Robert L. Forbuss

Robert “Bob” Lee Forbuss passed away peacefully in his home on August 12, 2012 after a two-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease). Bob was a native Nevadan born on January 31, 1948 to Elmer and Marjorie Forbuss. Except for attending a couple of years of college in California, Bob spent all of his life in Las Vegas working to make it a better place. Bob was an educator, elected official, businessman, political activist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Although Bob was devoted to a number of causes, perhaps few were more important to him than education. However, Bob’s most passionate cause was Las Vegas itself. Nothing could summarize Bob’s life better than the following editorial printed by the Las Vegas Review Journal on August 15, 2012, three days after Bob’s passing. Robert Forbuss: A true Las Vegan. The depth of Robert Forbuss’ commitment to Southern Nevada was rivaled only by the length of his resume. Mr. Forbuss died at his home Sunday after a two-year fight with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Only 64-years old, he accomplished more than most men could hope to achieve in three lifetimes. After going to college in California, the native Nevadan returned to Las Vegas to teach at his alma mater, Bishop Gorman High School. He worked as a paramedic during summer breaks, and gradually moved into management and ownership of Mercy Medical Services. He founded and led two emergency medical services’ associations and became a national leader in the industry before selling his ambulance company and helping run American Medical Response. Meanwhile, he served on the Clark County School Board from 1979-1986; founded what is now Colonial Bank; became chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce; served on the boards of the Clark County Public Education Foundation and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. He was involved in transportation planning and philanthropy, in education and business consulting. A Las Vegas elementary school and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada bear his name. His hard work and generosity were driven by his desire to make the Las Vegas valley a better place to live. A celebration of Mr. Forbuss’ life will be held at The Smith Center, Friday, October 26, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. The center is the perfect location, because as in so many of Mr. Forbuss’ projects, he helped turn dreams into a reality. Rest in peace…Bob Forbuss.