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G. Robert Workman II

About

University of Akron

FUNERAL HOME

Billow's Funeral Homes & Crematory - Fairlawn Chapel

85 North Miller Road

Akron, Ohio

G. Workman Obituary

G. Robert Workman II

G. Robert Workman II, 34, died Sept. 1, 2003.

Born in Atlanta, Ga., he was a life resident of Akron. He was a graduate of Firestone High School class of 1987, and the University of Akron with a degree in anthropology. Rob most currently worked as an archeol ogist for Gray & Pape. He was an avid bass and guitar player, enjoyed running in Sand Run Park, and listening to jazz and funk. A big kid himself, he loved spending time with his son, Monte.

He is survived by son and his mother, Monte and Erin; mother and father, Wilton and Robert of Akron; brother, Monte of Tucson, Ariz.; sister, Lynn Pritchard (Keith) of Columbus; grandmother, Ithna Workman of Mt. Vernon; and special friend, Melody Barrett.

Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., 6 to 9 p.m. MONDAY. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. TUESDAY at Workman Cemetery in Danville, Ohio. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 330-867-4141.)

Please sign the guestbook at www.ohio.com/obituaries

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

Published by Akron Beacon Journal from Sep. 6 to Sep. 7, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for G. Workman

Sponsored by the Oldhams..to Monte for years to come..take comfort in the laughs/smiles caused by your daddy ! .

71 Entries

Melody

September 2, 2024

Hey, Rob.

Erin

September 1, 2024

21 years, I can't believe it. Thinking of you today.

Scott M. Romig

February 5, 2024

The older I get the more I miss our the friendship we had... I think of you often... Missing our shenanigans that kept us young and laughing...

Chuck

December 10, 2021

I was talking about the Rhodes yesterday and wanted to call you.

Erin

September 1, 2021

Thinking about you today....

Lynn

April 28, 2021

2020 was horrible, but it would have been better with you here.

Peter

May 13, 2019

Miss you my friend. I think you might have liked the future...

Lynn Workman

December 19, 2018

Miss you Rob.

Peter

September 1, 2015

Thinking of you, my friend.

Peter

June 5, 2012

It was good to see last night...even if it was just for a short while. You are still missed my friend.

Erin

November 11, 2011

Happy Anniversary.

Melody

December 3, 2008

I still think of you when I hear certain songs, Rob. And sometimes, when I least expect it, I just think of you for no reason at all. I'll always miss you.

Barb Christy

October 1, 2008

I still can't drive through Sand Run Park and not think of you...
Then again, I think of you often.
I miss you Rob.

Michele Ayers (Hauser)

July 8, 2005

It's been almost two years and I just found out about Rob's passing. He was such a special person to me. I remember when we went to his house one night and he showed me his infamous Tarantula. He was so excited to show him to me thinking that I would be scared...I wasn't. He was shocked.

My prayers go out to his family. Love you Rob, rest in peace buddy.

Melody

March 9, 2005

Happy Birthday, Rob. I still miss you and think of you...you will never be forgotten.

Amy Spencer (Matthews)

February 8, 2005

May the hand of GOD teach and comfort Monte. Your father was a wonderful man who will be missed by many. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

bunny oldham

September 7, 2004

Heaven has had SOME YEAR ! When we see your mom at the pool with Monte, you know he is in good hands and there are many to love him.

Rob, may you rest in peace, with a touch of Rock and Roll.

Rande Woodruff

September 3, 2004

Today marks the one year anniversary of Rob's death. His absence in our lives has left a deep scar in our hearts. I think of how sad it is that Rob is missing out on his beautiful son's life and of course, what things Monte will miss without him. What wonderful blessings children are, I know Rob would be so proud of his son's achievements at the tender age of four. He is a beautiful, incrediably smart boy and oh, so handsome! He definitely has Rob's sly smile. Rob is never far from our thoughts as is the Workman family.

Barb Christy

July 16, 2004

Why was I not surprised to see this guest book still open... I know we still think of Rob often and miss him in our lives. He was one of a kind and I for one miss his smile and the way he made you feel like you were the one person he was waiting to see that day.....

