David Joseph Gebert's Obituary
David Joseph Gebert, 74, passed away on September 12, 2024. He was born in Appleton, Wisconsin to Richard and Joan Gebert. The family moved to Phoenix in 1957, where Dave graduated from Washington High school (1968) where he was involved in the drama class and the electricity club. He attended Glendale Community College and ASU before coming to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. He met his future wife, Meg Barnhill, there through their mutual involvement in Camp Wildcat. Helping children learn to camp is a bonding experience! Dave and Meg were married in 1979 and stayed in Tucson.
Dave worked as a lifeguard and swim coach for Glen Heather in the late 70s. He worked as an engineer for Sperry, as a chemist, and as a computer salesman before starting his own business, Coyote Computer Products, in 1988. Dave always did better when he was his own boss!
Dave gave back to his community by being involved in many different groups throughout the years.
Dave was involved in Civitan early in his adult life. When his children started school, he joined the Peter Howell PTA. He was a big advocate of environmental issues and helped plant trees on the elementary school campus that are still there today. Many carnivals were held under his leadership. His daughter fondly remembers staying late at carnivals to help take down and put away chairs and other carnival equipment
Dave was involved in Boy Scouts and guided both of his sons to Eagle in Troop 109, serving as Scoutmaster multiple times. His involvement continued for more than a decade after his sons had graduated. As late as 2017, he was involved in teaching camping skills.
Dave’s passion for electric cars knew no bounds. Anyone who talked with him for more than 10 minutes knew this! He was president of TEVA (Tucson Electric Vehicle Association) and helped organize many events that promoted driving electric cars. Through TEVA, he participated in meetings both local and state-wide to promote sustainable transportation and wise energy use. He stayed up-to-date with legislative actions concerning energy issues aa well as the development of electric vehicles by all makers. He also enjoyed volunteering as a driver for the Festival of Books and sharing his love of electric cars with different authors.
Dave is survived by his wife and three children—Melissa Hulls (Brandon), Matthew Gebert (Jess), and Kevin James (Whitney)—and 4 grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Diane, brothers, Joe and Roger (Debbie), and his mother, Joan.
Dave fought valiantly this past year, but pancreatic cancer is a difficult foe. He is now free of pain and at peace. He will be remembered and loved as a husband, a friend, a brother, an uncle, a father, and a grandfather. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Dave’s life on November 11th at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church (1800 N Camino Pio Decimo) with a reception to follow on site.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations in Dave’s honor to organizations that support the environment or children learning about taking care of the earth, such as SARSEF or Friends of Camp Wildcat .
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