obit - Robert "Bob" William GOBRECHT , 1923 ILL. - 2006 Ca.
Replies: 0
obit - Robert "Bob" William GOBRECHT , 1923 ILL. - 2006 Ca.
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Posted: 3 Jul 2006 3:07PM GMT |
Classification: Query
Surnames: Gobrecht, Orswell, Andreen
(not related - for board info only)
Gobrecht, Robert William
In Loving Memory of Robert William Gobrecht Life, by any measure, was a "rouser"- a word he loved to use to describe something colossal and dynamic. Bob did everything in his life with gusto! Bob, who with his wife Betty started and ran Macabob Toys, a Pasadena institution, from 1960 until their retirement in 1986, passed away on June 22, 2006 at Huntington Hospital. He was 82. The family-owned Macabob Toys won awards as one of the top five in dependently owned toy stores in the United States. Bob was also selected for the "Toy Hall of Fame." Gobrecht was even interviewed on Ted Koppel's Nightline. Macabobs was famous for their birthday parties and puppet shows during their 26 years. Bob Gobrecht was born on July 8, 1923 in Waukegan, Illinois and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia. His family later moved to Pasadena where he eventually met his future wife Betty in the church youth group. A graduate of USC in Business, Gobrecht was a life-lon g USC fan, resulting in most of his family also attending USC. He led the USC Alumni Dixieland Band at Homecoming for many years. He served his country as an Air Force Officer in the positions of Navigator and Bombardier during World War II, marrying his sweetheart Betty during a short leave. Returning to civilian life, he advanced rapidly through Sears management positions until he decided to venture out on his own and start Macabob Toys. Bob's avocation through the years was always music and playing his tuba. A highly recognized sousaphone player who had recorded some 90 records over his career, Gobrecht was the heart of the Crown City Dixieland Band, which included his daughter on vocals, and his two sons-in-law on trombone and drums. Life-long motorhomers, Bob and Betty traveled extensively on the road in their 36' RV for five or six months of the year. During their retirement, they also traveled the world on numerous adventures. A favorite trip each year was their Mardi Gras motorhome rally where he was honored by being named Lieutenant of the Krewe of Carrollton in the famous New Orleans parade. His fame as an organizer and motivator quickly spread across the nation when, in 1981, he created Frustrated Maestros, a new musical chapter of FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association). Word of this fun-loving group, which provides musical entertainment at FMCA rallies, quickly spread and has now exploded across the country into 10 chapters. Bob was instrumental in motivating so many members to sing, play an instrument or dance during the group's performances. He made music fun and everyone loved being around this wonderful "Music Man." Gobrecht was recently honored by the Maestros, a Pasadena musical organization, for his 50 years of membership. Bob and Betty have also been members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pasadena for 45 years. Active for many years in Pasadena Lions Club, Gobrecht even took a Lion's band to Japan to provide entertainment for a world meeting. Family was always at the center of Bob's life. He was a loving and compassionate husband. Bob and Betty recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Bob was a remarkable and supportive father to Janet Gobrecht Orswell (Jack), Bob Gobrecht (Chris) and Carol Gobrecht Andreen (Phil). Bob adored his seven grandchildren, Jeff (Nicole), James, Julie, Eric, Madeline, Scott, Kelly and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth. He also leaves behind his siblings, Edith, Harry, Ken, Ruth and many nieces and nephews. He was the shining light for his family and a true role-model for all to emulate. Bob Gobrecht will be remembered for his strong love of family, his high ethical standards, his ever-present good nature, optimistic attitude and his fun-loving spirit. Bob always saw the positive side of things and never met a stranger. His faith and strength were to be greatly admired throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Huntington Memorial Hospital-Pasadena or Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. A Celebratio n of Life Service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3740 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena on Sunday, July 9 at 4:00pm.
Published in the Pasadena Star-News on 7/2/2006.
Gobrecht, Robert William
In Loving Memory of Robert William Gobrecht Life, by any measure, was a "rouser"- a word he loved to use to describe something colossal and dynamic. Bob did everything in his life with gusto! Bob, who with his wife Betty started and ran Macabob Toys, a Pasadena institution, from 1960 until their retirement in 1986, passed away on June 22, 2006 at Huntington Hospital. He was 82. The family-owned Macabob Toys won awards as one of the top five in dependently owned toy stores in the United States. Bob was also selected for the "Toy Hall of Fame." Gobrecht was even interviewed on Ted Koppel's Nightline. Macabobs was famous for their birthday parties and puppet shows during their 26 years. Bob Gobrecht was born on July 8, 1923 in Waukegan, Illinois and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia. His family later moved to Pasadena where he eventually met his future wife Betty in the church youth group. A graduate of USC in Business, Gobrecht was a life-lon g USC fan, resulting in most of his family also attending USC. He led the USC Alumni Dixieland Band at Homecoming for many years. He served his country as an Air Force Officer in the positions of Navigator and Bombardier during World War II, marrying his sweetheart Betty during a short leave. Returning to civilian life, he advanced rapidly through Sears management positions until he decided to venture out on his own and start Macabob Toys. Bob's avocation through the years was always music and playing his tuba. A highly recognized sousaphone player who had recorded some 90 records over his career, Gobrecht was the heart of the Crown City Dixieland Band, which included his daughter on vocals, and his two sons-in-law on trombone and drums. Life-long motorhomers, Bob and Betty traveled extensively on the road in their 36' RV for five or six months of the year. During their retirement, they also traveled the world on numerous adventures. A favorite trip each year was their Mardi Gras motorhome rally where he was honored by being named Lieutenant of the Krewe of Carrollton in the famous New Orleans parade. His fame as an organizer and motivator quickly spread across the nation when, in 1981, he created Frustrated Maestros, a new musical chapter of FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association). Word of this fun-loving group, which provides musical entertainment at FMCA rallies, quickly spread and has now exploded across the country into 10 chapters. Bob was instrumental in motivating so many members to sing, play an instrument or dance during the group's performances. He made music fun and everyone loved being around this wonderful "Music Man." Gobrecht was recently honored by the Maestros, a Pasadena musical organization, for his 50 years of membership. Bob and Betty have also been members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pasadena for 45 years. Active for many years in Pasadena Lions Club, Gobrecht even took a Lion's band to Japan to provide entertainment for a world meeting. Family was always at the center of Bob's life. He was a loving and compassionate husband. Bob and Betty recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Bob was a remarkable and supportive father to Janet Gobrecht Orswell (Jack), Bob Gobrecht (Chris) and Carol Gobrecht Andreen (Phil). Bob adored his seven grandchildren, Jeff (Nicole), James, Julie, Eric, Madeline, Scott, Kelly and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth. He also leaves behind his siblings, Edith, Harry, Ken, Ruth and many nieces and nephews. He was the shining light for his family and a true role-model for all to emulate. Bob Gobrecht will be remembered for his strong love of family, his high ethical standards, his ever-present good nature, optimistic attitude and his fun-loving spirit. Bob always saw the positive side of things and never met a stranger. His faith and strength were to be greatly admired throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Huntington Memorial Hospital-Pasadena or Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. A Celebratio n of Life Service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3740 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena on Sunday, July 9 at 4:00pm.
Published in the Pasadena Star-News on 7/2/2006.