Jeff Friedman

December 1, 2003

Whoa, I can't believe the news. An old acquaintance from Firestone just told me of Rob's passing. My memories of Rob go back to elementary school even though we knew each other through Firestone. Rob always had that sly grin and silly laugh - he always looked like he just got away with something - what a tragedy. My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.

Mark Eisenhart

October 17, 2003

Here is a synopsis of what I said at Rob's graveside service:

I met Rob in gradeschool. I'm pretty sure Bill introduced us. I was the fat kid who was always made fun of on the playground. Rob, like many other students, used to tease me. In his case, however unlike many other kids, I don't think he ever did it to be mean. It was just a game to him. More of a challenge to see how much he could get away with. And since Rob could run alot faster than me, he got away with alot. Eventually I realized that one of two things were bound to happen. Either one day I would catch him or set a trap for him and have my revenge, or we would wind up friends. I am proud and privelaged to say that it was the latter. Incidentally, even as we grew older he never completely stopped pushing the envelope with me.

That was just his way :0)

In junior high Rob introduced me to music. Many of our mutual

friends had also taken up music as a hobby, but everyone played

either the guitar or the drums. Thus I found my niche as a bass

player. I'm pretty sure Rob also encouraged the idea so that he

would have access to a bass, since I left it in his basement most of

the time anyway. At any given time when I would come over to play it

or for band practice it was in varying stages of disassembly. Rob

liked to take things apart and put them back together. My bass was

perfect for this avocation. It was a starburst colored Peavey bass

and I had a Peavey TKO 80 amp. I made more tracks through the living room and the kitchen into the basement hauling my stuff back and forth to and from band practice that I'm sure Dr. and Mrs Workman were delighted when I started playing in a different band with Ed Simpson and Carl Falasco. In fact I'm pretty sure that I have only been in the kitchen, the basement, and the bathroom of the house on Overwood.

I distinctly remember Rob's pet tarantula, the cross beam for the

anti- grav boots at the base of the stairs that I hit my head on,

the piano, the fish tank, Rob's toys, the metronome, and how loud we used to play when we jammed. We used to stand at the bottom of the

stairs in such a way that we could see Mrs Workman open the door to

tell us to turn down the music. Before her foot hit the first step

we would cut the volume down until we felt we had fooled her and

then blast it again when we were sure she had closed the door and

walked away. To this day I owe the tinnitus I have in both ears and

partial hearing loss in large part to my years of playing way too loud in Rob's basement.

Rob was a good friend and a talented musician. I am proud to have been his friend and wish him peace. I believe his warm heart and playful spirit will endure in all of the people that loved him.

Mark A. Eisenhart

Amy Thackeray

October 6, 2003

The memories I have of Rob are mostly from Jr and Sr High, and they all make me smile at the least. He was very unique, very honest, and very kind-hearted. He always had a soft spot for kids. My last memory of him is down in Sand Run Pkwy, when we both happened to be jogging at the same time. We all lost a friend. My condolences to Rob's family.

Erin Workman

October 1, 2003

As I sit here and read all the wonderful things everyone had to say about Rob, I am amazed. He touched so many people in his short life and he really never knew that he had such a great power. The day that Monte was born was the day that I saw Rob in a different light. Rob could be funny and goofy and do everything in his power to get you to laugh, but when his son was born, Rob was calm, collected and speechless. (Hard to believe, I know) He loved Monte more than anything in this world. I see Rob in Monte everyday, from his mischievous grin to his outragous questions. I am so thankful that God gave us such a wonderful gift. I will miss him.

Dawn Billings

September 28, 2003

I worked with Rob at First Merit, and he always made the day interesting. Rob was a wonderful person. My heart goes out to you Erin and Monte. God Bless

Ed Simpson

September 25, 2003

The news of Rob's passing has touched me in a way I never dreamed possible. Rob is one of the best friends I have ever had. To this day he is a major influence in my guitar playing. I tell my friends in Memphis daily of our antics. I used to work the late shift at Lawsons near Firestone and he would come in nightly with his Steve Vai guitar and a really loud amp where he and I would stand on the checkout counter trading guitar licks. In 8th and 9th grade he and I would sneak out in the middle of the night and steal our father's cars and race all over Akron. My dad's Maxima was no match for his dad's BMW until one night we recked the BMW. The story he came up with to cover OUR tails was straight out of Hollywood and his mother saw right through it. I extend my condolences to the Workman family.

