My Hero...

by
Brian Reh
| Aug 20, 2018
August 18, 2018

Dave Reh

This is the message I hoped to never have to write. But time is the one definite in this world that we cannot control. 

My father and Gorbel’s founder, Dave Reh, got his wings today. After 77 remarkable years of humble, servant-leadership professionally and personally, his time on earth has come to an end.

Many of you don’t know my father. And many of you know him like a father. In either case, Dave Reh is the kind of guy that always greets you with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and absent any ounce of ego. His roots began on the farms of Orchard Park, NY and his branches have since enabled the growth of multiple businesses, communities and countless individuals.

While today is a sad day as my hero enters the pearly gates, I and my family were blessed with the gift to connect at the deepest level with my dad until his final breath. I feel blessed beyond measure. And ask you to join me in remembering his wonderful life among us.

Dad - until we meet again…

Brian

Dave Reh will be missed by so many, both here at Gorbel and in the community that he so actively served. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Arrangements can be found here: http://www.keenanfuneralhomes.com/reh-david-d/

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  1. Werner Winter (HTW, Austria) | Aug 30, 2018

    Brian,

    Please accept my most heartful sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your familiy during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

    Werner

  2. Glenn Jackling | Aug 28, 2018

    Brian,

    I am sorry to hear about your dad's passing.  I had the opportunity to meet him a few times and I your words an apt reflection of his character.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

    Glenn

  3. Bill Booth | Aug 25, 2018

    Brian,

    i am so sorry for your loss. I heard about his passing from one of my classmates at OPCS. I was shocked because I just seen him at our 55th class reunion. I had also spoken to him by phone several weeks before when I was recruiting classmates to come to the reunion. We had two nice conversations and caught up over many years of activities. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.                 Sincerely,                           Bill Booth Class of 1958                     

  4. Mark Logan | Aug 24, 2018

    Hello Brian,

    I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Although I didn't know him personally I have always been impressed with his success and the character that has formed a great culture at Gorbel. Now he will enjoy his life's reward! I wish you strength and success as you move forward.

    Best regards,

    Mark Logan

  5. Carol Giesecke Dombrowski | Aug 23, 2018
    On behalf of the Orchard Park Class of 1958 of which Dave was a member, we'd like to express our deepest sympathies to the entire family.  Dave was a great friend, incredibly humble and kind in all ways possible.  When we read the obit, it was astounding what he had accomplished over his lifetime!  Such is the way of modest and humble people. Those he touched were blessed by his kind ways and brilliance.  He has done our class proud and we will miss him sorely.
  6. Versa Handling Company | Aug 23, 2018
    Our Versa Family would like to send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and employees of David Reh. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. His legacy will live on in all of you.
  7. Anthony Dossiet | Aug 22, 2018
    To the Reh family, sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many.
  8. John Raulerson | Aug 22, 2018
    Brian, what a great tribute to your father. Please accept our deepest condolences from all of us here at Consolidated Rigging. The many days of dealer training bring back so many great memories and Mr Reh would always greet us with a warm smile and a hearty handshake and thank your for coming. I learned so much from the training over the years. The Grobel team was always so gracious with their time and knowledge. The dealer training has always been a highlight over the years. From all us at Consolidated Rigging! God Bless!
  9. Skip Young | Aug 22, 2018

    Brian,

    Thanks for sharing this deeply personal time with the Gorbel extended family.

    Although I didn't meet your dad, I am quite sure that having met you when I was at Gorbel for training, that you carry on the attributes, values, and legacy in the words that you so well utilized to describe your dad.

    With your dad's passing, you have joined a "club" that none of us really want to be part of.

    Every situation is so personal and such a unique experience, so it is quite challenging to offer you words that may be useful at this time.

    What I will share with you is that although the void will always be there, time will help.

    Time has helped, even though I think about my dad everyday.

    Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

    Best regards,

    Skip Young

  10. James LeFrois | Aug 22, 2018
    It was a great privilege to work with Dave Reh.  He never rested on his laurels and was also determined to be more successful professionally.  Personally, he was devoted family man and outstanding citizen who always tried to make his community a better place to live for everyone.  It was an honor to learn from him how to be a professional but he taught me even more about being a better person.  I appreciate everything he did for me and my family, thank you Dave.  Brian, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Toby, Doug, your mother, and your entire family.   
  11. Hoosier Crane | Aug 22, 2018
    Hoosier Crane is saddened to hear about the passing of Gorbel Founder David Reh.  We have tremendous respect for the business David Reh started and developed. We are honored to consider ourselves business partners with Gorbel and we hope to maintain that strong relationship in the future.  Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire Reh and Gorbel family.
  12. Bernhard Heese | Aug 22, 2018

    Dear Brian, we not got to know your father, but we can see his life's work and feel the spirit he has passed on. Our condolences to you and your family.

    e-Motion Handlingsysteme

  13. Paul Bridges | Aug 22, 2018

    All the crew here at Met-Con, Inc send their heart felt sympathies to you, your family and everyone at Gorbel.

  14. Geryl Hueterq | Aug 22, 2018
    Dear Brian, Gail and Family, My sympathy and prayers follow you each day. I am sorry for the loss of your loving Dad. Sincerely, Geryl Hueter
  15. Marc Vuegen - EXPRESSO Deutschland GmbH | Aug 22, 2018

    Dear Brian,

    I wish you and your familiy my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved father.

  16. BobbiWilson | Aug 21, 2018

    Brian,

    Such a beautiful tribte to a beloved father.  He was a blessing to the many lives he passed through during his time on this earth.  We are glad our family is among them. He will certainly be missed.   God bless you and the Rae family.

    Ken and Roberta Wilson

  17. Sharon Warner-Bailey | Aug 21, 2018

    Brian,

    I know "Uncle" Dave is once again flying high in heaven. The best part is he left a little heaven on earth for the rest of us. I will always cherish knowing one of the greatest men on earth! He always made me feel welcome to talk to him any time.

    A bunch of Gorbelians were getting a bite to eat in Chicago at ProMat. There were people coming and going, however I focused on an add in the morning paper for a one seat motorized hang glider. With much anticipation, I showed the add to your dad and kidding around said, "Uncle Dave! Can I get one of these?" He gave me a resounding "No". He gave it a second and then said, "No niece of mine will have one of those things, it is too dangerous"! With that we laughed and moved on to duties at the show. A truely fun moment! I will miss his smile.

    Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time. 

  18. Felipe Heras | Aug 21, 2018
    We're truly sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you. 
  19. Roger Boivin | Aug 21, 2018

    Brian,

    Our deepest sympathy go out to you and the rest of the Reh family. He was a great man who cared about his coworkers. I wish I could be a tenth of the business owner he was.

    ROger and the rest of the employees at Master Tool & Ergonomics

  20. Ted Speer | Aug 21, 2018
    Please extend my condolences to you, your family and those who loved him. Such kind words...may you continue these blessings by taking these deeds the distance in your own life for the benefit of those around you. 
  21. Armando Gutierrez -Mexico | Aug 21, 2018

    Brian, 

    Its very inspiring to see your father´s achievements andhis legacy not only in a great company but also in a great leader like you. 

    For sure, your father accomplish his mission in this world.

    I am sad for you and your family. My most sincere condolences four your loss. 

    God bless you and your family.

    Armando, 

  22. Dan Deutsch | Aug 21, 2018

    Brian,

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Clearly your father was your inspiration and for that you truly are blessed. My condolences to you, your family and all at Gorbel.

    ---Dan

  23. Becky Ogden | Aug 21, 2018
    So sorry for your loss, Brian.  Without the joy of such a deep love one would not feel the pain of such deep loss.  The wonderful memories you have shared are the greatest gift he left with you.  Truly his legacy will live on.  
  24. Dale Repke | Aug 21, 2018
    E&R Industrial sends their prayers to the Reh family. 
  25. roberto palmieri | Aug 21, 2018

     Our Deepest Condolences to the Reh family , may he Rest in Peace .

    Roberto Palmieri 

    Pro Direct Industriel Quebec 

  26. Chris Ellis | Aug 21, 2018
    Our condolences from your friends at ESI.
  27. Robin Wisniewski | Aug 21, 2018

    Brian and family,

    My thoughts are with you all during this time of grieving.

    Never have I met a man as kind and generous as your father.  He welcomed Tim and I into the Victor community almost 30 years ago, and graciously hosted Tim’s passing a couple years ago.  I will always remember his spirit, sense of giving, and commitment to family and community.

