Robert Gerber Memorial

Robert S. Gerber, Esq. | 1962 - 2012

Remembering A Friend

You will be missed

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To Shelley and Family,
On behalf of the John Glenn High School Class of 1980, I would like to truly offer our deepest sympathy to you and yours at this very trying time. I honestly can say the last time I/we saw Bob was at our 30yr class reunion and he was in his element. He was among his childhood friends whom he had grown up with and he was so proud to introduce his wonderful wife to us. Shelley, I hope the photo that I have attached brings you such fond memories as it does for me. Bob’s charisma and zest for life definitely showed up that night. For those who had the opportunity to attend and for those who didn’t, I speak for them when I say he was one of a kind and forever will be missed. Bob we love you and may your wonderful spirit live in each and everyone of us. All the best to the Gerber Family, you are in our prayers.
 
Submitted by: Kevin J Kozlowski

A Victor Valiant

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Bob was a tireless advocate, and a lawyer’s lawyer. He was widely admired in the legal community for his intellect, tenacity, and work ethic. I litigated cases against him, and alongside him, and I enjoyed and learned from both experiences. He was zealous, practical, smart and honest. He valued civility and respect, and he took justifiable pride in his superb work. He loved being a lawyer, and he had many strong relationships within the legal community. He was a strong thread in the fabric of our profession here.

Bob was also a genuinely nice guy and good friend. I enjoyed his quick wit, his down-to-earth sense of humor, and his innately loyal and supportive presence. He was a loyal Michigan man to the core. Most of all, he really loved his wife and kids, and I greatly admired his devotion to his beautiful, blended family. It is such a sad and terrible loss.

Submitted by: Ken Fitzgerald

Friend from childhood

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Bob was always so fun and witty. From our times in band when he cut up to our Words for Friend games when he played outragious words and laughed when I did in return. Bob was a real encouragement to me during the difficult times with my health concerns over my health. What an awesome man.

Submitted by: Karen Cross

Bob and friends at the Big House – Mich/Nebraska 2011

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Bob’s generosity and capacity for compassion were enormous. From the moment we met at Kim’s graduation from U of M, I was always warmly welcomed in his home. I cannot begin to recount the various holidays and meals he shared with me, even before Kim and I were married.

I recall living in a musty little apartment in San Diego – no stove, no food, no extra money, and not much going for me. Bob appeared late one evening with a new portable electric cooktop, a bag of groceries and a few words of encouragement.

This world is a lesser place without you, Bob. I am a better man for having known you.

 
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Submitted by: John Gouin

Special Place in our Hearts

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Bob introduced me to pro bono work while I was an associate at Sheppard Mullin, and then (at an annual gala for one such pro bono client – PCI) proceeded to introduce me to the man who would become my husband. He steered me in the right direction and always showed his support as a friend and colleague. Chris and I will always remember Bob fondly, and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts as the one who brought us together and cheered us on.

Submitted by: Dana Bessenecker

Poker night

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What I remember most about Bob was that he would always volunteer to open up his home for poker night as an entertainment event for the Sheppard Mullin summer associates. It was always one of the biggest hits of the summer – and Bob was right at the center with a big smile and an infectious enthusiasm, no matter how quickly he was losing his chips. I’m grateful for those times and the other interactions I had with Bob during my five years at Sheppard Mullin.

Submitted by: Rob Wernli

Immense Sadness

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This is devastating news and such immense sadness surrounds the passing of our friend, Bob. Unbelievable.

I got to know Bob while at Michigan and always enjoyed his intellect, wit, sense of humor, and devotion to the University of Michigan. As I’m typing this, I can’t believe he is no longer with us.

Scott, you are a devoted friend and I thank you for sharing everything with us from the memorial page to the funeral arrangements to the many contributions Bob made in his life through his pro bono work. Reading the e-mails from colleagues at his firm further affirmed his desire to help others and showed his devotion to their cause.

My heart goes out to all of Bob’s family and friends to whom he was very devoted, especially Shelley, Kim, Alex, his stepdaughters, Scott, John C., Mike C., and Dan.

I have fond memories of the 2010 Michigan-Ohio State game in Columbus and spending an incredible evening with Bob and a small group of our Wolverine friends sharing stories, life insights, reflections, and laughter. Later that evening, John Cole and I were part of an unforgettable conversation in which he revealed with openness and honesty his desire and commitment to continue to make himself a better person and be there for others.

He will be missed significantly.
 

 
Submitted by: Mike “Bo” Bovino