Dr. Robert W. Niehaus, 85, passed away Easter Sunday. The Cincinnati native lived in Southern Pines for the past 14 years. He was the pediatrician for the children of several members of the Cincinnati Reds Big Red Machine of the 1970s.

The story goes that Tony Perez’ wife started taking her child to him soon after Perez joined the Reds. Despite his inability to speak Spanish, Mrs. Perez was so impressed with Dr. Niehaus that she recommended him to the other Latin ball players, which included Dave Concepcion, Cesar Geronimo and, later, Pedro Borbon. I also understand, but haven’t been able to confirm, that George Foster’s children also went to Dr. Niehaus.

He was a big sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing tennis, golf and working with horses. While living in North Carolina, he met and became fast friends with another Ohio native Gene Smith, who eventually became the General Manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While he had many associations with the sports world, he was more proud (though quietly so) of his service to the United States. He served as pharmacist mate, acquiring college training for the V-12s, in the U.S. Navy during World War II and as Second Lt. in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Sports figures who also participated in the V-12 program include former baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn, baseball player Al Rosen, football player Elroy Hirsch, baseball manager Alvin Dark, Heisman Trophy winner Angelo Bertelli and football manager George Allen.

In addition to being a member of the greatest generation, Dr. Niehaus was my father-in-law. So, to me, his greatest achievement was producing – along with his wife Millie – my wife Andrea, the mother of my son Will Griffin.

He is survived by a brother, five children, 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held in Cincinnati Saturday. A memorial service to be held at a future date at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 160 E. Vermont Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28388.

In lieu of flowers, donations requested on behalf of Dr. Robert W. Niehaus, M.D. to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, PO Box 5202, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5202. To donate online, please click here.