Robert W. Lenski, 74; Emmy-Nominated Television Writer

Robert W. Lenski, 74, a prolific Emmy-nominated television writer who scripted such television movies as the well-received 1997 “What the Deaf Man Heard” and last year’s “A Death in the Family,” died June 19 in Los Angeles of cancer.

Born on a Michigan farm, Lenski joined the Marines at age 17 and caught the end of World War II, including landing on Iwo Jima. After the war, he earned a degree in English and journalism at the University of Michigan and worked as a police-beat reporter for the Jackson (Mich.) Patriot.

When he decided to write for television, Lenski began with popular series of the 1960s and ‘70s, penning episodes for “The FBI,” “Cannon,” “Barnaby Jones” and “Manhunter.”

But he soon began specializing in miniseries and major television movies, including the 1975 “Who Is the Black Dahlia?” and the 1976 “Brink’s: The Great Robbery.”

He wrote several miniseries based on best-selling books, including “Kane & Abel” in 1985.

He also wrote several programs for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, such as “Decoration Day” in 1990 and “Breathing Lessons” in 1994.

In addition to three Emmy nominations for his work, Lenski collected a 1979 Edgar Allan Poe Award for his miniseries “The Dain Curse,” a Christopher Award and a Cowboy Hall of Fame Award.

Before launching his television career, Lenski was a vice president and creative director for the McCann-Erickson Advertising Agency in Los Angeles.