This is a tremendous loss.

Ed, Dawn, Briann, Cameron, and Ian Simpson

-M

September 24, 2003

G - you are so much better than you know...It was my pleasure and privilege to stand by your side even when things got tough. You ARE good enough. I miss you terribly, Captain. And "I love you back."

Mark Eisenhart

September 18, 2003

Rob introduced me to writing and playing music in the 7th grade. Upon my return to Portland after his funeral I was compelled to write this song. I wanted to share the lyrics with his friends and family. It felt very strange writing a song for a friend under these circumstances. But I believe it had to be done.

Signs ( For Rob )

I want back the moments

That I missed

And the memories

I forgot

The spaces in between

And the time I took for granted

I want to dig in

The roots

I never planted

I have what it was you had

I know what it was you knew

I understand-

I just don’t believe

Any of this is real

And I don’t know what to feel

I want back the friendship

That I lost

And the experience

I let dissolve

The faces in between

And the smiles I took for granted

I want to cultivate

The seeds

I never planted

I have what it was you had

I know what it was you knew

I understand-

I just don’t believe

Any of this is real

And I don’t know what to feel

I would send

Different signals

And show

Different signs

Trace different circles

And draw

Different lines

Just to know what to feel

Just to know what to feel

Margaret Roy

September 18, 2003

Last night, I sadly learned of Rob's death. When I heard his name, I immediately pictured his sweet face. His personality stood out among the masses. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Suzanne Balch

September 17, 2003

Time has passed and we have all gone on to new levels of our lives. I will always remember the people who created great memories from my past. Rob always had something to say to put a smile on my face. The reasons why he will be missed are endless. God bless.

Suzanne Balch

Lynn Pritchard

September 14, 2003

I just want to thank everyone for the support. It's nice to know you are all thinking of us. It helps out more than you could ever imagine. Thank you again. Lynn

Nikki Eisenhart

September 12, 2003

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME..............

When tomorrow starts without me ,

And I'm not there to see .

If the sun should rise and find

your eyes ,

All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry ,

The way you did today.

While thinking of the many things,

We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me ,

As much as I love you.

And each time that you think of me ,

I know you'll miss me too .

But when tomorrow starts without me ,

Please try to understand .

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand .

And said my place was ready ,

In heaven far above .

And that I'd have to leave behind ,

All those I dearly love .

But when I walked through heaven's gates ,

I felt so much at home .

When God looked down and smiled at me ,

From His great golden throne ,

He said "This is eternity

And all I've promised you" ,

Today for life on earth is past

But here it starts anew .

I promise no tomorrow ,

For today will always last.

And since each day's the same way ,

There's no longing for the past .

So when tomorrow starts without me ,

Don't think we're far apart.

For every time you think of me ,

I'm right here in your heart.

I have very fuuny memories of Rob, he and Mark and Bill were always up to something, and it usually involed many laughs. My prayers and continued blessings to the Workmans.

Tad LeVan

September 12, 2003

I was both shocked and saddened to hear the news of Rob's passing. While it has been many years since I last saw him, I remember well his joy (not to mention his playful antics). His fire surely burned bright. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved him.

Gina Combs (Giacobone)

September 11, 2003

Today is September 11th, my ten year wedding anniversary. We sadly share that day with another ill-fated anniversary. Now, I will share it with the day that I learned of a friends passing. Rob and I never hung out together like most of you, but I always liked him. How could you not like Rob. He was nearly always smiling, and he treated everyone as a friend. I remember the first time I ever heard him play in a band. I couldn't believe how amazingly talented he was. His talents didn't end there. After reading this guestbook, anyone can see how many lives he has touched in such a meaningful way. My heart goes out to all who will miss him, his friends, his family, and especially his son, Monte, who I have not had the pleasure of meeting. I hope he will someday know how much his Dad loved him and that Rob will be there for him, always, in spirit. Take care of each other.

