I worked with Gabe for the last few years on different projects throughout San Diego County. He had an amazing ability to bring different groups together and really listen to people and make them feel heard. He could distill information in a way that folks on different sides of an issue could understand and find a way to move forward together. It always made my day when I'd find out he was going to be in a meeting I was attending because it meant we had a sound voice at the table. He made you feel like you were all on the same team, trying to do the right thing for the coast. I'll definitely miss that surprise and spark of joy when I'd walk into a room and see him sitting at the table.

To his family, I am so sorry for your loss.

I only met Gabriel once, on a visit to San Diego with my husband and young daughter, as we stayed with Ken and Deanna in 2014. One evening of our visit, Gabriel, Rhiannon, Landon, and Colton had us over for swimming and pizza. It was wonderful to spend time together with them in their beautiful home and enjoy their company. The year after that trip out west, I would lose a pregnancy in 2015 and then a child, when I delivered my son stillborn in 2016. When we heard the news of Gabriel's diagnosis in 2017, we began the nightly ritual of praying for him at the dinner table each night. Following his journey on Instagram and hearing regular updates from Deanna via Kathy, we were just invisible prayer warriors, our hearts wide open from the grief of our own loss. Now that Gabriel has crossed over to the other side, we pray for his family: Rhiannon, Landon, Colton, Ken, Deanna, Justin, and the countless friends and family who continue to love Gabriel in his absence. May you feel held, loved, and supported as you grieve Gabriel. I am so sorry for your loss.

(A few excerpts from my letter to Ken and Deanna.)

When I play back the movie of my childhood, Gabe seems to be in just about every scene, along with Joey, Ray and Sean. We had such an amazing group of friends over the course of those nine years at St. Mike’s, and I guarantee you that every one of us would readily admit that Gabe was always at the dead center of that friendship.

I think part of the reason that we all gravitated to Gabe was because he was, in many ways, unlike anyone we ever knew. Even at an early age, Gabe fascinated me because he had this amazing imagination and sense of wonder that made hanging out with him exhilarating. I have really early memories of me and Gabe in the PQ house playing with animal Lego characters in what I can only now somewhat reluctantly describe as a doll house. He would concoct these interesting back stories that would have us playing for hours. He also went through a fossil phase for a while where he would show me cool fossils that, as I recall, were embedded in rocks. Here was this seven or eight year old kid explaining in detail how these fossils were created and how old the fossils were. I don’t think I understood half of what he was talking about, but that didn’t make it any less amazing.

As we graduated past Lego dollhouses and fossils, it was Gabe’s sense of adventure that really made him so cool. Gabe wanted to explore everything. So when we found a drainage tunnel behind my house that led into pitch darkness, Gabe had to explore it. I remember each of us loading up with flashlights and golf balls to throw at the bats that would fly at us in the tunnel. Gabe was always undeterred, and I think we all fed off of that. When Bridlewood was being built, and the drainage tunnels were still exposed, you just knew that Gabe would be leading the expedition. He would lead us for what felt like miles through the tunnels, squeezing past black widows in the darkness until we would start to get worried that we wouldn’t find our way back. In retrospect, probably not the safest endeavor for a bunch of 12 year old kids, but these were the sort of epic adventures that you had when Gabe was around.

I can’t remember when I first realized that Gabe was brilliant. I don’t think 6 and 7 year olds think in terms of how brilliant their friends are. What I do remember from a very early age is that Gabe was good at everything. He aced every test, always had the most “stars” on the reading chart, and was the teachers’ go-to when no one else knew the answer. But I wasn’t truly struck by his intelligence until middle school, when I slowly began to realize that he was doing all of these things with far less effort than everyone else. I know for certain that as we got into the higher grades at St. Mike’s, the rest of us had to start working hard to keep up with math with Sister Lois, or science with Mrs. Hetzel. But I remember doing homework with Gabe after school, and seeing how he finished everything before I did, and understood things quicker than I did. Looking back now, I think I’ve come across very, very few people in my life that had that level of innate intelligence.

