Robert-Gerbracht-Obituary

Robert "Bob" Gerbracht

Pinole, California

1924 - 2017

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Pinole, California

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Robert "Bob" Thomas Gerbracht

June 23, 1924 - April 28, 2017

Robert "Bob" Gerbracht died peacefully at home in Pinole, CA. His wife Bunny & two daughters Lizzie & Kitty were with him. Bob was born in Erie, PA. Bob earned his B.F.A. in painting from Yale, & his M.F.A. from the...

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I was reminiscing of taking a pastel portrait class years ago with Bob Gerbracht in Asilomar Calif. it was one of the most special experiences of my life. As a pastelist who does figuratives and portraits, I will never forget how fortunate I was to have Mr Gerbracht as my teacher and mentor for the entire week. He was gracious, engaging and personable. I am truly blessed to have met him and am now after 16 years working as a school teacher have decided to get back into creating artwork as it...

Bob's art hang above my desk, I still hear his voices of advice and continue to teach his practices. Mostly I just miss his friendship and laughter. To all of his family, I'm sorry I've been so distant in reaching out. Believe it or not, it's still too tender a loss for me. Barb

Every time I paint a portrait, I think of Bob with warm and happy memories and what an inspiration he still is...

Bob... father of my best friend growing up, first art teacher, giver of my nickname, and sometimes second dad. The world is better for him being here. Thanks for sharing yourself with us.

Bob was such an inspiration to me and so many others. I was very lucky to be in many of his workshops. When working on a painting in his class I will always remember him saying, "Well what do you think about this ----" so any correction felt like it was my idea. I loved him for his sense of humor and kindness - and his extraordinary talent. A very special guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sincerely. Francine Hurd

Well what can I say about dear Bob? I took his life painting class for many years. I helped him clean the studio after my class......so I knew him well. .I think I did it so I could hang out with Bob for an hour. Something , just now, told me to check his website....so I did. I haven't cried in a long time. I've been meaning to call him.
I painted my first person with him. I didn't even know how to paint! Some how you could do it if he was around, he inspired you! He accepted you. ...

Bob Gerbracht was my favorite pastel teacher; 'Uncle Bob' as I affectionately called him entered my life when I moved to San Francisco in 1994. I had seen his work in a pastel magazine and realized to my delight, that he taught classes in the same city. For the next 5 years I attended his class once a week and learned how to draw a portrait and how to use the pastel medium. He was a great teacher, with a pinpoint eye for accuracy and at times acerbic wit in delivering his critiques. It was...

Dearest Bunny, Lizzy and Kitty, husbands and grandchildren, You are in my thoughts. Bob started as a teacher but quickly became a friend and tease. He was gifted in his patience and laughter as well as artistic talent. As I type I weep. Know he is missed. If you want to hear some stories... you are always welcome to call or write. Barb

May the God of comfort, comfort the family the
family in your time of sorrow. 2 : 1: 3 & 4.