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Robert GURSKE Obituary
A native of Washington, he had been a Peninsula resident for 28 years. At the time of his death, he was a history teacher at I. C. Norcum High School. He was also a drummer in a local band named Tusko Fatale for 20 years.
Survivors include his wife, Paula Gurske; his mother, Ursula Gregory of Gloucester; one brother, Paul Gurske of Hampton; and two close friends and band members, Donnie Kepley and David Orr.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, in W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Suite A102, Newport News, VA 23606.
Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert GURSKE
Shane Cooley
August 1, 2011
This deeply saddens me. Bob engineered some of my earliest records and played a big part in my musical growth as a teenager. He will always be remembered.
Jim an Gerlinde Stevens
July 21, 2011
It was very hard for Ursula to loose her one son. But she was so happy to hear all the friends talk so wonderful about him.Paul and his mother Ursula always will remember Bob as what he was, a lovely, kind caring person
Kim B
July 20, 2011
Bob was a gentle giant. He was one of the nicest, sweetest guys I have ever known. He could move huge PA cabinets around by himself, amazing! Not sure how he did it, the PA was usually set up by the time we arrived. Bob will be greatly missed--Kim
Dito Morales
July 12, 2011
Bob helped a lot of us. He will be deeply missed. My memories of Bob will always be sweetly musical.
Mike Land
July 10, 2011
I feel lucky to have known Bob, he was a Gentle Man and gentleman. In a chaotic situation, (musically), Bob could always settle a storm to a calm...Just one of many great qualities he had. My heart out to all Family and Freinds...Godspeed your journey onward.
Tusko Fatale's Bob Gurske
David Orr
July 10, 2011
Bob Gurske was my band mate in Tusko Fatale for over 20 years. I will forever cherish the memories of those wonderful days we spent together creating and playing music. He was an exceptional man with exceptional talent. He will forever be loved and missed.
Joshua Kraemer
July 10, 2011
I knew Bob from the Kings Head Inn. When you were performing, whenever he grimaced, tilted his head to the side and scratched it, you knew something was awry. Not with the sound, but with the performance. Bob was honest and as a musician, I always appreciated that. (Ultra Cindy/Collider)
Daija Graves
July 8, 2011
mr. gurske was my teacher. he was very funny and itelligent. I will miss speaking to him everytime I walk past I his class.
Dave Herbert
July 8, 2011
We will miss you. What a great guy. He always was great to talk to between sets at the Kings Head Inn. Thanks Bob for always making sure my voice punched through the mix. ( I Am I)
Stephen Disney
July 8, 2011
There are only 2 (recent) albums that I have ever worked on that didn't involve Bob to a greater or lesser extent. A lot of time over more than a decade (1991-2003), it often felt like he was literally an unseen band member. Since I now live in upstate NY, I haven't talked to him for about a year (and then by phone to congratulate him on the Tusko Fatale reunion). I was so excited to send him the latest album master that I am finishing up in the next week... I just knew he would have been proud... Now it will carry a dedication.
Stephen Disney
(Mightier Than Thunder - bass)
Bob resting on the job... nah, he just blinked. ;-)
Stephen Disney
July 8, 2011
Goodbye friend and mentor... you will be missed...
Stephen Disney (Mightier Than Thunder)
Donnie Kepley
July 8, 2011
I have been completely stunned.
My heart goes out to Bob's Mom and Brother - he mentioned you often.
And Paula - I'd never seen such a happy look on Bob's face before he met you!
Love, blessings, and peace to you all and with deepest sympathies - Donnie and Melissa
Bob Gurske - what a beautiful and talented soul.
Donnie Kepley
July 8, 2011
Matthew Robinson
July 8, 2011
Bob was always so kind and giving. He was a great friend and like a 4th member of my band Mightier Than Thunder. He will be missed by all who knew him and he will never be forgotton by the lives he touched
Dave Bean
July 8, 2011
To the Gurske family- Bob was many things-a great drummer, a brillant sound man, a funny roomate, and truely one of the nicest people on could ever met. We are a little less for his passing, but greater because of his presence. Rest in peace.
Reggie Burrus
July 7, 2011
Bob was one of the nicest and most honest people I met in the music business. I thank Bob for some of my best musicial memories and for being a bright spot in my journey.
You will be missed and never forgotten.
David Phelps
July 7, 2011
Bob you will be missed but your impact will never be lost. Thanks for everything.
Devon, Darien and Angela
Angela Mitchell
July 7, 2011
Mr. Gurske taught both of childtren (twins) at I.C. Norcom High School. He was my daughter's favorite teacher and made her want to pursue a career as a History teacher. He was a patient and kind man. I spoke to him on several occasions during parent conference meetings and he was always supportive and wanted to do whatever he could to help my children succeed. He will be greatly missed at I.C. Norcom High School. On behalf of my twins, Devon and Darien Williams and myself, please find the strength you need in the comfort of the Lord during this difficult time.
Bob Guariglia
July 7, 2011
Thank you Bob, for all the help you gave local musicians. You were a good friend and will be missed.
Sean Weingartner
July 7, 2011
You'll never be forgotten. Your talents as a sound engineer and a musician made a permanent and positive mark on me and countless others. Thanks for everything. Peace to your family and friends.
David Norris
July 7, 2011
Bob you recorded us over a very cold snowy weekend in February 1994 and made everything about the experience warm and friendly. You listened to all of our ideas and showed patience beyond measure. You gave our album such warmth and depth that I still strive to match years later. You took all of our jokes in stride and even dished a few of your own. You also got me a KILLER bass tone AND kept it in front of the mix LOL!! Thank you for everything Bob, you will truly be missed in Hampton Roads.
Jason Kyte
July 7, 2011
You will be missed. Thank you for your support and guidance over the years.
Bryan Forrest (of The Lift)
July 7, 2011
To Pauline and the family,
Bob has always been a great presence to be around. I will always treasure the many times I spent with him musically and will cherish the vast amount of recorded material he left behind. His character was like no other and he could always be counted on to be steady as a rock, just like his drumming. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
CHARLENE SELBY
July 7, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Trevor Buchanan
July 7, 2011
My first experience with a real sound engineer. You intimidated me but made me a much better musician with criticism that would take me years to understand. Rest in peace.
July 7, 2011
Bob recorded my drums at so many dives
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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