Dexter Gabbard

I started writing a message 7 or 8 times beginning last night and again this morning - stopping, deleting, and changing my words - I finally realized that no matter what I write, it will never be worthy of one of the greatest men I have ever known.  Plainly stated, Dexter was one of a kind - the definition of genuine.  He lived his life on his own terms, without apology.  I still cannot believe that I will never again hear Dex's silly jokes, hear him talk passonately about his invention and marketing ideas, his company, the new friends he had made and his volunteer work.  My most heart felt condolences go out to everyone - family and friends.  I don't know what else to say - I will miss him more than words can say.

I truly believe with all my heart that Dexter is in heaven with God.  Dexter was a doer and a man with many talents.  He is in the ultimate place where we all should strive to go.  There is no doubt that God will give him a task and he will accept it with a smile on his face and do his best to complete it.  Dexter was truly my friend.  I so much depended on him for so many things and talked about everything.  I will miss him so much.  Now I know that I don't have anyone to talk to and have the fun we did.  I always thought that when his Mom and I got older that we could always count on him to be there for us and he would always joke and say "he was throwing us in the old folk home'.  One thing I want to say is the friends that Dexter has and I have met are some of finest human beings I know.  Grant Burrows was one of the best.  Dexter truly loved him and he would always talk to me about Grant.  A couple of weeks ago Dexter got us this book that he had read.  We did and it was truly wonderful. This book has played on our minds since Dexter has passed.  The book is called "The Shack" by William P. Young.  Read it, Dexter loved it and think of him when you read it...

We thank all of you who have written and said so many wonderful things about Dexter.  He truly loved life and that is what is making it so hard to accept.  He was my baby son and I will always have him in my heart.  There will not be a day in my life for however long I live that I will not think of and miss my son.  Please God, give him a kiss and hug for me and tell once again for me and my family that we love him.  My husband David loved Dexter just as if he were his true son.  Always thought of Dexter as his and they spoke everyday on the phone.  Dexter would tell me how much he loved David and that I should be nicer to him.  David keeps saying that he has lost his fun partner because whenever they were together they always had so much fun.  Dexter showed David and myself so many things that we would have never experienced if it weren't for him.  He was our rock.  Always saying we were ate up because we can't figure out eltronics, cell phones, blue tooth, computers, you name it.  He was constantly having to do and explain these things to us.  Now we will be lost.  My first born child is so precious to me and my heart is so very heavy with the thought that we will not hear his voice, get his emails, and his love and kisses.  He truly was a wonderful son.  Whenever I would get frustrated at him, he would say "Hey Ma"  come on smile, you know it isn't that bad and don't sweat the small stuff.  Dexter may God embrace and help us get through the worse thing we have ever known.  Thank you all for doing what you have done.  It helps me to read and know he was loved.  I love you Son...  MOM and David

I met Dexter on one of his early trips to California to visit his high school friend, Carmella, and her husband Tim. He was instantly so very likable, engaging, smart, genuine and fun to be around. I always looked forward to seeing him during his visits. Without fail, he'd greet me with his warm, generous and adventurous smile as he would an old friend. He made everyone feel as if we were all together in on this great fun (and we all were!). Seeing Dexter, Carmella and Therese interact was a reminder of the very best things that long-time friends share; there was always so much love, laughter and respect for their friendship. Everyone wanted to be around Dexter. I can only imagine what an incredible son, brother and uncle he will be remembered as. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and his many friends.

Thank you for all your kind words about the most wonderful brother and just know he cared about each of you. My family appreciates your prayers at our time of need and I just wanted to say thank you to everyones lives my brother touched.  Just remember him and keep his memories alive is all I can ask. Thank you so much. God bless you all

My deepest sympathy to the Gabbard family. I will always remember Dexter as a one of the nicest guy in our graduating class at North. We worked and went to college our 1st year together. Dexter was always so much fun to be around. We shared the love of music and often talked it back in the day. I know the world is a sadder place without you.

Shannon, I am thinking about you and your family. You guys had an amazing brother, son, uncle, friend. He will be dearly missed.

My deepest sympathy to Dexter's family and to all who were like family to him.  Dexter became my friend in 8th grade and our friendship only grew stronger over the years.  Dexter was one of the most amazing people in my life.  The pain of losing him is almost unbearable

My life is forever changed and will never be the same. My heart is hurt and now i can only cherish the memories of the most wonderful brother and Uncle who put everyone first. His 4 neices Samantha, Sara, Shelby and Shauna are so saddened by someone who taught them so many things about loving life and just being the best person they can be. They will always have the wonderful memories of the BEST UNCLE in the world.  My brother oh my precious brother, my heart hurts and I can only hope you know how much I loved and will always love you.  I will remember the fun times and try to live my life like you did with as much positive and caring outlook, like you did.  I love you so much and miss you more than you will ever know.

My deepest condolences to Dexter's family.  I knew Dexter in High School and then re-connected with him several years ago.  He was an impressive person with so much positive energy and he seemed so willing to share his warmth, humor, and love.  The world has truly lost a good guy. 

I have lost one of my best friends. I will never forget you. All the memories we have shared will remain with me forever.