Retired OBS Sales Director Gulick Dies at 92

Retired Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. director of sales Bob Gulick died Aug. 30 in Ocala, Fla., at the age of 92. 



Gulick served as director of sales at the company from 1978-1995 at which time he retired but was still affiliated with OBS as the director of racing and other related business through 2012. He played a critical role in the creation and building of the annual OBS "Day of Champions" races, a series of four races with purses totaling $300,000 that are open to sale company graduates. The racing program celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Prior to joining OBS, Gulick was general manager of the Ohio Thoroughbred Center for 10 years and also bred, raised, and trained his own horses.

"He was one of finest men I've ever met in my life," said former OBS president Tom Chiota, who worked with Gulick more than 20 years. "He was so open to helping people and caring for people."

Chiota also said Gulick was a tireless worker, one who was willing to pitch in no matter what needed to be done. He remembered Gulick stepping in to erect portable stalls during the early days of the sales company, which held its first auction in 1975.

"Bob was always working for the consignors, as well," Chiota said. "He was adept at negotiating the problems that would inevitably come up between the consignors and their principles. He will be greatly missed by the Marion County community."

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala. In lieu of flowers the family would like to have donations made to Hospice of Marion County, P.O Box 4860 Ocala, FL, 34478-4860.