Tribute to Bob Gentner
ACS executives, staff and members recently mourned the loss of Bob Gentner, a stalwart of the Queensland IT industry who served as QLD Branch Manager until shortly before his death on September 15 this year. An ACS Member and office bearer for many years, Bob will be sadly missed. The following tributes are just a few of the many sent to the Queensland office in recent weeks.
The whole ACS "family" is saddened by the news of the passing of Bob and our condolences go out to his family at this time. His contribution to the ACS is well recognised, and his commitment and effort to the ACS were well appreciated. I had a good personal relationship with Bob, and am very saddened by this news.
- John Ridge, ACS President
I knew Bob only briefly when I was working in the industry. I got to know him much better from 1995 on when he and I were involved in the IT Centre of Excellence for the ASCPAs, and then the Queensland Executive Committee of the ACS. Bob was a "foundation" of the Queensland IT industry. He was a tireless worker for the development of that industry in Queensland and Australia. Bob was forthright in his opinions and extremely insightful in his dealings with colleagues. I value his friendship and the industry will miss his sage advice. Vale, Bob - Dr Peter F Green, Department of CommerceUniversity of Queensland (Ipswich Campus)Bob was my first boss at ACS. My sister Karen and I came to the office with absolutely no knowledge of IT or the business world he knew so well, but with much understanding and patience he took on the challenge of passing on to Karen and me some of his immense knowledge. I remember when his devoted wife Janice asked me to remind him to drink, as he got so involved in his work he would forget to eat or drink. We then undertook to keep him constantly "topped up" and fed him icecream and pies which he loved. Although we knew he wasn't well, I never once heard him complain. He always had a happy, positive outlook. Bob and I didn't always see eye to eye, but we shared a lot of common interests such as music and theatre. He loved to play the piano and was very good at it. He was good to his staff and I'll always remember him as a complete gentleman, a devoted family man, and a man who fought hard for the development of the IT industry in Queensland.
- Diane Huyssen, ACS Qld Branch Office ManagerI knew Bob for many years through our ACS activities and he worked with me for several years in the SGIO (subsequently Suncorp) Building Society. He was a dedicated professional and a hell of a nice fellow. I never knew Bob to be anything but generous and considerate to his colleagues. He was committed to the ACS and was a driving force in its recent years. Bob will be sadly missed by those who knew him and saw him deal with dignity and courage the challenges he faced. God speed.
Prof. Ashley W Goldsworthy
Bob Gentner was a breath of fresh air when he joined the ASG Board. I loved the way Bob challenged the norm. He helped me see changes to traditions are required for progress. He was easy to look up to, his ethics were without question. And he was fun.
- Richard Northrope, IBM GSA
Bob Gentner was a industry personality who took a leadership role on many issues. For a short but significant period he was the Executive Officer for the AIIA Queensland Branch. Our thoughts go out to his family, we will miss him.
- AIIA
Bob, it seems you've been part of the Queensland computer industry for ever. We will miss so many things, but especially the way you bent your head to share your thoughts, the raised eyebrows, and the subsequent ardent discussions. Thank you for everything you achieved for us.
- Martin Lack.