 mentors in my life. He was an example of a true gentleman. Inspirational, compassionate and oh-so-swave. The measure of any life - is how many lives you touched. Bob spread his arms over so many..truly making this planet a better place.

May 17th 2015
Bob and I roomed together off campus in Ann Arbor. Bob had a larger than life personality - as an usher at the Patio Theatre in Brooklyn he had seen Henry V numerous times and precisely memorized Oliver's St. Crispins Day speech and  He had been in the Air Force in  San Antonio. He had a career as  a comic book writer. He pioneered the Omnibus science TV which was produced by the Universitty of Michigan in the 1950's. I spoke to one of the senior staff members in 1992 when by a strange coincidence my daughter who studied for a Masters in Ann Arbor rented a room from him. He was bigger than life, hilariously funny, and unforgettable.
Chuck Kauffman

Bob was a gentleman teacher. And a great storyteller! I was his TA for a few years literally at the turn of the century, and enjoyed learning from him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

I will miss you Bob.
You taught me a lot.
Condolences to the family.
I'm sorry for your loss Adam.

Dear Adam, I was just looking for an e-mail address to reach your father. And I found this.  I am so sorry for your loss! I have so many memories of you and your father and I was reaching out to him to talk about that.  Do you remember when you and I edited his Cancer Patient Documentary. For hours pouring over the footage. I found it ironic that 20 years later I would get and survive cancer and I wanted to see if I could go back and find that film. I am so sorry for your loss, Adam!  He was a fantastic Professor, a really nice, kind and encouraging person to me!  I was so hoping to find him back in the old CMB building.  I still remembering the the brown Ford Mustang Convertible! I hope you are well Adam! Don't be a stranger, c'mon by for a visit!  Julia Stielow Hix

I just heard of his passing.  Mr Foshko was a wonderful professor.  He is the 1 person I point to from UT that had such an impact on my career.  He was a wonderful mentor when I was in school and I appreciate all he gave to his students.  I'm so sorry for your loss.
Teresa Messineo Cameron
University of Texas
Radio TV Film '92

Adam and family:

Mr. Bob Foshko was a brilliant screenwriting and television production mentor for struggling grad students. He'd been to the rodeo; even won some buckles. He taught us that in our industry, it's the story that matters above all. 

Although he had seen personal loss, he still took interest in his students and their problems. He helped talk me into staying in school when it would have been easier to quit. I use the chops he helped me develop daily in my work, and shall always be grateful. My prayers for healing and peace for your difficult loss.

In loving memory of a wonderful man and the best teacher I've ever had. I would not be where I am today without Bob's advice, support and thoughtfulness. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

OBITUARY

Robert Foshko

February 26, 1930 – May 3, 2015

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services