Bob Hebeler

Bob Hebeler, aged 49, passed away on Friday August 11, 2006, in Santa Cruz, California, from injuries sustained in a cycling accident. Bob was born on July 7, 1957 in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Edward and Mildred Wendling Hebeler. He married Margaret Marie Collins on June 26, 1982. Bob was a graduate of New Lothrop High School and earned a B.A. in Business Administration and Masters, Business Administration at Michigan State University and Aquinas College. He and his family have resided in Santa Cruz for the past 12 years.

Bob was a Vice President at eBay, where he served in a number of executive roles and helped build the internet company's North American business. Bob was also the Senior VP of Merchandising of West Marine for three years prior to joining eBay.

Bob was an avid cyclist, swimmer, runner and adventure sports enthusiast and competed vigorously in numerous triathlons, including Ironman USA and Canada. He enjoyed sharing his love of sports with his wife, children, and close friends.

Above all, Bob will be remembered as a man of great character. Bob was kind, generous, modest, genuine, nurturing and loving. Bob cared deeply for others, consistently reaching out to inspire, to share a laugh, to teach, and to console. He brought people together and helped them realize their human potential.

The center of Bob's life was his family; his wife Marie and his two young children, Matt and Sarah. Among Bob's most cherished memories were things such as the Sunday morning swims with his family in the chilly Pacific waters off Santa Cruz. He shared his love of cycling with his son and reveled in his daughter's creativity and shared sense of humor.

Bob's character was firmly rooted in his family's farm near Cheasaning, Michigan. His parents were the fount of Bob's character and Bob reveled in and gained strength from lessons learned growing up with his six siblings. Bob returned to the farm every Christmas and summer, nurturing his family ties and imparting the love of farm and family to his children.

In addition to his wife, Margaret Marie and their two children, Bob is survived by his parents, Edward and Millie Hebeler, of Maple Grove Township, Michigan and his Mother & Father In Law, Gerald and Margaret Collins of Warren, Michigan. In addition, Bob is survived by his Brothers and Sisters: Lois & Roger Vrable, Marty & Ralph Vrable, Catherine Hebeler, Don & Valene Hebeler, Cindy and Greg Park, Margie & Roscoe Brumback. His Brother & Sister In Laws: Gerald Collins, Anita Collins, Ron & Teri Collins, Tom & Beth Collins, Doug & Theresa Camburn, Michael & Linda Bolas, Paul & Christine Creel, Jim & Michele Muldoon, nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration of Bob Hebeler's life will be held at the Everett Family Farm, 2119 Old San Jose Road, Soquel, California on Sunday, September 10, 2006 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

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