Name: Celebration of Life for Robert "Bob" Gerbracht
Start: 2017-06-17T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-06-17T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Epperson Gallery

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 University of Southern California. He began teaching his private classes & workshops in portrait & figure drawing & painting in 1979. His paintings have been shown in exhibitions in the USA, Israel, Austria & China, winning many top awards & honors including the Life Time Achievement Award from the Sonoma Plein Air Corporation. He was a member of the Society of Western Artists, & advisor & Pastel Laureate of The Pastel Society of The West Coast, & a Master Pastelist of The Pastel Society of America. His is included in Who' Who in American Art, Who's Who in the West, Who's Who in California & Who's Who in American Education. He was inducted into The Hall of Fame by The Pastel Society of America in 2015.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather & teacher. Bob touched so many lives in a positive & colorful way. He will be miss by all that knew him. Bobs life will be celebrated at the Epperson Gallery in Crocket, CA June 17th, from 1:00 - 4:00.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 5 to May 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gerbracht

9 Entries

Janice Elizzabeth

August 11, 2025

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 has been a passion I have ignored for way too long! Blessings to the family and Bob´s legacy and memory does truly live on! His special memory has reinspired me to use the gifts God gave me for art and inspiring others!

Barb Noonan

April 29, 2020

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

Francine Hurd

April 29, 2019

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

Stephen McLaughlin

December 11, 2018

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.

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Francine Hurd

June 20, 2017

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

Mary Howard

May 23, 2017

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. He lived big. But in a quiet way.. He was completely himself. He didn't judge. He was kind and funny. Some how I always thought he'd out-love all of us , like he'd never die.......I guess I was wrong.
I liked him so much I threw a 80 year old birthday party for him......with the help of his students. I didn't even have big parties for my husband. I guess I liked Bob. We all did....... He was a bright light, a good soul, a mensch .........he was the real deal. I will miss you Bob. May you have peace. You touched me, you touched so many, you were the bridge that connected us all. You made a difference in all our lives. Thank you.

Janet Cook

May 14, 2017

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 an honor to have known him and I am so glad I got to visit Bob and Bunny last year and pay my respects.
My thoughts are with you Bunny, Kitty, Lizzy, husbands and grandchildren.
Janet Cook, former student

Barb Noonan

May 9, 2017

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 6, 2017

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

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results