Robert Lee “Rob” Gerig died Sept. 25 in his Silverton home with his wife Karen at his side.
He was born June 14, 1962 to Robert and Marlene Gerig in Salem, Ore. He lived in the Salem – Silverton area his entire life, with the exception of the time he served on active duty with the United State Marine Corps Reserve. He attended Central Howell Grade School and Silverton High School.
After high school Rob joined the Marine Corps Reserves and served active duty time at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego Calif., Marine Aviation Training Support Group, Meridian, Miss. and 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash. as an Aviation Operations Specialist.
Upon returning home in 1981 he joined the Marion County Fire District #1, serving 22-plus years as a volunteer firefighter. He worked his way up the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant at the Pratum Fire Station. He served several terms as president of the Volunteers Association and received the honor of firefighter of the Year in 1991. A move to Silverton forced him to resign his position with the fire department, which was a difficult decision for him to make.
Most of his working career was spent at Specialty Polymers in Woodburn. He was a reactor operator. Prior to that he worked for TCB Construction.
Rob loved singing karaoke, ( particularly his “Man of Constant Sorrow” routine), camping, crabbing Las Vegas, family activities, attending sporting events and had a special passion for decorating his residence for Halloween and Christmas.
In a letter to the family a Silverton resident wrote: “He was a gift to this world. He was always there to help others in need. He would have been a terrific asset to the City of Silverton as a member of the city council. There is a huge void where his sill and contagious humor was. He will be missed by so many in so many ways. “
Rob is survived by his wife, Karen, daughters Jessica (Aaron) Reese, Caitlyn (Joe) Sandver, stepdaughter Melissa (Brandon) Staiger, and stepsons Jason Staiger and Josh ( Samantha) Staiger. Also surviving are parents, Robert and Marlene Gerig, sister Linda (Tom) Merrill, brothers Michael (Linda), Larry (Julie), six grand-children, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Marion County Fire District #1 Volunteer Association, 300 Cordon Road NE, Salem, OR 97301. Donations will be used for purchasing food and toys for the Christmas Toy and Joy program which was one of Rob’s favorite projects while serving as a volunteer. A Celebration of Life was held Oct. 10 at the Mount Angel Festhalle.
The family thanks Dr. Natasha Tiffany, Dr. Alison Skalet and the Gentiva Hospice for the care given to Rob and his family. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel, Silverton.