Bunny Vongratana-Oldham

September 11, 2003

I extend thoughts of love and prayers for strength to the Workman family. You just have to smile when you read the entries from all the friends who love and will miss Rob! I also remember riding in that Red GTI in the snow, and Rob turning 360s on the ice on Pershing just because he could !!! His quick wit and charm will never be matched ! His friendship with Billy Ellis will be envied forever by many. His expressions and voices make me laugh just thinking about them (MOUN-TAINS OF MAYONAISE!)...His wit and charm live on in Lynn and Monte, who I remember have the same mischievious grin ! Remember the good times, because there are so many, to help ease the pain of his loss. Always on our minds, and Forever in our Hearts....Rest in Peace Wobby W.

Melissa Trombley (Danko)

September 10, 2003

I am at a loss...for words and for a friend. Rob, along with Mark and Billy are the people who I consider friends that I have known the longest. Rob draws eloquence out of us, as is evidenced by the remarkable things everyone has written here. No one else in my life has made me laugh more than Rob. Rob's imitation of Monte Python was funnier than the real thing! I will always love his quirky smile as I will always love him and the memories. I am blessed to have been part of his short life. I am deeply saddened by his short life. My prayers go out to the Workmans and all Rob's friends.

Donald Miles

September 10, 2003

Rob once told me you can never have too many friends. He was generous, sincere and passionate. He would make time for anyone. I am a better person for having known him.

Lisa Strock

September 10, 2003

Rob was charming, witty, mischievous, talented, inspirational, and tragic. To know him for a day, a year or a decade is to miss him now.

Melissa Haffenden (Banker)

September 10, 2003

The quality of friendships forged during a lifetime are as illustrative of an individual as almost any other measure. Having had the pleasure of knowing Rob and many of his long-time friends, I can say with confidence that I have met the best, and it has been my privilege.

Josh Epstein

September 10, 2003

I never knew Rob well but in the time I did spend with him, I knew him as a smart, funny and good person who wasn't afraid to say he liked Al Dimeola. Lynn and Monte - my heart goes out to both of you and everyone touched by this.

John Morton

September 10, 2003

Orbit, as I called him, was my little brother and my closest buddy for 14 yrs. Whenever there was a reason to celebrate or mourn we always did both together. Bright, compassionate, hilariously funny, generous, loyal, talented, sensitive, brave, Orbit was all of these and more. We could spend hours discussing the origins of man or whether you'd see anything if you turned on your headlights while traveling at the speed of light. It never mattered as he'd apply the same passion to both. He'll always be a part of me. I miss you, my friend.

Susan Arthur

September 9, 2003

I have been deeply saddened this week over the loss of Rob. He was always a sweet soul, always kind to me. He had an easy smile mixed with an intelligent wit...gently teasing. And he was immensely talented. My heart goes out to those who loved him.

Julie Slade (Goldstein)

September 9, 2003

My deepest condolences go out the Workman family. I will always remember Rob for his great sense of humor and kind spirit. He will truly be missed!

Erin Epstein-Wier

September 9, 2003

My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Workman family. Monte and Lynn-I will be thinking of both of you during this difficult time.

Rich Dorffer

September 9, 2003

I had known Rob only for a short time compared to many, but I enjoyed my recent friendship with him. I am saddened by the thought that I never got to know Rob as well as I would have wanted to, but what I did know, I really enjoyed. Rob was passionate about his hobbies, a few of which I shared with him, and I always would look forward to discussing our common interests.

My condolences to the Workman family, Erin, Monte and all the people that loved Rob, I will think of all of you often.

Gary Tompkins

September 9, 2003

It's a sad day here in Greenville. I have many fond memories of Rob and the rest of the Youth Group at Westminister. The trips we took and the bonding that took place are fond memories in my mind. All that I can pray is that Rob is with Jesus and the Angels in heaven. May the Lord give comfort to the Workman family and friends. In Christ's name.

