By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Robert “Bob” Klitzkie, former senator and a popular talk show host, passed away early this morning. He was 86.
The former Republican senator served in the 27th and 28th Guam Legislatures. He was Guam's leading conservative voice.
He was the host of “Tall Tales” on 93.3 FM and a former columnist for the Pacific Island Times.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero described Klitzkie as "a brilliant legal mind, a devoted public servant, and a true character in the best sense of the word."
"Whether he was guiding students in the classroom, shaping policy in the Legislature, or offering spirited commentary on the airwaves, Bob brought passion, integrity, and a dry wit that left a lasting impression on everyone he met,” Leon Guerrero said.
Born on Dec. 20, 1938, in the metropolis of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Klitzkie served 10 years in the Army National Guard that ended in 1992 when he reached his mandatory removal age. He was a lieutenant colonel when he left the service.
He came to the island after accepting a teaching position about 50 years ago. He married Lourdes Palomo. He was one of those who came and fell in love with Guam. He has since made Guam his home.
Klitzkie jokingly referred to himself as a “recovering lawyer” and “serial has-been.” He had been a marine, teacher, union officer, lawyer, director of education, director of corrections, senator and judge pro tempore. He was never afraid of going against the tide and was never coy about expressing his conservative opinions.
“From the courtroom to the classroom to the Correctional Facility, he served Guam with diligence and distinction, the governor said.
Klitzkie was an advocate of fiscal prudence, less government and lower taxes. He endorsed a part-time legislature with streamlined functions— a proposal he first introduced when he was a member of the 28th Guam Legislature. He continued to defend this idea — which has repeatedly been reintroduced in succeeding legislatures — although it was a long shot in a community where the government is the largest employer.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio recalled that Kliztkie was a key figure in the unification of the Judiciary, playing a pivotal role in ensuring that Guam’s courts would be an independent and coequal branch of government.
"At a time of dangerous instability, he made bold improvements at the Department of Corrections, always striving for excellence. While I didn’t always agree with his opinions, I never once doubted his sincerity or his desire to make Guam the best place it could be. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Lou and the rest of the Klitzkie family,” Tenorio added.
After graduating magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico in 1974, Klitzkie co-established a law firm, Brooks & Klitzkie P.C., and became a respected private attorney.
"While Senator Klitzkie will long be remembered for his candor and firmness, he will also be missed for his willingness to share his wisdom and provide sound and practical advice. Not one to shy away from differentiating views, Senator Klitzkie was a person you appreciated being in your corner and confident when he stood by your side," Speaker Frank Blas Jr. said.
“Robert Klitzkie exemplified the qualities of a statesman who cared deeply about public safety, education, transparency and fiscal responsibility,” said Vice Speaker Tony Ada. “His contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, and he will be greatly missed.”
Ada extends his “heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Senator Klitzkie’s legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire and guide the people of Guam.”
“Bob was truly larger than life—both in stature and in spirit—with a towering presence matched only by his vast intellect and boundless personality," Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane said.
"The Republican Party of Guam joins the community in mourning the passing of two-term Senator Robert Klitzkie. An outspoken advocate for education and government reform, Senator Klitzkie was a conservative voice for common sense policy both in the 27th and 28th Guam Legislatures and outside of it as a longtime talk radio host and political commentator," the Repulican Party of Guam said in a statement.
"Most recently, our friend Bob Co-Chaired our Party’s Platform Committee crafting the 'Contract with Guam, USA' adopted by the Republican Party of Guam on March 16, 2024 and ratified by our 19 District Leaders on May 16, 2024."
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