As time went by in middle school, I realized Gabe was trying harder and harder to downplay his intelligence. I think he realized earlier than most that while being the smartest kid in class in elementary school made him cool, it might not play out the same in middle school or beyond. So as we got older, he rarely spoke about the fact that he had straight As, or that he was cruising through classes. But for those of us who had known Gabe since he was 6 years old, we just knew.

Gabe’s intelligence was only matched by his wit. He made us laugh. Always. I think that’s a big part of why we loved him so much. He had this natural ability to entertain all of us. I’m sure we kept you guys awake during many a sleepover just cracking up at Gabe’s jokes or stories. In fact, I remember when he broke his arm riding home from school. He had us rolling with laughter as he replayed his fall in slow motion over and over in some goofy way; so much so that none of us actually realized he had broken his arm until much later. And when jokes and storytelling wouldn’t suffice, Gabe wouldn’t shy away from a little shock humor. Every one of us remembers Gabe’s go-to stunt – pulling the wings off of moths and eating them with a big smile on his face. I think his catch phrase after swallowing the bug was something like, “Protein,” said with a big smile on his face. It was the grossest thing imaginable, which of course made Gabe the coolest kid in class.

I wish I could tell you that Gabe was always an angel. But that was true neither of Gabe, nor the rest of us. Yes, we snuck out in the 8th grade during a sleepover at your house, walked down the street in the darkness to Mr. Pfeister’s house (our basketball coach that made us run more than we preferred) with a carton of eggs. We were going to egg his house, but Catholic guilt got the better of us, and we ended up gently cracking a few eggs on coach’s rear bumper. But at the time, it seemed like the ultimately act of rebellion . . . until we got home and you were waiting up for us. And I’ll spare you the details of how Gabe and the rest of us would launch eggs off of Ray’s balcony with a giant slingshot. Suffice it to say that there must have been some very confused neighbors several blocks away wondering why it was raining eggs. 

I also recall that Gabe and I were not always charitable to our respective kid brothers. Let’s face it; part of the natural order of brotherhood is that the kid brother is supposed to annoy the big brother; and the big brother is supposed to be annoyed by the kid brother. During one particular occasion at the PQ house, when Justin pushed just the right buttons, Gabe started chasing Justin around the outside of the house ready to give him a brotherly whupping. Justin wisely locked himself in the house just in a nick of time. I don’t think the doors were unlocked until Mr. Buhr got home, at which point I was politely driven home early so that justice could be meted out in private. What is so gratifying is that 30 years later, when Gabe and I were catching up for the first time in many years, I was struck by how Gabe spoke about Justin with so much pride and admiration. I think only brothers can understand how you can loathe a kid brother for 15 years of your life, and then wake up one morning to realize that the annoying kid brother has become your best friend.

A few months ago, I saw a picture of the St. Mike’s guys in what appeared to be an eighth grade picture in which all of us were dressed up in cardigans, bolo ties and rolled up pants (not a good look, but it was the eighties). I think the picture may have been at one of Eve Price’s house parties. That picture reminded me of how easy our friendship was, and how special that bond was for all of us. We didn’t have a care in the world beyond how our Aqua-Netted hair looked. I have to admit that it was painful looking at that picture knowing that none of those 14 year old kids could have ever imagined how this shitty cancer (sorry for the language) would someday come for one of us and end the adventure long before the adventure was supposed to end. But that doesn’t diminish the fact that I feel like I had an extraordinary childhood because I knew Gabe. And it doesn’t diminish the fact that for the better part of 9 years, we all got to call Gabe our best friend. I’m very sorry that he’s now gone. I hope his memories bring at least a few smiles for you as they have done for me.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was so lucky to have been a part of a wonderful loving family. After seeing all these pictures, it is clear, he lived a beautiful life. 
My sincere condolences! 
Xoxo
Jacqueline Powers

I never met Gabe, but learned about him through his father Dr. Buhr. He talked about Gabe with joy and pride in his eyes with enthusiastic intonations in his voice every time he spoke of his son Gabe. He lived a short but fruitful life, and he touched those he never even met in a positive way as he did for me. Thank you Gabe!

