STRONG, Robert Wesley

Arizona Republic (Phoenix AZ) Sunday, January 18, 2015 Robert "Coach" Strong, 69, of Phoenix passed away on January 6, 2015 after a long battle with several bouts of cancer. Born July 21, 1945 in Rapid City, South Dakota, he moved to Phoenix in 1969. His parents Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Strong, preceded him in death. Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joan; sons Brian and Justin and daughter Kristin Strong O'Connor; grandchildren Jack and Erin O'Connor; siblings George Strong (Crystal Beach, TX) and Sharry Deszo (Seattle WA) and many nephews in the Seattle area. For 31 years Bob was an educator in the Phoenix Union High School District where he taught social studies and coached basketball for 26 years. Many today would know him as "Coach Strong." Bob spent several summers coordinating the Quest for Excellence Program, sponsored by APS at the Palo Verde Generating Station, where underprivileged graduates from Central, Buckeye and Wickenburg high schools worked during the summers. Over the years, the program benefitted several hundred graduates. He enjoyed spending time with friends at the Original Wineburger. Bob always provided a helping hand. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Beatitudes on Saturday, January 24 at 11am. There will be the opportunity for a time of sharing and remembrance in the Chapel at 10:30am. Donations in Bob's name can be made to Hospice of the Valley www.hov.org or St. Vincent de Paul www.stvincentdepaul.net