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Turf writer Bob Summers dies

Posted: Monday, September 06, 2010 1:29 PM

Bob Summers, who covered horse racing for the Buffalo News and served his peers as a director of the National Turf Writers Association, died Saturday of an apparent heart attack, his newspaper reported. He was 66.

Summers wrote the Happy Handicapper column for the News and was a fixture at major Thoroughbred events such as the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1). In addition to Thoroughbred racing, Summers covered harness racing, soccer, and other sports for the News as well as serving as an editor during his 33-year career at the News, which began with a position in the paper’s financial department.

“Bob was a solid, well-rounded newsman with diverse skills, as was evident by his transition from the business desk to sports copy desk and columnist. He was an old-style journalist who could do it all,” News Editor Margaret Sullivan said.

“Bob loved covering horse racing, whether it be at Buffalo Raceway, Batavia Downs, Fort Erie, or the Triple Crown races,” News Sports Editor Steve Jones said. “He made friends on the rail and in the lines at the betting windows. As the Happy Handicapper, he relished the chance to be Everyman in the sport of kings.”

Summers was a 1966 graduate of St. Bonaventure University who began his professional career with Metal Working News in New York City. He returned to Western New York and held a variety of positions in the region before joining the News for good in 1977.

Summers is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sheila; their daughter, Samantha; plus two sisters and a brother. In lieu of flowers, Summers’ family has asked for memorial contributions to be made in Bob’s name to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation with information available at www.trfinc.org.

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READER COMMENTS

Posted by: George, Buffalo, NY on September 08, 2010 at 07:10 PM

Bob was great man.He love his family,friends and horses.Bob and I would get together from time to to time for Luncn.I was just tell my wife that I had to call Bob to set up a lunch.
I first met Bob At Santa Anita race track last year at the Breeders Cup.I gave him a Negilgee cap for my horse that was running in the 2yr old filly race.Bob made his way down to the paddock to wish me luck.
Than after we became good friends and i will miss friend bob.My prayers are with Bob and his famliy.

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Posted by: Steve, Playa del Rey, CA on September 08, 2010 at 02:43 AM

Bob was responsible for engineering my first visit to the Kentucky Derby in 1980 when we both wrote for ther News. Since moving to California in 1982, I was always looked forward to seeing him at the Breeders' Cup to reminisce and catch up on recent news. Racing and journalism lost one of the good guys much too early.
Steve Schuelein
Playa del Rey, Cal.

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Posted by: Diane, Niagara Falls, NY on September 07, 2010 at 08:05 PM

The sport of Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing has lost a great champion and supporter in Bob Summers. I was extremely fortunate to follow his racing column in the Buffalo News. How appropriate that he be remembered by donations to the TRF. The Triple Crown will never be the same without his wonderfully written articles. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Gone much too soon.

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Posted by: Lynne , Salem, NH on September 07, 2010 at 03:44 PM

Bob will be missed, both in the journalism profession and on the racetrack. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends.
Lynne Snierson

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Posted by: Rick Snider, Waldorf, MD on September 07, 2010 at 08:47 AM

Bob was a great all-round guy. Loved seeing him every year for the past 25 Triple Crowns. Loved horse racing and newspapers. I'll miss him.

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