A picture tells a thousand emotions!

Of all the individuals who've impacted my life Bob Speidel is utterly exceptional. Forming a scraggly kid into anything, more less an athlete is an extraordinary feat in itself. A prominent influence since day one, he instilled in me that hard work and perserverence would bring contentment in the days and years to follow. Someone to whom i'm grateful and indebted to. A truly memorable person. John Skalecky

I was saddened by the news that a fine and influencial man has passed from our presence. Coach Speidel was a great "team and individual builder" and coach. More importantly he was a man who brought the best out in you and who wanted nothing less than what he saw deep within you. He did this with me while at the same time I had little confidence, questionable valve as a person and only saw a very basic level of skill and intelligence in myself. Coach Speidel helped me become a leader in the military, educational field, pastoral and sports areas and one in every community I have lived in. His mentoring influenced me after high school to obtain a graduate degree and work with the State of California as a Consultant with many community care types programs, including schools, agencies and licensed facilities. I even found myself using what he taught me when I coached and played basketball privately and in the Air Force. Thank you Coach Speidel and may your family, players and friends be blessed because of you and as we all reflect upon the time we had with you. Dick Gowins dickgowins@aol.com Class of 63

Mr. Speidel was one of my favorite teachers. He taught us to write in a way that would make people want to read our thoughts. We didn't realize then what an important part of our lives this would be. I remember it as though it were yesterday instead of almost 50 years ago.

How do you say "thank you" to a man who was such a key part to changing your life? Bob Speidel was a major influence and made a lasting impression to the man I have become. He was more than a basketball coach and more than an English teacher, he taught us how to succeed in life and also how to deal with life's disappointments. He taught that life was about attitude, self-discipline and hard work. He taught that set-backs were lessons to learn from, indicating places where we needed to work harder. He taught that life was about teamwork. He believed in his players and students. Years later he could still talk about our games, specific scores and specific players and even remember critical game situations. Coach Speidel was like a much needed second father to me at time in my life when my own father had become pretty much unavailable. I can't imagine what path my life would have taken if I hadn't come to Helix High School and been introduced to Coach Speidel and his philosophy. I know that many of his players and students went on to become very successful in their chosen fields. How do you say thank you? Words are simply inadequate. I am eternally grateful that Coach Speidel was in my life. I love you, Coach. God bless.

While Coach Speidel will be remembered by many for his life on the basketball court, I will always think of him as my English teacher--a man who told us to be inspired when we wrote, and to be less concerned about grammar and spelling than what we had to say. I will try to keep that in mind, Coach, and will always keep a special place for you in my heart.

Bob Speidel was great teacher, coach, and man. What we learned in the gym were life lessons that will always impact me. His teaching carried way beyond the basketball court. He was a very special man, that shared his knowledge and experience with so many people. He will be missed, but never forgotten. The achievements he lead us to on the basketball court were amazing. He is the backbone of the great tradition that is Helix Basketball. I am so thankful that Bob was my coach. I was blessed to have such a great man in my life. God bless you Coach. Tom "Willie" Williams

Coach Speidel brings back some of the greatest memories in my life.He was a talented and inspirational basketball coach.He was truly a positive influence in so many lives.He will be sorely missed! Lanny Mitchell Basketball - Santa Ana College.

So sad to hear this. My condolences to the family. He was a special man. Influenced so many lives. I learned from him that hard work pays off in the end. You don't know that as a kid, but he taught me. And I know we all resisted at times, so it couldn't have been all that easy for him. But now it is in us. thanks Coach. Al Skalecky Helix 1964

7 files added to the album A Good Man And His Legacy

Coach Speidel will be missed greatly. He was a great coach and English teacher. His coaching was as good as one could get at the high school level. I have so many classic memories of our successes on the court. We beat so many really good teams with our discipline and strong fundamentals that he was so insistent in drilling into our heads. He kept it simple and easy to comprehend what was important to win on the court and in life in general. I will remember always his classic encouragement: "Attitude, attitude, attitude! Mark Brown Basketball - 1967

So long, Coach Speidel. May God bless your soul as you have blessed so many. Teaching the game of basketball is a talent only a few have and Coach was certainly one who did. He was committed to teaching the game the right way and building character at the same time. I have to say, until I was involved with Coach at Helix, I had little appreciation for the work ethic he taught and it has carried on throughout my life. I will never forget the endless slide step drills, knees flexed, hands up drills and the occasional midnight practice after a particularly poor effort on the court - all making us better players! Many great memories and gratitude!! John Ugrin Basketball - 1966

Coach Speidel was one of the most important mentors in my life. He valued hard work, team chemistry, and most importantly "attitude". I am eternally grateful for his part in my growth and was very happy to work hard for him. He gave me an opportunity to prove myself and our whole team in 1964. We ended up winning the CIF basketball championship by beating unbeaten La Jolla by 20 points. All five of the starters made All League.

1 file added to the tribute wall

Coach Speidel was my 10th grade English teacher. At least once each week he would stand on his strong, wooden desk and teach the one thing he wanted us to remember. When he coached basket ball, he would remind his team on defense, ":Knees flexed!" Ellis Winter Helix High School Class of 67

A New Sunrise Spray was purchased for the family of Robert "Bob" Speidel.