Robert C. “Bob” Winship, 56, of Clearwater, passed away February 25, 2009 as a result of a heart attack. Bob was a Methodist, born in Lowell, MA, came here in 1963 from Nabnasett, MA. A graduate of Seminole High School and University of South Florida, he taught English, Television & Radio production at Clearwater High School, while also serving as a coach of Track & Cross Country for 5 years. Prior to that, Bob taught 7th grade English at Oak Grove Middle School for 15 years and served his country for 8 years as a Staff Sgt. in the US Air Force. Bob was passionate about teaching, was very artistic, loved to draw, and was a big collector of music albums and CDs of all genre.
He is survived by his wife Beth, his parents, Bud and Ellen Winship of Seminole, his brother Rick and his wife Janette of Pinellas Park, and their children, Derek and Amy.
The family will be greeting friends for a celebration of life on Wednesday March 4th at 7:00 pm at Seminole United Methodist Church, 5400 Seminole Blvd. Graveside Services will be Thursday, March 5th at 2:15 pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Florida Suncoast or the Suncoast Animal League.
Beth, Ellen, Bud, Ricky,
Such devastating news. I remember “Bobby” as being the guy in the neighborhood that had a cool stereo, he had a VW, he was in high school and we were in Madeira Beach Junior High! Kim and I are praying that you enjoy the good memories together and that God will bless the Winship family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth – I am so very sad. You have the prayers of so many who work with you.
Beth, I am so very sorry about Bob. We are all thinking of you and a whole lot of people care about you, it is very sad here.
Beth, I’m so saddened by Bob’s sudden death. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth:
We were saddened today when we heard the news about Bob. We have such great memories of him. He was such a nice guy who was always fun to talk to and be with. We will miss him.
All our best to you and your family,
Bobby and Laurel
Dear Beth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was the best teacher ever! He had such a great sense of humor. We will all miss him at Clearwater High School. Take care of yourselves.
Rachel
My prayers are with you and your family in this very difficult time!! Mr. winship was my 7th grade teacher at Oak Grove Middle and he was the best teacher i ever had!! He was such a nice person to everyone and very passionate about his work. He will be missed dearly.
My deepest sympathy and fervent prayers for your loss. Bob was just a sweetheart. He was supportive, funny, and just a joy to be around. Clearwater High won’t be the same and his students miss him very much.
Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family.
At our last lunch together, Bob was sitting at the head of the table with the biggest smile on his face. He was going on and on about how excited he was to be teaching TV and Radio, and how well his English II kids were doing in their preperation for Florida Writes. I always had a small bet with Bob to see who could get our kids to recieve a 6.0 on Florida Writes: he won, of course. He said he loved his job, and he would teach for free, if he had to. He loved his students, only second to his wife. I will sincerely miss Bob.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob and his TV Production class did a great job presenting the announcements each day. Bob also taped and presented special programs to share with all. He will be greatly missed by all.
When Bob talked about his plans for the T.V. Production classes he was unequalled in his display of enthusiasm. He loved what he was doing. He shared his joy with his many students. All of us will miss him and his laugh!
Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Winship was a very special man who cared greatly about his students and those he coached. He was my track and cross country coach for all of my four years in high school. I know he is in a wonderfull place now and he is greatly missed. I feel that these words are so small in comparison of what he did for so many in his life, just know that Coach Winship will always have a place in my heart and my prayers as will the entire Winship family.
We are both shocked and saddened by this loss. Bob was coach to our two children, Greg and Lynn. As one might say: “He was a class act.” Our prayers go out to the family.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Bob. I taught with Bob for all the time he was at Oak Grove. He was always an upbeat person and great to talk to. My prayers are for him and with you.
Mrs. Janice Fuhs
Beth, we are all still very saddened and shocked here at work. I’m so very sorry to hear about Bob. We all love you and are thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.
Dear Auntie Ellen, Uncle Buddy and family,
We are ever so sorry. We pray that the Lord can comfort each of you uniquely during this sad and difficult time. Bobby was a good man who honorably served is country and admirably taught his students, but most of all he loved his family dearly. I will always remember you Auntie Ellen telling us of how “Your Bobby” was doing something nice for you or others. It made your eyes sparkle. It is a testimate of what wonderful parents you were to raise such a good man. I was sorry not to have known him more; living so far away makes relationships challenging. May you fondly remember your times together. Not just the special times, but the everyday times that form the foundation of our lives. It is not fair that a child passes before parents, but know that he goes before you to prepare a wonderful place for you to be reunited in heaven. He would take care of things for you here and I am sure will continue to do so there.
