Robert Gene Gerety, "Big Bob"

Dr. Robert Gene Gerety... how does one capture in words the spirit and the character of a man who was truly larger than life? "Big Bob" is an appropriate nickname for a man who enjoyed such a full and rewarding life during his 77 years with us. Bob was born on Sunday, September 8, 1940, in Pana, Illinois, to Osler "Blackie" and Imogene (Nix) Gerety. He graduated in 1958 from Pawnee High School, attended the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tennessee, earning a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. After graduation, he moved his growing family to Oklahoma and went into practice as a small-town dentist in Henryetta, where he worked until his retirement in 1999. Bob married Kay on September 15, 1992, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Family was the most important part of his life, and he loved spending time with all of them. Bob's passions for golf, shooting sporting clay, and OU football were always shared family experiences. Golf tournaments with "Bobby Gene" and his buddies are treasured memories of good times and the best sort of fun. Big Bob was a hero to those of us who knew him, whether personally or professionally. Kindness and generosity was the core of who he was; we can't think of a negative word he ever spoke about another person. If you were fortunate enough to be his guest, you know that there was no more gracious host than Bob Gerety. He had a way of making each person feel they were particularly special. Big Bob was a man of high standards, yet he never judged or was critical of others. While he was personally driven, hard-working, and determined to excel, he was also an encouraging and positive role model and teacher to others. Big Bob was a true leader, using his own example and genuine interest in others to bring out the best in those who knew him. Bob's strength of character was so fundamental to who he was, but it cannot be overlooked that he was also movie star good looking! As a dentist in general practice, Big Bob developed a passion for orthodontics. He built a system of techniques that made it possible for general dentists to incorporate orthodontics into their own practices. Bob's expertise and understanding enabled him to take the complex orthodontic procedures and refine them into a professional course, which he taught to general dentists in seminars around the country. He piloted his own plane to take his course to dozens of cities. Over 12,000 dental professionals enhanced their skills through the Gerety orthodontic course materials under Big Bob's instruction. Big Bob's deepest satisfaction came when he observed the success of his students and their progress in the ability to treat their own patients. When Bob retired professionally, so very many of his students commented not only on Dr. Gerety's skills as a clinician and teacher, but the deep life lessons they learned in how to treat people with kindness, respect, and compassion. Big Bob's fine example and rewarding professional life were instrumental in leading other members of his family into the dental profession. The Gerety name and reputation in the world of dentistry were a source of tremendous pride for Big Bob. Big Bob had a few life lessons that he would share with you. He said if one always told the truth, he didn't have to remember what was said. Big Bob adopted one of his own father's rules for good living, which was to never go to bed mad. Say what needed to be said and then move forward. Big Bob was the first to forgive and never held a grudge. If you were fortunate enough to know Big Bob, you know what we have lost with his passing. If you were not lucky enough to know Big Bob, you have missed one of life's best human beings. Big Bob is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kay Gerety, Broken Arrow, OK; his four children, Sandy Rowenhorst and husband Jim, Broken Arrow, OK; Neva Kilburn and husband Chip, Eufaula, OK; Nina Browning and husband Bill, Highland Park, TX; and Dr. Grant Gerety and wife Jill, Broken Arrow, OK; grandchildren, Topher, Jason, Ryan, Conor, Jackson, Chase, Chandler, Davis; and great -grandchildren, Denton and Shirley. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roy, and granddaughter Madison. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Tulsa Chapter, 2448 E. 81st St., Tulsa, OK 74137. A celebration of the life of Robert “Bob” Gene Gerety will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 29, 2017 at Hayhurst Funeral Home Chapel. ---------- The Crowne Plaza Tulsa Southern Hills has been kind enough to create a room block for the folks that are coming in from out of town to attend the service. They are giving our group a special rate of $79 per night. The link to make your reservation online is below. If you would rather call for your reservation their phone number is 918-492-5000 and tell them the name of our group is "Gerety" and use the code "Bob". Hotel Booking Link The hotel does provide a shuttle to and from the airport. If you contact them a couple of days in advance with your flight information they will meet you when you land. The hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport so calling ahead will save you a lot of time waiting for the shuttle. The hotel is also working with us to provide a shuttle to the memorial service. If you would like to stay closer to the Hayhurst Funeral Home, these are the nearest hotels: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 918-355-3200 Hampton Inn, 918-251-6060 Marriott TownePlace Suites, 918-355-9600 If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call Julie at 918-606-2809 or email her at customer-service@orthodonticteaching.com and she will be glad to help.

Tributes

Robert Gene Gerety, "Big Bob"

September 8, 1940 - December 18, 2017