I remembered the day Gabe arrived in our San Diego office and remember being surprised that the agency had hired someone so young for such an important position as the agency's liaison with Caltrans. It wasn't long before I began saying to myself, how can someone so young be so bright, talented, and have such a wide knowledge and expertise on so many Coastal issues?   He was such an upbeat and life loving soul. A few years ago I saw him for the first time since my retirement at a Coastal Commission hearing and didn't recognize him at first because of his beard. When it dawned on me that it was Gabe I approached him and in front of the Commission and public I asked if it was ok if I gave him a hug and he stood up and gave me huge smile and a hug. It was a wonderful moment. In 2014 I had an opportunity to camp with Gabe and his family along with other Coastal staff at Jalama Beach Park in Santa Barbara. I have never known anyone who loved fishing as much as he did. Watching him with his kids that weekend made me think, I wish I had had a dad like that. All my love to his family, friends and co-workers. 

Gabe was a leader and visionary in the short time I got to know him. His passion to make a difference in the world of environmental protection and resource management was always inspiring, especially in an industry where uphill battles tend to be the norm. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will continue in the hearts and minds of all those that had the privilege to work with him in protecting our California coastline.

Gabriel’s mother Deanna has been my dearest friend for more than 60 years, so I got to know her firstborn through her from his birth, from her letters and phone calls and later visits. Never has a son been more loved by a mother than Gabriel was, and remains, loved by his mother Deanna. From her early accounts, I learned what an exceptional baby he was, then toddler, then child, then teenager, then young man. I had the joy of getting to know him personally on my visits to California from Missouri, and I realized at once that all the amazing things she had been telling me about him were completely true. He truly was exceptional, in every way. He was smart and kind and generous and handsome and an adoring son, husband and father. He chose a remarkable, bright, strong, beautiful woman to be his wife, and he was father to two also remarkable sons. I feel very honored to have known Gabriel, as well as his beloved Rhiannon, Landon and Colton. He had, in Deanna and Ken, the very best and most loving of parents, and in his brother Justin, a lifelong friend and companion. He was blessed in life, and, even more, he was himself a blessing to all who had the privilege and joy of knowing him. How he is missed! 

There are no words to describe what an amazing person Gabe was. He was someone you always wanted to be around. He would make any situation more fun. From the moment I met him at kindergarten drop off, I knew the Buhrs were something special. I will forever cherish the memories we have had over the years. Friday nights at Selma’s, weekends in Big Bear, Sunday Fundays and the many adventures in between. The McEntees love you Gabe and you will forever be in our hearts.

I am a cousin and somehow stumbled upon this site. My late dad, Richard Hunt, is Ken's first cousin. I remember Gabe as a little guy and I believe I saw him at Father Gene's 90th birthday. I am sending my love and condolences on losing Gabe. I enjoyed looking at all the photos and can tell he touched so many lives in a meaningful way. Please know I'm thinking of you and saying prayers for all of you. Love. Nancie Hunt

My years closest to Gabe were 1996-1998. Even then, Gabe had a heart the size of the sun and a warmth just as magnificent.
He was a true champion in so many facets, but especially in all he endured to fight to stay here with his family, to hold onto the people and things he loved. Gabe, a genuinely beautiful human with so much to give. He always fought for the things, the people, he intensely loved. He always gave all he had. From what I have read here, it seems he did so his entire life, through to his final days.
He loved Rhiannon so fiercely, even at such a young age. A love like that is so rare. It’s like he somehow knew his life here would be short and he packed all the love and passion one could ever give over a century into the 45 years he had here.
His smile, his altruism, the way he made us all feel... I know he will be missed by every person reading these tributes, no matter how long you knew him or in what capacity.
I hope that the enormous holes in your hearts can be filled, at least a bit, by the memories and stories you have of him.

I came to the SD crew very late, but Gabe never let me stay in my quiet, introverted shell for long. I played my first round of beer pong ever due to him cajoling me into it, and he didn't care that I played absolutely terribly. He even drank the penalty beers for me, since I dislike beer.

When we first met, I swear to God he looked exactly like Trent from Daria. Completely different personalities, but forever and ever, when I see Trent, I think of Gabe.

I will miss his sheer force of personality, boundless generosity of spirit and the limitless boundaries of his heart.