Love, Bonnie, Nam, Olivia and Anabelle
Bob was a good friend and a very talented person. I will always remember many of the ways he helped my mother and me over the years. I would like to extend by sympathy and respects to the Winship Family.
Bob was such a bright spot in my life and the lives of so many students. He had the most infectious laugh! He was so dedicated to his job and students. He was always one of the first people on campus in the morning and worked so hard. I am so sorry for this loss for his wife and family. May you find solace knowing how much he was loved.
I knew Bob from long ago when he interned for me in English. I have followed his career with interest. He will be missed.
I met Bob in 2001 when we both began our tenure at CHS, he will be missed by all who knew him. You are all in my prayers.
Bob greeted me with a smile every day as I walked through his classroom. He was my classroom neighbor, my colleague but most of all my friend. I will miss seeing him each and every day. He was an inspiration to his students and to those who really knew him. I offer my prayers to his family and friends during this time.
Beth, I was so sad to learn about Bob’s death. I will hold you and your extended family in my thoughts and prayers. You have many people here who love you and are thinking of you. I wish you strength and peace in the days ahead. Love, Gay
Beth – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and daily prayers.
Bob made this world a better place. He touched many lives. Bob always had a moment to say a kind word. He had an ever-ready smile.
I am so honored to have known Bob. A fine teacher and a giving person.
For, I am thankful for every memory of Robert. My condolences to his beloved family.
Im so sadden to hear about the lost of a amazing person.He opened the eyes of students at my school and he always had a smile on his face togo with it.Beth i never knew you but if you need anything at all be free to write me.Mr.Winship you will be missed very much ill keep you in my heart forever.You were amazing and you always will be in everyones thoughts and prayers and heart.R.I.P <3
Bob made this world a better place. He touched many lives.
Bob always had a moment to say a kind work. He had an ever-ready smile.
I am so honored to have known Bob. A fine teacher and a giving person.
For I am thankful for every memory of Robert. My condolences to his beloved family.
Mr. Winship was a wonderful teacher. He made all of us laugh and enjoyed teaching everyday. Clearwater High won’t be the same without him, and all the amazing things he taught here. I’ll always remember him, and everything he taught me. My greatest sympathy goes to his family, wife and friends. Mr. Winship will always be in our hearts. Rest In Peace<3
I worked with Bob at Oak Grove in the nineties. My now 25 year old son was his student in 7th grade. I will miss him. He was a very special person. I was lucky enough to see him once a year at the preschool training at Pinellas Park HS for reading and language arts teachers.
Bob was a wonderful teacher and I’m sure so many kids enjoyed his intelligence and humor throughout the years. I have very fond memories of Bob at the old Oak Grove campus. His spirit will live on through the many students he influenced over the years, friends he touched, and of course his loving family.
My thoughts are with your family, Beth. I had Mr. Winship in high school for the TV and Production class. It was always really reassuring that he liked mine and my friend’s videos. It was equally reassuring when I would run into him randomly after high school, him still asking if I wanted to make videos that he’d still take it. His dedication to his job was truly magnificent, and he will be missed more than he could have known.
To Mrs. Winship and the Winship family. So sad for your loss, I know that Mr. Winship will be missed by all who knew him. He helped me with our Principal’s Recognition Breakfast filming every event. Peace and prayers be with you.
Ms P
Dear Beth, our prayers are with you and your family. We love you.
Dear Beth,
Please know that you have my sincere sympathy! Also know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers!
With love,
Brenda Hupp
To Bob’s Family: I was stunned to read Bob’s obituary last night. I subbed many times for Bob when he was at Oak Grove- also CHS. His meticulous organization of his classroom amazed me. He was a wonderful caring teacher. I will miss his
presence and his smile.
Bob was a really nice guy. I remember going to a Stones concert with him,and we had a good time…He had the hughest record collection back in the day!
