By Suzette Standring
The NSNC lost a great friend, Robert L. Haught, when he passed on October 11, 2025. He was at the helm of significant events and milestones for the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.
I first met Bob when he chaired the 2000 Washington D.C. conference, and all were wowed by the speakers he invited from the inner circles of The Beltway. It was that same year, 2000, Bob was instrumental in founding the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award, and partnering with the Will Rogers Foundation to present the annual award; Jeff Zaslow was the first recipient.
For years, he contributed to the NSNC newsletter and served as a mentor, officer and longtime board member.
Many of our past conferences benefited from his guiding hand: Washington D.C., Hartford, Los Angeles, Tucson, Macon, Oklahoma and others.
Bob and his wife Mary were ever present with support and their treasure of time, and a swarm of friends always surrounded them at our traditional hospitality suite at annual conferences.
Once it was great fun to visit them at their home, and every day, flights of hummingbirds drank from window feeders; energetic, magical, there to inspire and uplift. Just like Bob.
Share your memories about Bob with us here by commenting below.
Read Bob’s obituary: https://www.preddyfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/robert-haught