    He has a very special place in heaven and in the hearts of everyone who knew him!  I feel blessed to have called him a friend...

    Robin Wisniewski

  28. Sandy & Craig Morris | Aug 21, 2018
    Dave had such a wonderful spirit that will live in his family. He was a kind and gentle person that will be missed dearly. Brian and family, may God give you the strength to travel the road without him!
  29. Marge Nelson | Aug 21, 2018

    Brian, Chuckie let us know of your dad's death.  I always valued him greatly as a felloe VCS school board member all those yrs ago & also as someone to count on when I was trying to get community things moving in Victor (ie the new library building). Chuck says hi. Mrs Nelson

  30. Kate Hawkes | Aug 21, 2018

    So sorry to hear Brian. Your dad was an amazing man. His legacy lives on in you.

    Kate

  31. Your friends at J & B Equipment Co | Aug 21, 2018
    Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Reh and Gorbel families. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
  32. Fran | Aug 21, 2018
    I believe David was a hero to many. A man who cherished his family and friends. David has mentored many people and will truly be missed by all who knew him .May God bless him and his family.
  33. Rachel Pitts | Aug 21, 2018
    That is absolutely beautiful. What a tribute to a wonderful, giving man. He will be missed by many. Love, Rachel
  34. Michelle Mark Landers | Aug 20, 2018

    We are so very sad to hear of Dave's passin. Your dad was such a wonderful man and we are so very greatful to have had the chance to get to know him.

    Praise God for a Life well lived!!

    Rest In piece Dave

  35. Mickie Pitts | Aug 20, 2018

    David was one of the most humble people I have ever met and respected.  Always had a smile and was interested in what you are doing than what he did.  I am looking forward to seeing him Heaven one day.

    This world will miss a Great Man.

  36. Cathy Brown | Aug 20, 2018
    My son was a recipent of the David Reh scholarship at Clarkson. Each year Dave and Sue would take the recipents out to dinner so they could meet the kids they were so generously helping.  Such a kind amd generous soul.  Our deepest condolences to all that knew amdmloved him.  
  37. Babette Huber | Aug 20, 2018
    Beautiful Brian—heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Babette Huber
  38. Nancy Shuler | Aug 20, 2018

    Brian, what a beautiful tribute to your dad.  He was on of the finest, kindest man I ever had the privilege to know.

    Love and prayers to your entire family.

  39. Ed Christopher | Aug 20, 2018
    That is very sad news. My condolences, Brian, to you and your family and to the Gorbel community. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
  40. Dave & Jane Barry | Aug 20, 2018
    Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
  41. Charles and Beth Parmenter | Aug 20, 2018

    Brian and family, sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Charles and Beth Parmenter 

  42. William Gucker | Aug 20, 2018
    Well said Brian. I am both weeping and rejoicing with you. 
  43. Chuck Nelson | Aug 20, 2018
    David left so many enduring legacies in his life; multiple successful companies that have provided jobs and better lives for so many, served on the Victor School Board serving our youth, and of course no better testiment to his personal character (and his wife’s Sue) are the three highly achieved sons he raised.  Thoughts and prayers with your famibly Brian.  
  44. Jason Reese | Aug 20, 2018
    Brian and family, sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Thoughts and parlayed be with you all. 
  45. Matt Houck | Aug 20, 2018
    I was very saddened to learn of Dave's passing this weekend. Mine is one of so many "Dave gave me an opportunity" stories that will be shared in his memory, and I am so grateful to him for all he provided me and my family. Through all of his efforts in life, his true reach is immeasurable. Thank you, Dave. Brian and family, I am so sorry for your loss. 
  46. Howard and Janice Yott | Aug 20, 2018

    Dear Brian and Family both at home and at Gorbel,

    So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He surely was one of the best men I could ever have wished to meet and my husband would say the same. He leaves behind a wonderful son in you Brian, whom we feel is a "Chip off the old block" as we love you and yours very much. He was very proud of the way you have taken his "Baby" Gorbel to amazing heights and we hope to continue to be there with you every step of the way.

    Rest easy Dave Reh - till we meet again.

  47. Rose Haire | Aug 20, 2018

    Brian,

    What a beautiful, heartfelt statement.

    My sincere condolences for your loss.

    Rose

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