Robert L. Gerbig

GERBIG Robert L. Gerbig, age 66, of Powell, Ohio, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2011 from cardiovascular complications in Delray Beach, Florida. Born on April 27, 1945, "Bob" was a devoted husband and father, and trusted friend to many. He was a successful entrepreneur, mentor and civic supporter. Bob was a 1963 graduate of Upper Arlington High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967 from The Ohio State University, where he was President of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Bob received a Master of Science degree from Ohio University in 1968 with exceptional distinction in Journalism. Bob began his career in the healthcare industry working for Marion Merrell-Dow in 1969 until 1971. He later worked for Abbott Laboratories (Ross Products Division) from 1971-1975 in several marketing executive positions. He began his advertising career in 1975, joining Wm. S. Konold & Associates 1975-1977. In 1977, Bob and two other partners, Chris Snell and Rick Weisheimer joined forces to create one of the most recognized, global and largest healthcare marketing agencies in existence today: GSW Worldwide. Bob was Chairman and CEO from 1977 until he retired in 2000. He was most recognized for his strong vision and believing in the talents of those who worked for him. His agency and he received many industry awards and honors, not limited to: Advertising Person of the Year (1995) and Master Entrepreneur of the Year (1999). Bob was involved in several other business and civic efforts. Bob was the longest serving, outside director for Cardinal Health, Inc. (1975-2007). Bob was a Trustee on the boards of The James Cancer Foundation, the Columbus Association of Performing Arts (CAPA), Ohio University Dean's Council, The Ohio University Foundation and First Community. He also dedicated his time to Central Ohio Heart Association, COSI and the Columbus Mayor's Business Leadership Committee. Bob was loved and cherished by many friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents Ava Louise Gerbig and Robert Leroy Gerbig, his grandparents Ava Louise Beardsley and Frank Charles Gerbig and Ethel Gerbig and his ferocious dog, Harley. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Teri Walker Gerbig; and children, Patricia Gerbig Toohey, M.D. (Matthew), Robert Braden Gerbig (Alexa) and JoAnn Gerbig; and step-children, Lauri Walker Boucek (Mark), Christopher Lewis Walker (Tan); and grandchildren, Patrick Brian Toohey, Everett Joesph Gerbig, Cole Stephen Walker, Molly Katherine Toohey, Robert Jackson Boucek, Oliver Owen Gerbig, William Emerson Gerbig, Emily Patten Toohey, Max Stephen Walker, Daniel Robert Toohey, Matthew Kevin Toohey and Ava Jane Gerbig. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Community Church located on 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Grandview Heights. Following the service, friends and family are invited to The Columbus Club located on 181 East Broad Street to remember his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Flying Horse Farms, 3 Easton Oval, Suite 330, Columbus, OH 43219 or online at www.flyinghorsefarms.org.