A Salute to Dick Gerber by

Dick Gerber meant a great deal to me. He was more than a friend and mentor. Dick was family. He was the most influential male figure in my life. Phyllis continues to be family to my sister and me. I last visited Dick and Phyllis in Upper Sandusky, when the 2021 NSS was held in Ohio. He emailed me a couple of weeks before his passing. (He shared some of his observations about the Vikings quarterback.)

Dick and I never lost touch after he left the Executive Secretary’s position. We called or emailed regularly. Dick often commented on my beloved Vikings while he upheld his allegiance to the Browns. I always called Dick after a major Columbia event. The drive home from a National Show and Sale, a state fair, or from Louisville, gave me an excuse to call Dick. He loved hearing about the results and my analysis of the show or event. I will, especially, miss those chats.

I visited Dick and Phyllis many times in Upper Sandusky. Dick and I usually hunkered down in the CSBA office. During this time, I learned what Dick was all about—as the Executive Secretary. He had inexhaustible energy for Columbia sheep and Columbia sheep people. His phone was always ringing with breeders who called just to check-in. It was not unusual for someone to call and report on a storm, or if an exceptional lamb was born that day, or to talk about the purchase of a new stud ram. Everyone knew the CSBA office phone number, and everyone knew Dick would greet them from the other end when they dialed. Dick’s ability to work with anyone and everyone made him a remarkable Executive Secretary.

Dick was not afraid of change. I saw this when a computer was added to the CSBA office, and we implemented computerized records. He enjoyed the challenge. I saw Dick move the CSBA in the direction it needed to go—year in and year out. Dick Gerber made that kind of impact for 40 years. I could write volumes about his influence on the evolution of the CSBA. Throughout this issue, you will

Charlie Worm, MN

learn about the historical work accomplished by Dick and the boards he guided. It was an honor to see him at work.

Dick cherished history. He had an arsenal of Columbia sheep stories. He lived the who’s who of Columbia sheep breeders. He was devoted to tracking and recording CSBA history. His book, the History and Development of Columbia Sheep 1912 through 1991, is a book all Columbia producers should read. If you don’t have a copy, you should get one. Someday, I hope we can find the ways and means to bring our story up to date since 1991. Today, I have 25 boxes of past registration applications, memberships, a historical stash of every Speaking of Columbias magazine, and countless articles and other records that comprise the history of the Columbia breed of sheep and the CSBA. Some of these items go back to the early 1940s. Those records are available because Dick cared enough to organize and maintain them.

It was difficult to see Dick leave the position of Executive Secretary, as he did. I think the same was true for the majority of CSBA members. There was an undercurrent of disappointment and many unanswered questions for years. Dick was irreplaceable, in kind. The CSBA learned that in a hurry. Dick made the job look easy because of his unequaled organizational skills, ability to connect with people, and his professionality.

Dick was the CSBA shepherd, and he tended to us--as his flock. To this day, the enduring sense of the CSBA family comes from the loving and caring devotion bestowed on the CSBA by Dick and Phyllis Gerber. This is Dick’s enduring legacy. Dick was loved and respected as a Columbia sheepman and our Executive Secretary.

I miss Dick beyond words. I can’t thank Dick and Phyllis enough for their compassion, thoughtfulness, and kindness. I extend my deepest sympathy to Phyllis, Brian, Shelly, Shannon, and their families.