Much loved son of Gail and John, very proud father of Richard and Stephanie, fond and very close “brother” of James Wu (Taiwan) with whom he shared many school years, “little brother” to Nicole Seminiuk (New Zealand) and a friend to so many. Tony passed away in his sleep on November 27th, 2017 in Vancouver where he had been working temporarily for his Victoria employer. Never expecting to write one’s son’s obituary, finding the right words is not easy and those who knew Tony well, will remember him as kind, very generous, always available to help and the first to volunteer, especially at a time in his life when he faced many challenges, both personal and health-related. He covered the stress in his later life behind his very friendly and outgoing personality. But ultimately his body rebelled and Late-onset Type 1 Diabetes took control of his daily life, requiring multiple injections of insulin. He had to quickly overcome his dislike of needles!
Tony graduated from GlenLyon Norfolk School (GNS) where his teachers and Mr. Brooks will not remember him for his interest in academics as he was having far more fun with extra-curricular activities. Tony’s life-long passion for all things military and police-related began in his teen years. He joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment Militia; never a keen dancer, Tony preferred to work on security at GNS school dances and later at University when he attended UNBC. After college, Tony moved to Smithers where he and his wife operated a small Inn and Tony was delighted to be voted” Businessman of the Year”. However, the RCMP “called” and Tony volunteered as an Auxiliary Constable in Smithers. He was later selected for professional police training at the RCMP College in Regina. Tony was close to graduation when personal and family issues intervened and he returned to Victoria. He later began a new career in the construction industry, with old friend Rod Parker, while successfully completing his academic requirements along the way.
Tony loved his years at GNS and one of his teachers wrote that Tony dropped in at school recently. “He was his usual full of life Tony. I marvelled at his enthusiasm and passion for living. Even though Tony was not conventional, he was a bright shining light loved by so many that he touched with his positive actions,” He gave so much Good”. It could not have been better said.
Tony is survived by his children, Richard and Stephanie, their mother, Yvonne, his parents Gail and John, in-law Blum family, extended family and many friends in Canada, Australia, Taiwan, N.Z., USA, Austria, Japan and the UK.
The family wishes to welcome any of Tony’s friends who would like to join them in saying goodbye to Tony and afterwards a Reception on Friday, December 15, 2017, at 2.30 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC and ask that you contact Gail and John at ggabel@shaw.ca if you are able to attend.
Flowers gratefully declined. A donation to GlenLyon Norfolk School in Tony’s name would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
60 Responses
Dear Gail and John, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Tony. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to you during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…Sincerely, Gerri Taschuk
I still remember the day, as a 7th grader, I came to tour GNS to see if I would like going to school there. Tony was my guide for the day, and I had the honour of tagging along and being his shadow. He was so welcoming, so full of life and energy, and such a genuinely nice and cool guy. He definitely was a huge influence on my decision to join GNS. Then, I was lucky enough to end up in the same home room as Tony for the ensuing 5 years, meeting up every morning before class. He always made me laugh, and I looked up to him. He was a firmly moral person, with his heart in the right place always, which was a powerful positive example for me to emulate.
It makes me very sad to know that the bright light that was Tony Gabel will shine no more on this Earth. He left us much too soon.
To Tony’s family: please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I can only imagine the pain you are going through right now. I regret that I will not be able to attend his service this Friday, as I will be out of town.
Richard, Gail and the entire family;
On behalf of all of the Mount Douglas school community, our collective thoughts and well wishes are with all of you. The news of Tony’s passing came with great shock and sadness. In this incredibly difficult time I know that your family will continue to demonstrate the support and caring that you have always shown and that the example Tony demonstrated as a father will continue to serve his children and loved ones. My condolences to you and the entire family. A very sad time….
Dear Gail and John,
I offer you my sincerest condolences. Now a mother myself, I cannot imagine the pain. I am thinking of you and your families and remembering you all in my prayers. James often remembers Tony and your family with great affection. I still remember your kindness and generosity when I spent my first Christmas in Canada with you in your lovely home. May God give you strength and peace in such a difficult time.
Colleen and I were very saddened to hear about Tony’s passing. He was one of those special individuals who always had a caring comment or act for others regardless of whether they were a close friend or a stranger. I will miss his positive outlook on life and his wonderful sense of humour. We extend our deepest sympathies to Gail, John, Richard & Stephanie. Rick & Colleen
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences. We are at a loss to find the right words that could possibly bring you any comfort at this incredibly difficult time, other than to let you know we are forever grateful to Tony for sharing with us a small part of his happy, fun-loving life at GNS.
John and Gail,
So sorry to read of Tony’s untimely passing.
Our deepest sympathies to you and all of Tony’s family.
Barry & Bonnie
I am so very sorry to hear of your son Tony’s passing Gail. Although I haven’t met your family, it sounds like you are all very close. Thank you for sharing about Tony’s life. I can see a picture of him in your words.
I’m heartened by the love and support from all your friends here and sincerely hope this helps somewhat ease your pain and burden at this time. Personally, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim Gye
Dear Gail and John,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your son Tony. I recall Gail, talking with you about his progression through life at the time, and clearly how proud you were of him. Nothing can ever take those feelings away, but there is no doubt that you will miss him dearly.
Sincerely,
Jim Stockdill.
Dear Gail and John:
We are greatly saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. We send our heart felt condolences out to you and Tony’s extended family. He passed far too soon.
Ron McFarlane and Galia Artzy