WILMINGTON — Robert David Geiss — Bob to all his friends — dropped the mic and moved on to the next level on Saturday, Oct. 18. He was 61.
Born and raised in Detroit, Bob was the eldest son of Richard and Shirley Geiss. He loved the Lions, the Tigers, and the Red Wings. He grew up playing hockey and continued playing through his adult life until the love of his life convinced him to move south.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Bob worked in the private club industry, including stops at the Country Club of Detroit, the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, and Raintree Country Club in Charlotte. He retired last year from the Cape Fear Club in Wilmington. He loved providing his members with the best experiences and helped the 150-year-old Cape Fear Club survive the Covid shutdown.
But his main purpose in life was his wife, Mary. They met in 1996 at a meeting of club managers and have been traveling the world together for the past 30 years — most recently making their first visit to Cabo San Lucas and a return to Detroit to watch his beloved Lions beat the Cleveland Browns.
They were two peas in a pod, sharing a love of good food, fine wine, beautiful destinations, and George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog. Their Sunday Funday feasts are legendary.
He was a master backgammon player, a fierce bocce competitor, and could throw darts as well as any British pub crawler. He fancied himself quite the DJ, preparing playlists for weddings and other occasions. His impromptu rap performances impressed even seasoned professionals.
He loved his friends dearly and suffered no fools. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary, and their four-legged girl, Sasha; his father, Richard, and stepmother, Vicki; his sister, Sue, and brother, Stephen; nephews, Nic Thompson and Colin McLaurin; niece, Madison McLaurin; Uncle Nick and Tina, and enough friends to fill Tiger Stadium.
Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Paws Place Dog Rescue in Winnabow, N.C.
There will be a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Cape Fear Club. Bring your best Bob stories and be prepared to raise a toast or 10.