I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Gabe through my years of coastal activism. Gabe was always professional, prepared, knowledgeable, and the epitome of a public servant. Being a public servant especially on the Coastal Commission requires a special dedication and passion. It is hard to find people like Gabe with those traits. I am sorry for his family's and his children's loss and also for the Coast's loss. You will be missed by all.

Gabe will always be well loved by his family and I can see he will also always be well loved by his many friends. It warms my heart to read all the stories and memories that surround Gabe. I have been able to hold on to an image in my mind of his beautiful smile and bright eyes! Sending my love to Rhiannon, Landon and Colton - Justin and Maja - Deanna and Ken

There is not a sentence that I could write that could respectfully do justice to describe what a kind soul you are Gabe.
So I’ll just say, until we meet again

I met Gabe sort of later in life, when I had returned to San Diego in my early 30s. But Gabe treated me like a friend he had known his entire life. That's the kind of guy Gabe was. When you were Gabe's friend you knew it. He was always trying to get you to be a part of the plan, and always took a sincere interest in what you'd been up to. He was a man that was going to make sure you weren't left out. The world needs more humans like Gabe.

A tribute to my cousin, Gabe
He is the best of us all, and in my mind and memory will always be. You don't expect your younger cousin to become one of your greatest teachers in life. His attitude always positive, his grace unrelenting, Gabe always seemed to live life on his own terms. I feel so fortunate that we reconnected when he asked me to join his soccer club, Venom FC, in Mission Viejo. Gabe was a natural competitor, but also a shining example of sportsmanship (minus the club record in red cards). I posted a few pictures (circa 2010-2014).
I feel truly blessed to have witnessed Gabe's life. He naturally put others ahead of himself. Rarely a hesitation to help anyone for any reason. Gabe spent many years helping Deanna and Ken care for our grandparents, Frank and Harriet Mleynek. 
The profound sadness we all are feeling is hard to accept, but as most of us know, Gabe will be quite disappointed if we do not move on and live our lives to their fullest. His life is worthy of celebration and high praise. He will remain with us all. For me, he is a guide on how to be a better person in this world.
My prayers to all, but especially Rhiannon, Landon, Colton, Deanna, Ken and Justin. As our family has spread across this great country over the years, the bonds of love feel strong because of you. May we all come together once again and soon.

I am so shaken and saddened by this news, I don’t even know where to start. Such a loss. Gabe really saw people; he was dedicated to his work, and sick or not there was a light in him. He is an exceptional person and an inspiration to us all. I cannot imagine the pain of his family. He spoke so highly of you! He was so capable, knowledgeable and effective, his absence will immediately and always be missed. My heart goes out to his family. Gabe made a big impression in the limited years he had. Such a tragedy his years were cut short. There are no words really

In spite of somewhere around 20 years worth of friendship and memories, I found it surprisingly easy to come up with a "quintessential Gabe" story to share.

In the summer of 2001, a small group of us took a camping/fishing trip up in Mammoth. I hadn't known Gabe for very long at that point, nor did I have a whole lot of experience fly-fishing. In fact, it may have been only my first or second time.

Fly fishing can be intensely frustrating when you're new to it. There can be a lot of tying and untangling and rescuing your fly that got hooked on a tree behind you.

What I distinctly remember from that trip was Gabe's enthusiasm for sharing his passion for fishing with me. He helped me with the knots. He gave me advice about where to fish. When I ran into a snarl, he immediately stopped what he was doing to come help me. There was never a sense that I was bothering him or keeping him from his own fishing time. To the contrary, my success and enjoyment was *his* success and enjoyment. And when I caught a fish, his enthusiasm and congratulations were pure and genuine. There was no envy. I felt like we were a team.

It might sound like a small thing, but when I think back, all of my memories of Gabe are in that spirit. He was only truly happy when those around him were happy. He was always making sure sure everyone had full drink and a bowl of snacks in front of them. 

I know I will remember and be inspired by Gabe's brand of selflessness for the rest of my life, and I can only hope to try to emulate it and pass on those qualities to my own children. I think that's the best way I can keep Gabe's spirit alive in my own life.

