by Kevin M. Sanders

Although the lives of Kathy Gebard and Bridget Wagner, D.O. (’94), were tragically ended in a plane crash Oct. 19, their contributions to OU-COM will be an enduring part of the college’s excellence in medical education.

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the college’s memorial to the lives and service of two of its most valued colleagues, held in the shadow of a national election, resounded with themes of love, dedication, accomplishment and professionalism.

As a gentle autumn rain fell upon the campus and surrounding community, tears quite often misted the eyes of those gathered in Irvine 194 to honor Kathy and Bridget.

“Kathy and Bridget were two extraordinary members of the OU-COM family,” said Dean Jack Brose, D.O. “In the past two weeks of speaking about them to people all over the United States, I discovered that there were many similarities between them.

“Both of them were absolutely dedicated to our students. Both acted as teachers, friends and, also, mothers to our students. They were sincerely loved by our students and our staff.

“Both were spectacular mothers who were absolutely dedicated to their families. Both were concerned about their fellow human beings and participated in many projects to help people who were less fortunate.”

But they were, of course, unique as well.

“Kathy,” said Brose, “was one of those folks who had a really magical smile. Her warm and supportive manner melted away people’s differences and brought them together. She was the perfect combination of kindness and competence. It is not possible to replace someone as Kathy.

“Bridget was as kind and caring as any physician I’ve ever known. She was a bundle of energy with an infectious smile, full of talents and ideas. She also was an Olympic-class gymnast, who was full of mischief,” Brose noted with a smile.

Both were more than just colleagues, he said. “They were valued friends.”

“Today is an opportunity for all of us to remember and celebrate these two remarkable women and to hear memories from other OU-COM family members who cared very deeply for them,” Brose said to an audience of around 150 in the Irvine auditorium. The memorial also was video cast to many more who were at the college’s Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education sites at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, Grandview Hospital and Medical Center in Dayton, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital Cuyahoga Falls and Firelands Regional Health Center in Sandusky.

Gebard was an administrator in the college’s CORE system and had worked for the college since 1989. Wagner, a 1994 graduate of the medical school, was assistant dean for the CORE system. Both died while en route together to a meeting at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo.

Dean Brose then introduced Roderick McDavis, Ph.D., president of Ohio University.

“Ohio University likes to think of itself as a family,” said McDavis. “So on Oct. 19, we also lost family.”

“The sorrow that we feel, the pain of the loss is tempered by the understanding that they are with God as we speak. Today is a day for us to come together as a family to celebrate, to remember, but most importantly, that when we leave this place, to have part of Kathy and Bridget in our consciousness everyday — so that, part of what we do reflects the lives that they lived.”

Colleagues of Kathy and Bridget then offered readings and emotion-laden, and sometimes humorous, remembrances of them. They told stories of appreciation and dedication, recited tearful poems of inspiration and of the “strong links of love left behind,” and recounted Kathy's and Bridget’s unselfish advocacy and service, and their vibrant humanity.

They honored their spirits, all the while connecting them to a Spirit that overshadows us all.

“‘This is eternity,’” said Sharon Zimmerman, director of alumni affairs, “‘and all I’ve promised you. Your life on earth is ended, but here life starts anew,’” reciting the words of God from the poem, “If Tomorrow Starts Without Me.”

“The best tribute to them,” said Rev. Leon Forte, a friend of Wagner and pastor to several students that Kathy had mentored, “is to keep their spirits alive.”

The memorial ended with “The Lord’s Prayer,” sung by Ralph Amos, University executive director of alumni relations. A stirring instrumental, “Secret Maze,” by Mark Atteberry, a relative of the Gebard family, filled the auditorium as the audience left to enjoy a reception and to share memories of their loved ones.

A memorial service for Kathy will also be held at Grandview Hospital Tuesday, Nov. 16, at noon in the auditorium and for Bridget at Christ Episcopal Church in Warren Thursday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m.