Robert York Geiger

1961 - 2010

Robert York Geiger, 49, of Panama City, departed this life peacefully, at his residence on Jan. 28, 2010 after a long battle with cancer.

The courage and strength he showed during this time earned him the name "super trouper" by all his friends. This gentle, kind, compassionate, soul was not a man of many words, but he never missed a beat.

He was born Jan. 13, 1961, in Rome, N.Y. to Anton and Patricia Geiger. He spent his early years in Puerto Rico and Central Florida before his family settled in DeFuniak Springs, Fla. While he attended Walton High School, he assisted his family raising Paso Fino horses on their farm in DeFuniak Springs. Robert was a champion horse rider and trainer who won many blue ribbons and awards. His style and grace while riding a horse were second to none.
Robert later moved to South Florida and attended the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, becoming a licensed journeyman electrician. He worked as an electrician for many years in South Florida and upon returning to the Panhandle in 1996, he worked as an electrician for the city of Panama City. Robert lent a hand to many of his friends and family with his expert electrical knowledge and talent.

In 2000, Robert decided to return to college to pursue a career in nursing. He attended Gulf Coast Community College and upon his graduation as a registered nurse, he worked at Gulf Coast Medical Center until his illness forced him to retire. He touched each and every one of his patients with his amazing care and compassion.

Robert was an avid boater and able to navigate a boat trailer better than anyone. He loved to fish, snorkel, dive and be anywhere where there was water and sunshine. His other love was playing blackjack and he enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas and Biloxi.

Robert was preceded in death by his dear mother, Marion Patricia Wheelihan; his grandparents, Robert York and Marion Wheelihan, Andrew and Beatrice Geiger; and his father-in-Law, Russell Danwood Spencer.

Leaving behind to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Debbi Spencer Geiger, along with five "white" dogs, Pebbles, Bam Bam, Lucy, Desi and Buzzy; his father, Lt. Colonel Anton John Geiger (USAF ret.); his brother John Geiger; his loving mother-in-Law, Darlene F. Spencer; sisters-in-law, Pam Perrin, Patricia Spencer, Dina Youngblood and husband, Tim; and brother-in-law, Daryl Spencer; nine nieces and nephews whom he adored, Rachel Rogers, Shar Krasniqi, Ja Krasniqi, Andrew Perrin and wife, Alicia, Christopher Perrin and wife, Katie, Michelle Perrin, Danielle Krasniqi, Mason Youngblood, Hannah Youngblood; his godson, Jacob Danwood Rogers; and great nephew, William Andrew Perrin. Special friends who helped him through this journey, Debbie and Paul Massey, Debra Jennings, Penny Estelle, Annette and Mark Orangio and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A special thank you to Dr. J Patel, Dr. W. Dent, Dr. R. Finney, Dr. S. Mahmood and staff, all Robert's friends, co-workers and staff at Gulf Coast Medical Center. A special thank you to Covenant Hospice for the care provided to Robert at his time of need.

A Celebration of Robert's Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at Frank Nelson Park & Clubhouse 4201 W. 23rd St Panama City, FL 32401.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to http://www.caringbridge.org or to Covenant Hospice, 107 W.19th Street Panama City, FL 32405.