Robert E. Spani

Robert (Bob) Eugene Spani, 87 passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022 in Medford Oregon. Bob was born on March 7, 1935 in Lyons, Kansas to Raleigh and Melda Spani.

Bob spent his childhood in Chase, KS, graduating from Chase High School in 1953 where he met the love of his life and future wife Mary. Bob and Mary were married on August 11, 1956 and went on to have three children, Doug, Diane and Duane. Bob graduated from college with a teaching degree and had a long and impactful career teaching junior high and high school PE and Health. In 1966 the Spani family moved to Oregon, first to Grants Pass and then settling in Medford where he taught and coached until his retirement in 1993.

Bob loved to fish. And hunt. And fish. The Rogue River was his happy place and he spent countless hours there in his drift boat. A day on the river was always a good day for Bob! Bob's other passion (besides his family and friends)was coaching. He had a way with young people and left a lasting impact on many. Bob was always able to talk to his students openly and honestly about anything they wanted to discuss. He coached basketball and football at both the junior high and high school level. It seems like most of Medford has a story to tell about Mr./Coach Spani. This quote from a former student sums it up well "He modeled everything an educator should be...hard-working, a love of young people, integrity, intense yet fun and a team player. I am one of literally hundreds of students and athletes who were bigger and better people as a result of Bob."

As much as Bob loved fishing and coaching, he loved his family more! He was a man with a giant heart who loved hard and well. Time with his granddaughters and great granddaughters was especially precious to him--fishing, playing ball, drinking Pepsi...the list goes on!

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother as well as his son Duane. He is survived by his wife Mary, son Doug (Melinda) Spani, daughter Diane (Loren) Graber and daughter-in-law Margaret Spani. Granddaughters Julie (Graber) Hills, Ali Spani, Kayla Spani and Daphne Spani and great granddaughters Kendra and Paige.