I thought he made a great teacher,as he always had a head full of Ideas and would put them to use in the classroom… Unforunately, as the years went by I lost contact with him as well as his brother Rick and wife Janette.I never met his wife Beth, but Janette told me in a phone conversation back in 1997 that they all really liked her. I was happy for him that he at long last found a lasting love in his life…My condolences to her and the rest of the family..
Beth and family,
I affirm peace and comfort during your time of loss. Draw strength from one another and in the knowledge that Bob lives on in your heads and hearts.
Beth: Aunt Marion and I were shocked and sadden with the news your dad gave us of Bob’s sudden death. We will remember you, and his family in our prayers. We love you. Uncle Jim and Aunt Marion.
Beth: I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of Bob! I so enjoyed participating in the 5:30 Thursday night meetings last year and celebrating each other’s successes! He will be missed!!
Beth, Ellen, Bud and Ricky: I was so sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing from Mom tonight. I remember that Bobby babysat for us Rudolph kids when we first moved into the neighorhood. He was a great guy when we were growing up and from all accounts a wonderful teacher. I know that he will be greatly missed. You all will be in my prayers.
My prayers are with your family during this time. I taught across the hall from Bob at Oak Grove for many years, and enjoyed his sense of humor. I’m sure his students will miss him.
Beth,
May you find comfort from family and friends.
Love,
Susan
Dear Beth, It was so sad to learn about the loss of your wonderful husband Bob. May the love, prayers and friendship of all of us who know and love you and wonderful memories of Bob give you strength during this most difficult time. Love to you and your family, Roxie
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember working with your family preparing meals for youth group at Seminole UMC. We also lost our sonbrother, Ron Kilman, on the same day. It is a difficult thing to have to bury your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this great time of loss and sadness. May God be with you all.
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Both Robert and I taught with Bob at Oak Grove Middle. He was a very kind, caring and funny guy. He truly loved teaching and it showed in every lesson. Msy God bless all of you and know that you are in our prayers.
Eileen Works-Long and Robert Long
Beth, I am sorry to hear about Bob’s sudden death.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
Love,Cheryl
This has shattered me and his TV 2 class. The nine of us were, are very connected to Mr. Winship. I would love to, and I’m sure the rest of us would love to as well, sit down and talk with you sometime. We will never be the same.
Beth, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
David and Shelly
Dear Beth and Family,
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy for you with some words on behalf of my son Jonathan. Jonathan was there that morning in Mr. Winships class and witnessed not only his teacher but his friend “As Jon calls Him” collapse before him. Jonathan is so saddened that Mr. Winship has passed. Jonathan loved his way of teaching him and the others the love of broadcasting. He saw past Jonathans slipknot tshirts and grudge wear and saw the artistic side and intelligence Jonathan possessed. He accepted Jonathan for his individuality and encouraged him never to change for the sake of what others judged his appearance before getting to know him. Mr. Winship became a mentor and friend to Jonathan. My son looked up to him and respected every word spoken to him by Mr. Winship. Because of Mr. Winship my son learned that is was okay to fail if you had tried the best of your ability. Because of that relationship they had as teacher and student. My son wants to continue to honor Mr. Winship by completing what he had started with him by broadcasting more videos and radio shows. I thank his Jonathans parent would like to thank you for having such a wonderful, caring and artistic husband and sharing that man with the students at Clearwater High School. It is an honor to have known him.
Beth, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family members. I was saddened to hear of Bob’s death. You have the support and love of everyone who has worked with you.
Mr. winship was not only my teacher, he was my friend. i confided in him, and will miss him deeply.
I was sad to hear about Mr. Winship’s passing. He was my 7th grade teacher at Oak Grove Middle school 1983. I remember being very mouthy towards him. Instead of ignoring me, he took the time to call my parents. While I didn’t appreciate this then, I am eternally grateful for his decision. This really was the turning point in my life. I never had the opportunity to share this with him. I’m now a successful professional with a graduate degree. Mr. Winship’s caring attitude was a pivitol moment for this sucess.
He was my cross country and track coach. His aim, unlike other coaches, was to see if you stayed for commitment (and win if you just so happen to run that fast). He was a funny guy. His sense of humor brought a lighter side to things. I’m glad he lived. He is and will be missed.
