Bob and I were  part of the original team at PBS,  He was the department director for station relations and I was in the programming department.  I loved working with Bob and his staff, Liz Warnock and Mattie Hardy.  But, it was Bob who set the tone for the offiice--straight shooter, honest and full of integrity. We all  tried to model ourselves  after Bob because  he had the respect of everyone. He also used to regale me with stories about WWII and his funny tales about the early days of educational radio and his adventures with his buddy Cal Watson. He was a good man, who loved his family,  his friends and his country.  I think of him often and when I do I am smiling. God Bless you Bob.

Recollections of Bob Mott
By Marty Judge
Friend and fellow journalist

Bob Mott parachuted into German-occupied France in World War II, leading his men into the teeth of a war machine like none other in the bloody Battle of the Bulge.  While I wasn’t there, I am confident that Bob did it with the courage, determination, and integrity that have characterized his life as professor, a broadcast journalist, and a leader in the communities in which he lived. 

Bob had that rare ability to envision new concepts and enterprises and then step back, roll up his sleeves, and work through the details to bring that vision to life. 

As a professor at Washington State University from1956 to 1968 he realized the growing importance of broadcast journalism and launched one of the nation’s first campus radio stations and later one of the first TV stations.  Under his guidance several university departments were merged into a newly formed Department of Communication, which he chaired.  

He went on to become executive director of National Education Radio in Washington, D.C. where he co-founded National Public Radio.  Later he was tapped to be executive vice president of the Public Service Satellite Consortium for NASA.

After the war, Bob continued his military service in the Army Reserves and retired as a colonel.  He also continued his contacts with Washington State University, returning for forums and reunions with his former students who had gone on to successful careers in broadcast journalism.  One of his student’s comment was recorded during those reunions:  “In addition to journalism, he taught us leadership, citizenship and honor.”

When Bob was in his 90s, one student asked what he would like his legacy to be.  Bob replied, “You, my students, are my legacy”.  

Bob was greatly respected by all those who knew him as a journalist, teacher, soldier, and citizen.  He was also greatly loved.  And that is a legacy few of us can hope for. 


Remember the rock tumber your parents gave you while growing up?  I came across, collected, and added rough stones, some jagged stones of different sizes, mostly grey... curious what color and shape they would be after churning together in the rock tumbler.   Each stone defined by the experience in the tumbler together, each rock coming out different, smooth and colorful, each with it's own new version of itself.   

I feel grateful that my journey with Mr. Mott, Edith and his lovely family, especially Allison, has been a bit like that.  Bringing generations of Mott family friends together, each with their own Mott friendship/mentorship, each supported and inspired each other.  We all hold inside us a bit of Mr. Mott's character, unwavering ethics, and consistent commitment to inspired excellence, and Mrs. Mott's strength, grace and love.       
In many ways, the Mott's together, defined generations of civil society's ethical compass and love of the greater good, mentoring leaders who are standing on their shoulders today.
    
I came across John Maxwell's quote and thought of Mr. Mott: 
 “One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”    He inspired so so many!

With much love to Allison, the entire Mott family and community of trusted friends.  May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences.

OBITUARY

Robert Allen Mott

3 July, 1920 – 30 April, 2019

El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley & Memorial Park

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