I'm sad that I won't be able to make new memories, but I'm thankful for the ones that I have.

Gabe’s parents, Deanna and Ken, tell a story about being in Paris and deciding one day to knock on the door of an internationally renowned existential philosopher who, even though not knowing them, invited the two of them in for a visit. His name was Gabriel Marcel, and his philosophy was about the power, satisfaction, and importance of leading a life of loving and goodness and being able to transcend this “broken world” to live a life of experience. Gabe was named after him, and very aptly so. Having known Gabe from his birth, I know he fulfilled the promise of that name. No one leaves a greater legacy than he has—kindness, dignity, love, and commitment to family and friends, which will live on in all of us whom he touched. However short his life and tragic his death, his positive impact on our lives is immense, and I have learned from him. May his memory be a blessing, and it is. Uncle Darryl

Even though we’re in different offices, I got to work closely with Gabe in recent years. What an incredible mentor and brilliant guy. I learned so much from him, both in terms of work and life (“nothing’s that serious, Carey”). I’m going to keep his wisdom with me forever. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

I am devastated by the loss of my dear friend and colleague, Gabe. I am so grateful I got the chance to know and work with him. His intellect, sense of humor and big heart made him a joy to work with. I will miss our strategy sessions and having him as a sounding board. To Gabe's family: I am so sorry for your terrible loss. I hope you find strength and peace in Gabe's legacy. 
With love,
Kate Huckelbridge  

I am so grateful to have worked Gabe - he set the standard for excellence in public service and carrying out the mission and mandate of the Coastal Commission. He was also just an amazing guy and fun to be around. I often sought his guidance and expertise on the federal grant projects I worked on and those projects were better because of his contributions. Thank you Gabe, for all your service and for being such a great colleague and friend. My most sincere sympathy to Gabe's family, wife and kids. 

Gabe was a very special person in so many ways. His bright smile, his wonderful hugs and his always reassuring words. He always made time for you - always. The Coastal Commission hearing was adjourned today in his honor - how befitting for such a wonderful coastal leader. Jack's words were so beautiful, and he's right, no one but Gabe could have ever handled that I-5 project :) Only the sweet, wonderful, bright, kind and lovable Gabe. He will truly be missed. Sending much love to Justin and his entire family.

Gabe touched my heart. It's hard to believe he is gone. Over the years I carried petitions for the original Coastal Act in 1972, served on the Coastal Commission, and have worked with its staff for decades up to and including the present as a Del Mar councilmember and attorney. Gabe was the best of the best in a very talented group. Gabe was an ardent defender of the coast, a good listener, always informed, and a great speaker and writer. I learned a lot from Gabe, not just about coastal issues, but about how to be a good person.
My sincere sympathies and best wishes to his family. You were lucky to have this wonderful man in your lives!

Dwight

This is such sad and devastating news. Gabe is a beautiful person and friend. We went to UCSD together and worked together for many years on coastal issues in the San Diego region. He is a respected leader, is extremely bright, and worked to resolve many complex issues. His family and his colleagues meant the world to him; and he was so proud of his sons. Please know that I am thinking of you all as we work to process through this very sad news. Gabe will be greatly missed!
Amanda Lee

I am sad at the loss of Gabe and grateful that I was able to share in his life and count him as a friend. A wonderful colleague and a kind and generous man. I can recall the many times we met and can see his smile and remember that it was always a joy to be around him.

With gratitude.

Steve

I’m not sure what to put here. Gabe would have preferred I put our next scope and budget. They way we were always moving forward. We all saw Gabe in these last years. Showing what it took to be dedicated. I had several opportunities to have several meaningfully talks. Words were short, but they meant the world prior to he’s exodus’s . We had already decided to name a mean bridge after him. Some type of ceremony needs to happen here so his family and friends can see what he meant to us

We will get in touch with the family and friends as we try and organize this celebratory event in late September

I’ve never met a stronger person!

Sending you and you family my positivity to move forward, even in all of this sadness

Love you forever Gabe ❤️❤️

My heart aches to hear this news. I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember Gabe's smile and spirit, his light brightened our days with him here in Coastal's Long Beach office. 

With deepest sympathies, Liliana Roman.