Robert Eugene "Gene Bob" Kerr

SALEM - Robert Eugene Kerr, affectionately known as Gene Bob, was born on June 25, 1928 in St. Ignatius Montana. He was the fourth of five sons born to Leona and Dixie Kerr; they lived on a wheat farm in western Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Ralph, Chuck, and Glen, and is survived by his brother Dick. He was active in sports and engaged in many hi jinks with his brothers. It is amazing he survived these adventures to tell about them. When he graduated from high school in Charlo, Montana, Robert enlisted in the Army which sent him to Korea where his job entailed being the chauffeur for the Colonel. When he returned home he enrolled at Willamette University. It is here that he met his future wife, Virginia (Ginny) Nichols. To earn money for school, Robert lived at Deep Wood and chauffeured the owner to her engagements and errands. He graduated from Willamette with a degree in Physical Education and a letter in track in pole vaulting. He continued his studies at Oregon State to complete pre- requisites for Physical Therapy. This is when Beaver Fever caught him, and from then on he was a Beaver Backer. He married Ginny in August of 1954, and the newlyweds headed to Southern California where he obtained his degree in Physical Therapy from USC. When they returned to Salem in 1957, Robert built a successful private practice until he sold it in 1992. He created a warm and welcoming office atmosphere and his patients responded with home baked goodies. He is survived by his wife, Ginny Kerr of 58 years; his children Pam Kerr, Dan Kerr and his wife Kay, and three grandchildren, Salvador Herrera, Sam and Alexa Kerr. He enjoyed golfing, tail gating with Beaver Believers, coaching his son's little league team, and vacationing in Palm Springs. Robert had a great group of friends with whom he would try new things, like white water rafting and going to a dude ranch. He also learned how to ski with his kids, which he mastered by going backwards down the hill. Robert's sense of humor was known by all and he left everyone with a smile on their face. The family has deep gratitude for Dr. Karla Wottge and Dr. Ron Palm as well as all the caregivers and staff at Brookstone for their tremendous love and care of our husband and father over the last few years. He is deeply loved and missed.
A viewing is scheduled for Dec 28th from 1-3 pm at Restlawn Funeral Home. A celebration of his life is planned for January 5, 2013, 2 pm at Kwan's Original Cuisine, 835 Commercial Street SE, Salem. Arrangements by Restlawn Funeral Home.