Robert “Robbie” Logan Gast, 34, died Oct. 5, 2011, in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born March 29, 1977, in Warsaw, to Rob and Nancy Gast.
Rob and Nancy started Freewheelin’, a Warsaw bicycle shop, in 1975. The name changed to Tarkio Road in downtown Warsaw and a location was added in The Village at Winona under the name Trailhouse, where Robbie passionately spent a majority of his time and working life.
He first worked at Butterfly Records during high school, where he learned his retail skills. He then went to Sun Metal Products Inc. to work for their bicycle division from 1996 to 2000, helping make the company a highly regarded brand in the bicycle industry.
After Sun Metal, he opened a partner action sports store, The Core Store, helping introduce skateboarding, wakeboarding and the surf lifestyle to the community.
Returning to the family business in 2000, he helped open their second location in 2002 in The Village at Winona.
A passionate advocate of bicycling, he was a founding member of and sat on the board for Kosciusko County Velo Cycling Club. He most recently also was recognized as a founding and continuing partner of The Fat & Skinny Tire Festival, one of the largest multi-day bicycle events in the Midwest.
Outside of cycling, he most enjoyed life together with friends. Lake-living activities like surfing, wakeboarding, skiing and tubing were cherished moments. He also enjoyed traveling with friends for snowmobiling, snowboarding and motorcycling. But most of all, he was happiest with the simple things ... a campfire with family and friends or an enjoyable cookout and karaoke was always his first preference.
Also surviving are his daughter, Ella, 5; a sister, Cari Gast Kline, 42; his girlfriend, Kristi Webster; her children, Jarrod Burgh, 14, and Cait Webster, 8; grandparents, Steve and Helen Dzuba, Winona Lake, and Bob and Marge Gast, Warsaw; two nephews, Cameron Kline and Will McGinty; and two nieces, Kendall Kline and Carlie Kline.
All are welcome to begin gathering at 2 p.m. Sunday at Spikes Beach Grill followed by a time of remembrance at approximately 4 p.m.
Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.
***** Memorials may be made to the Gast Memorial Fund through Lake City Band, Warsaw, IN 46580.
Condolences may be sent to 1001 E. Canal St., Winona Lake, IN 46590.
