1916 - 2009
A second-generation native of Los Angeles born to Dr. Norman F. Sprague Sr. and Frances Sprague, Bob spent the first half of his long life as a force for good in the city he loved. His father, a renowned surgeon, was a Regent of the University of California. His older brother, Norman, also a surgeon was deeply involved in improving the lives of others. His mother and little sister, Audrey, participated actively in feeding families during the Depression and spent countless hours volunteering for local causes. It was a family that believed deeply in giving back, making things better, serving others.
Bob married Jean Warner Sprague and they raised four children, Robert Jr. (deceased) (Karen), William, Lois (Gwynne) and Jeanie (deceased.) Their home in Hancock Park became the vibrant center of numerous social and philanthropic events. Together they were generous contributors to cultural, educational and medical institutions throughout the area. As the Second World War came to a close Bob began in earnest working to make real the promise of home ownership for those wanting to settle here. He and a partner were among the first builders to consider doing multiple houses at the same time in order to make them affordable to young families. The move from building homes to helping people obtain the money to pay for them was a simple step and thus began a remarkable career in financing.
