Robert Clinton Gerber

Gerber, Robert Clinton
died peacefully in his home in Phoenix, OR on January 19th, 2015. Bob was a child of the West, born in Los Angeles, CA on April 14th, 1937. He was Reared in Phoenix, Arizona, during a softer gentler time. He and his friends were allowed to safely bicycle the streets and bus into town for movies and library use, without concerns for gangs or other violence. Swimming occupied most of his summer time. He delivered newspapers door to door. He was awarded the Eagle Scout rank. He attended four of the PAC-10 schools. He was awarded the MD degree by the University of Southern California in 1964. His life-long relation to Oregon began when he interned at OHSU, then known as U. of Oregon Medical School Hospitals and Clinics. His residency was divided between USC and UCLA, where he learned his specialties of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, later becoming board certified in both. Dr. Gerber was active in the Jackson County Medical Society, the AMA, the American College of Rheumatology, and was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He published several papers in peer-reviewed medical journals. He served on the voluntary faculty of UCLA., becoming Clinical Professor of Medicine. He served as a missionary in Germany 1957-60. He was fluent in Spanish and German. He was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church, singing in the choir for several years. He married Linda Sue Wilson in Los Angeles in September, 1964. The marriage ended in 1983. Bob is survived by daughters Sallianne Kelly of Burns, OR and Shawna Lynne Spani of Medford, OR. Also surviving him are sister Jennifer Snyder of Colorado Springs, CO, two Grandchildren Matthew E. Kelly and Bruce D. Spani, several aunts and uncles, two nieces, four nephews, and numerous cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents, Elmo and Louise Gerber, and his beloved sister Karalee. He served as a Medical Officer in the US Air Force during the Vietnam era, 1965-67. He practiced medicine in Santa Barbara, CA for 22 years, Los Angeles, CA for 7 years, and finished his active practice in Medford,OR. In semi-retirement, he acted as Compensation and Pension physician at the VA facility in White City, OR. Bob also loved downhill skiing, tennis, hiking, poetry and reading. He was a member of the Goethe Society of North America. A memorial service is scheduled at Ascension Lutheran Church on January 31st, 2015 at 1pm. Direct interment is at Veterans Cemetery in Eagle Point, OR, arrangements by Perl Funeral Directors. Robert C. Gerber, MD., felt fortunate to have had a rich and varied life. In lieu of flowers, remembrance of Ascension Lutheran Church or the American College of Rheumatology would be appreciated.