On a beautiful, peaceful Monday evening, Superman hung up his cape and traded it in for a pair of wings that carried him home. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy( PSP) was the challenge of a lifetime, whose strength was unknown. Although his body may have surrendered, his Spirit would not. Rob was given the hardest battle and without question, he won. This disease eventually took almost everything, but it could not take away the most important things of all; the feelings and knowledge of how love, appreciation of the simple things, and the gift of time are all we really need. The sun, having set in the west, continued its path only to surely rise again. Robert took flight into the arms of our Savior and loved ones waiting on the other side. He left us here with new perspectives on life and understanding that we could not have received any other way.
Robert “Gabby” DeeWayne Gabbitas was born on February 15, 1952 to Wayne Gabbitas and Corinne Law in Provo, UT. The tall mountains and Utah Lake became the setting for a life full of memories made in cutoff jeans and bare feet. Where the happy days of swimming, hunting and fishing at Strawberry or time spent at the cabin made childhood perfect for a young boy in the 50’s. He learned about farm life and orchards, graduated from Orem High School, and landed in a career where he could boss people around and play with heavy equipment.
Somehow fate brought Rob and Lora together and they eloped to Ely, Nevada on October 14, 1983. Rob wore his BYU Slam Dunk T-shirt the first time, but was later sealed for time and all eternity wearing white in the Manti Temple. He was preceded in death by his parents and newborn twin sons. He leaves behind his favorite fan, Lora, who is holding on to her side of the rainbow.
On June 15, 2020, Robert took his last breath on this earth and moved on to a place where the grass is green, fruit trees abound, bees buzz, and kettle corn pops in the fields. A place where days can be spent however he chooses, whether it is driving along in his heavenly jeep while the dogs run along, or proving to everyone once again that he is the best trickster around. His twin boys have no idea what is coming! His storytelling, whether it was true, exaggerated or something of his imagination, brought a million smiles. His laughter will echo in our hearts forever.
Special thanks to Rob’s son Patrick, whose care along with Lora’s, became the difference in allowing him to spend his precious time at home. The family will be receiving those who share in their mourning from 9:00 to 9:40 on Friday, June 19th. At 10:00, after the family surrounds Rob one more time all together, the remainder of the services will take place in the Cleveland Second Ward Chapel located at 350 W 40 N. Cleveland, Utah. Burial will be at 2:30 in the Elgin Cemetery located in Green River, UT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name at psp.org in the hopes that others will have hope for their future together. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are welcome daily and may share memories of Robert at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.
Though my heart is broken into a thousand pieces, what’s left will someday be a beautiful mosaic.