Obituary: Farewell Gebi
An obituary by Doris Gisler Truog for Gebi Schregenberger, who passed away on October 15.
Farewell Gebi
On October 15, 2013, Gebi Schregenberger bid farewell to this world. He went as he had lived, with great dignity. I was able to accompany him with my family. Thanks to him, Gisler & Gisler had become a legendary advertising agency: at times the largest and always one of the best. Everything that came out of our company had to satisfy Gebi's incorruptible eye - and so these campaigns still stand up to any criticism today. More than that - they are still a feast for the eyes.
Gebi selected his employees with a sure hand and forged them into a close-knit team in his inimitable way. Many of them would have had what it takes to be an AD or creative director at another agency - but they remained loyal to G&G and, above all, to Gebi. To encourage them, he often took a step back himself. He was proud to be part of "Gislerei", which would not have existed in this form without him. This pride was transferred to his entire studio.
He joined the agency in 1954, when it was still called "Kaspar Gisler, Reklameberatung", but already bore the later famous Gisler logo. He helped shape the entire, often turbulent development into a full-service agency with around 100 employees. After Kaspar Gisler's death, he supported me in my then still almost exotic role as the first female agency boss. He enjoyed the many trips associated with the expansion of our international relationships and the recognition he received from leading American and European agencies.
When I retired from the agency business, it was obvious to me that he should become my successor. I almost had to persuade him - he hesitated, and he was right. Torn away from his actual job, which he was doing so masterfully, he lost his footing. He agreed to a merger that was incompatible with the culture of Gisler& Gisler, which had grown over decades, and meant the end of this charismatic agency.
Our friendship also survived this test. To his and my great delight, we not only met in private and at the "Gisler-Höck", which still takes place regularly, but were also able to toast the good times we had together at the big nostalgia party with 180 alumni.
Doris Gisler Truog
