Deceased August 25, 2022
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IN MEMORY
Sports played an important role in Bob McPhail’s full life. Whether as a participant, coach, administrator, fan or father, Bob was there all the way. He died peacefully at home in Norwich, Conn., on Aug. 25, 2022, at age 91.
Bob came to Amherst from Bulkeley High School in New London, Conn., where he was class salutatorian and football quarterback. He left the College after two years, served in the Coast Guard during the Korean War and completed his education at the University of Connecticut, earning high honors in business administration and, eventually, a master’s degree in education.
Bob worked in data processing management for General Dynamics until 1969, when he began a new career with the Norwich Free Academy, developing a curriculum in computer technology, teaching and coaching sports teams, including service as head coach of boys’ golf.
Except for service as NFA athletic director from 1981 to 1993, Bob continued coaching golf until he was 85. He started a girls’ team, traveled to matches all over Connecticut, founded an annual state tournament, led teams to more than 700 wins and was ultimately named boys’ golf coach of the year by the National High School Coaches Association. Bob was inducted into two local sports halls of fame.
Bob and his wife, Jane, traveled extensively, especially to places where golf was possible. They made many journeys to watch their son, Marlin, play baseball, first as an All-American at Cornell and then during a 10-year career in the minor leagues, mostly in the New York Mets farm system. Bob and Jane were also regulars at the games of the highly successful UConn women’s basketball teams.
In addition to Jane and Marlin, Bob is survived by daughter Cynara, four grandchildren and four great-granddaughters.
George Gates ’53