Pam Connery (Levinson)

September 9, 2003

My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the Workman family. And, hope and strength for his son, Monte.

joseph arthur

September 9, 2003

rob was inspiration

turning walkmans into

guitar amps

inventing ways to play

genius

always giving freely

friendship

i miss him

John L. Deadwyler

September 9, 2003

Wow, this is amazing. Rob was a truly great guy. Rob left an impact on the world. We are better to have known him, and we will never forget. Stay strong all.

Kris Horvath

September 8, 2003

Hanging out in with Lynn in high school, because of her closeness to her brothers, often meant hanging out with her brothers as well. It didn't take long for me to understand why she loved her brothers so much and I soon found myself enjoying both Rob and Monte's company as much as I enjoyed Lynn's. I have such fond memories of Rob and all of you, memories I will continue to cherish forever.

My deepest sympathy to the Workman family and everyone who knew and loved Rob.

Lissa Nukes

September 8, 2003

Rob was a truly special person who touched the hearts and souls of those who knew him. I will always remember Rob's wonderful sense of humor, his contagious smile and his soaring spirit. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the Workman family and especially his son. Rob will be truly missed but always cherished by anyone fortunate enough to have known him.

William & Lori Reynolds

September 8, 2003

We send our deepest condolences to the Workman Family.

Tami Henderson (McMasters)

September 8, 2003

Sincerest condolensces to the Workman family and his beautiful son, Monte.

Wesley Perry

September 8, 2003

The world has lost one of it's true free spirits with Rob's passing. My deepest sympathies to the Workman family and to his son who lost what I can only imagine was a great dad.

Christina & Rob Lowman (Noesner)

September 8, 2003

I met Rob at Firestone High,I did'nt have the pleasure of knowing him after High school,but I do remember his great love for music!

He was very talented! I'm so sorry for your great loss.

Theres a reason we will never know,

why God takes thoughs so dear,

theres comfort to know that they look down below,

and with this leaves us no fear,

They will forever stay by our side,

their memmory will leave an overcast,

leaving an imprint in our mind,

a touch that will surely last!

Chris Eck

September 8, 2003

I loved Rob like a brother and told him that so often in the last six months of his struggle that he made me stop saying it because it made him uncomfortable. I see Rob's life as a circus train. He was the conductor but instead of driving the train, he was busy playing with the midgets, getting shot from the cannon, swallowing swords and talking to the monkeys about evolution. The thing about a train is that you can't really see all it contains when it goes past, but you can catch glimpses -- an elephant trunk here, a lion's tail there, all the daring and wonder and magic, passing before your eyes. No one was going to be able to get on the train and make him take the controls as it headed for the place where the tracks had washed out, but I will always feel so fortunate to have been so close to that train when it came past.

Scott McLain

September 8, 2003

I remember Rob and his family from Westminster Presbyterian Church, especially all the great times in youth group and our trips to Cow Creek Kentucky. Although I was a Senior when he was a freshman, I too remember his dry sense of humor and his musical talents. My condolences go out to his family and his dear friends, Bill, Chuck, Mark, Carrie, and Shawn. Even though the years have past, when I think of Rob, I think of all five of you.

Scott McLain

Christina Carter(Trecaso)

September 7, 2003

Much of my childhood memories involve Rob and Billy.(I usually never said one name without the other ~ it was more like one word RobandBilly). Those two were enough reasons to attend Westminster youth group. As a kid in high school I loved hanging out in the Workman basement listening to Rob play rif's from Ozzy, then as a college kid in the basement of Annabelle's. Though our friendships have faded, I felt a tremendous loss upon hearing this sad news. My heart goes out to the Workman's, as well as to Billy. May Rob always rock on in our hearts.