Heaven has received another special and wonderful soul. I was fortunate to have known and worked with Bob at Oak Grove Middle School for a number of years. He stood out in our faculty as an always-easygoing person who had a smile for you and a laugh or two as well. He was a dedicated professional who deeply cared about his students. He loved teaching and his students loved him in return. There is no higher compliment in the teaching profession. Bob will be missed by everyone who knew him. Both he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. John Tomlinson,
teacher, retired
What a wonderful teacher and individual. I was lucky to have worked with Bob at Oak Grove for many years. He always had a smile and a laugh for those around him. He was a terrific teacher, and I could always count on Bob to care for all his students. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends who have lost a dear soul. Pat Bell
I am in his TV 2 class and Mr. Winship gave me the inspiration to finally know what I want to be in life. On the announcements at CHS, he had these questions of the day, whenever I knew the answer we would talk for fifteen minutes about things like the Partrige family. He was such an amazing person and was more to us than just a teacher, he was a friend. I can honestly say with my whole heart that I loved him. He will be deeply missed. He left an impression to last a lifetime.
Im in his TV 2 class. Mr. Winship had a big place in my heart, and he still does. That place will never be replaced because there will never be another teacher like him. He wasn’t just a teacher to me, or the rest of the TV class; he was a friend. A really good friend. We had the best time doing the announcements with him: from him dancing around in the studio room to try to get us more enthusiastic to him just being there talking to us when we needed someone to talk to. He was an amazing teacher and im so happy that i took his class. My life is forever changed because of him. Never will I have a teacher like him. He had the most amazing personality and a warm heart. There wasn’t a time when I didn’t see him smiling. I loved Winnie from the first day of class and 2 years later i still do. I miss him and cherish the memories i had with him. He will never be forgotten.
Dear Beth and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob and I spent many hours planning and working together at Oak Grove. He was a special person who will be remembered for his joy of teaching and living. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort in friendship and hope in prayer. Blessings, Ruth
Mr. Winship was one of my favorite teachers at clearwater, He was always there for me when I needed him. He got me into photography and filming, he knew i was good at photography and he never gave up on anyone. I had him for 3 years. In t.v production. He was a great teacher, a very good man and a good friend. He will be missed. To his family I know its hard, I know its going to be hard, but think about what he would want. Would he want anyone crying? No he would want a smile because he had a good life.
Dear Beth, We were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Bob. He left us with “Hugs” and “Laugh’s” in all of our hearts on Thursday at 5:30. We care so much about you, how you you are handling the loss of Bob! This has to be such a very tough time for you Beth. We Love You, Beverly and Team on Thursday at 5:30
R.I.P
in memory of robert winship . i pray that you will for ever be free. you dont have to stress and now you are in a better place. i dont see how you were just in my face yesterday smiling and laughing at the normal things you do . fussy and running back an forth around teh class room trying to get us to do our best. i am so sorry that i didnt take advantage of being able to hear you everyday. i never thought anything like this would evr happen . to me you we immortal. i am going to miss you dearly an not one day wil go by that i will not think about you an what a greta thing you have done for clearwater high. you were our tv production teacher and the best english teacher ive ever hade. having you pass away shows me that i need to stop taking my life for granted. life is some thing we should love and cherish . something that no one else can give us. but some one else can take. your life was cut short because your a good person and need to be in a better place. you will never ever be forgotten. i know all i know about english because of you . and more.
rest in peace Robert Winship.
Television
-death_
death is more surreal than you think . a man can walk into a room with a smile on his face and show nothing is wrong . then the next day pass away . turn a smile into a heart attack . such a man that took care of his family , took care of his students , and tried to take care of himself . end up in all this death . he lived life with a smile no matter what . and thats how he’ll be remembered . with a smile .
o2 27, 2oo9
. the only substantial poem that i have ever wrote and it was in memory for you. i am keeping you family in my prayers i hope for the best for them an i hope to see them at the service tomarrow. and tell them what a blessing you were to clearwater highschool. always in rememberance form your 5th period english class we love you.
