[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10065]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO ROBERT RUTLEDGE, THE HEART OF ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2011

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
to acknowledge the recent passing of one of Mobile's most beloved and 
respected educators, Robert Rutledge.
  ``Coach Bob,'' as he was known to many, was head football coach, 
athletic director, assistant headmaster and headmaster over his 33-year 
career at St. Paul's Episcopal School. He has been described as the 
heart of St. Paul's and an influential role model for his students.
  Under his guidance, St. Paul's athletic program gained statewide 
respect, including a trip to the 1993 State Championship game.
  For three decades, Coach Bob inspired, led and prepared generations 
of students for the rigors of life, instilling in many the confidence 
to set their goals high and then work hard toward attaining them.
  Bob's enthusiasm for coaching and teaching--and his devotion to 
improving the lives of each of his students--is what set him apart as a 
truly outstanding educator.
  A former student and now local Mobile attorney, Charlie Potts, 
recently told the Mobile Press-Register that Coach Bob always followed 
the Golden Rule. Simply put, Bob Rutledge treated his students and 
players the way he would want to be treated.
  Bob was also instrumental in shaping St. Paul's community service 
programs, including a fine arts program that today rivals the offerings 
of many colleges and universities.
  For St. Paul's students and alumni, Coach Bob was more than a great 
educator and leader, he was like a parent and cherished friend. He had 
a talent for summoning the best in his students and building a faculty 
and staff that were second to none. Although he retired in 2006, his 
passing is a profound loss for St. Paul's and our entire community.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with so many others from southwest Alabama in 
mourning the loss of a truly exceptional man who touched thousands upon 
thousands of lives with his generosity, leadership and strength.
  My condolences go out to his wonderful wife of 45 years, Martha, and 
their children, Kellie, Brett and Dorie. You are all in our thoughts 
and prayers.

                          ____________________