Carrie Clark

September 7, 2003

The Rob I knew had a ferret named Elvis, a goofy snicker, and with his dear friend Chuck made dinner at home for his prom date and me --a dinner that included sushi as I recall. Rob's mind was limitless, and so was his capacity to love. He was a visionary who could see beyond the rules and structures of our culture. He could tell a completely bogus story, and then look out from under his brow with his upper lip pulled down, waiting to laugh with you at the absurdity of it ("the trees were throwing apples at my GTI, so I had to drive the car into them"), and Rob's version was always much better than the real one. Indeed, whenever I drive down Halifax I watch out for the apple-throwing trees. It is Rob whom I think of when I walk into my eighth grade classroom and hope more than anything to get out of the way of my students' creativity and curiosity, and their beliefs that anything is possible. I do believe that there were energy surges in the atmosphere when he was around. He is missed; we are richer for his having touched our lives, but oh is he missed.

EARNEST MOORE

September 7, 2003

MAY GOD BLESS YOU THE FAMILY. I WENT THROUGH SCHOOL WITH ROB. BE ENCOURAGED. I EXTEND TO YOU ALL, MY CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY. EARNEST MOORE

Shawn Mathis Harmon

September 7, 2003

My younger brother Tray will forever remember Rob as the boy who held him upside-down by his ankles to let the dog lick him in the face. My mother will remember Rob as the boy who was always turning her pictures backwards and taking the knobs off of the television. (she loved him dearly!) My father remembers Rob as the boy who screeched up Wiltshire Blvd. in his red Golf with his only daughter and best friend Billy hanging on for dear life. I will remember Rob Workman as my first young love, the one who taught me that being true to oneself was better than being popular and that life is so, so short. My life has been blessed by the time I was part of his. I pray that God will be with precious baby Monte and that he will receive ALL of the wonderful traits that Rob possessed.

Shawn Mathis Harmon

Lynda Gallagher (Rufener)

September 7, 2003

My prayers go out to the Workman family. May you find comfort in the memories Rob left behind. I was blessed to have been touched by his incredible humor and good nature. I will cherish those memories forever. Peace be with you all.

Peter Terrill

September 7, 2003

To know Rob, you have been awed by his grace on the guitar, frightened by his driving, cried laughing at his humor, touched by his kindness, amazed by his childlike wonder, frustrated by his choices and loved him all the more. I know my life is better and brighter for having known him and would not trade his friendship for anything. May he rest in peace.

Todd and Adrianne Woodruff

September 7, 2003

Our family aches with grief over Rob's lost battle. We will always cherish the laughs, the warmth, the good companionship and the love we recieved from Rob. We will hold dear his memory and hold dear his beautiful child, our beloved grandchild, Monte. May God grant peace to Rob and to his family.

Caralin Foster (Dempster)

September 6, 2003

I will always remember Rob for his beautiful smile and witty humor.

He will be missed.

Mark Eisenhart

September 6, 2003

Rob was an intelligent, talented, witty, and friendly person. And he was a good friend. He introduced me to writing, playing, and performing music, a gift that he shared with many people close to him. I believe that his warm and playful spirit will endure in all of those who loved him. I will miss you Rob and truly hope that you are at peace. My most sincere condolences to the Workman famiy and all who were touched by Rob's life and memory.

Dana Nuosce

September 6, 2003

There will always be a place in my heart only for you baby brother. I love you. My sincerest condolences to the Workman family and to everyone I know this has touched.

Jeff Muckleroy

September 6, 2003

We will all miss you Rob.

You are in our prayers.

Marcy Kaplan

September 6, 2003

Rob was a wonderful, funny, smart, talented and loyal friend. I remember so many fun times with him in college, he was an outstanding man and I am so deeply saddened by his death. I will miss him greatly.

stephanie beeson

September 6, 2003

I'm sorry for your loss, you all are like family to me.Rob had a great wit to himself much like you Dr.workman. We will miss him very much, love stephanie

Howie Carbaugh

September 6, 2003

May God bless your family through this tough time.

William Ellis

September 6, 2003

I choose to say that I loved everything about Rob except the disease that killed him. He was my childhood, my young adulthood, and my best friend. The only people I have known and loved longer are those in my immediate family. Rob was the funniest and most charismatic person I ever met. There are those who loved Rob five minutes after meeting him. Much of who I am is because of him. I am proud to be his friend.

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