R.I.P
in memory of robert winship . i pray that you will for ever be free. you dont have to stress and now you are in a better place. i dont see how you were just in my face yesterday smiling and laughing at the normal things you do . fussy and running back an forth around teh class room trying to get us to do our best. i am so sorry that i didnt take advantage of being able to hear you everyday. i never thought anything like this would evr happen . to me you we immortal. i am going to miss you dearly an not one day wil go by that i will not think about you an what a greta thing you have done for clearwater high. you were our tv production teacher and the best english teacher ive ever hade. having you pass away shows me that i need to stop taking my life for granted. life is some thing we should love and cherish . something that no one else can give us. but some one else can take. your life was cut short because your a good person and need to be in a better place. you will never ever be forgotten. i know all i know about english because of you . and more.
rest in peace Robert Winship.
Television
-death_
death is more surreal than you think . a man can walk into a room with a smile on his face and show nothing is wrong . then the next day pass away . turn a smile into a heart attack . such a man that took care of his family , took care of his students , and tried to take care of himself . end up in all this death . he lived life with a smile no matter what . and thats how he’ll be remembered . with a smile .
o2 27, 2oo9
. the only substantial poem that i have ever wrote and it was in memory for you. i am keeping you family in my prayers i hope for the best for them an i hope to see them at the service tomarrow. and tell them what a blessing you were to clearwater highschool. always in rememberance form your 5th period english class we love you.
Tony and I had the privilege of working with Bob at Oak Grove. We enjoyed his laughter and humor especially his collection of Pinellas County Schools slogan pins like “Together We Shine.” Beth, he will be truly missed and our prayers are with you and your family.
To My Dear Friend Beth and her family. We were deeply saddened to hear about Bob’s sudden passing. Even though we’re across the miles now, please know that you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We Love you.
My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to all of Bob’s family. Bob was a very special friend to me as another teacher at Oak Grove Middle. I will always be grateful for his support in Peer Mediators and his joy and fun that he brought to lunch every day. He was a wonderful, caring teaching professional, and I learned so much from his sharing. I will always carry his memory in my heart.
I was very sad to hear the news that Mr. Winship had passed away. I took his newspaper class in 7th and 8th grade at Oak Grove many years ago. He really made the experience so fun and engaging that memories of his class remain with me to this day. I have since graduated from college, obtained a Masters degree, and am working as a Behavior Analyst. These memories and experiences he facilitated with his teaching will stay with me. I hope his family and those close to him can find comfort in their memories and lessons he taught as well. Take care.
Bob and I co-taught English 1 together about 5 years ago. I learned a lot from him and enjoyed his very animated readings during class. I met Beth during a county track meet as the three of us tackled the electronic record keeping – what a long night that was! But, we survived and the company was better than the event. I enjoyed working with him. My prayers are with his family.
omg i was shocked to hear tha mr.winship died!!! i had him back in 2004 at clearwater high!!!! he was a great teacher!!! r.i.p mr.winship!!!
Today was six months and the first day of school.
I hope you’re doing as well as you can be.
Today is one year, my prayers are with you.
Today is one year, my prayers are with you.
Bob, this is not a milestone to be celebrated, time marches on whether we want it to or not. You are sorely missed by many, especially me. I imagine you’re kicked back soaking in all the music up there. Rest peacefully; we will see each other again, someday.
I am saddened by the news of Bob’s untimely passing. He and I were roommates for two years in 1974-76 and we lost contact after I left Chanute AFB. I have thought of him often over the years and kept meaning to try and find him again… I just waited too long.
Bob loved comedy and music and even tried his hand at standup a couple of times. His favorites were Queen, Richard Prior and Franklyn Ajaye. We would work until midnight on “C Shift” and have folks over until late into the night listing to Yes and Pink Floyd albums and eat pizza and play chess. You will be missed my friend.
I am a little late to this news. I was thinking of Mr. Winship recently and decided to google him and was very sad to read of his passing. I was his student in 7th and 8th grade at Oak Grove. I was kinda messed up as a kid and Mr. Winship gave me a chance in his Yearbook group as well as computers and his unofficial A/V club. There is no doubt whatsoever that Mr. Winship made a tremendous difference in my life and I will forever be grateful. He was an absolutely wonderful man who inspired me to try and make the world a better place. To his family, I am very sorry for your loss. In the 1980s Mr. Winship fought hard to get some computers in our class (Apple IIe), he told us all how they would be the whole future and we needed to embrace computers and exploit the opportunity we had to learn how to use them at an early age. He was ahead of his time.