August 07, 1926 - May 12, 2021
Peter Gabrys had the bluest eyes that you have ever seen. He passed away on May 12, 2021 in the arms of his wife and son at home in Lodi, CA where he had spent 60 years building and nurturing his family.
He was born on July 12, 1926 in Opal, Alberta, Canada but being born out on the farm, his parents were unable to bring him into town to register him until August 7, 1926 which then became his official birthday. He was the 7th child to Walter and Maria Gabrys. They homesteaded 140 acres in Redwater, Alberta while growing up with his other 12 siblings. Peter was playful and energetic as a child but also learned the concept of hard work at an early age. Having to work the farm meant picking up stones to clear the land, raising cattle and growing crops. On the farm they would also swim in the creek or ice skate in the winter time. His love of ice skating led to playing hockey for several years.
He eventually moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he met his wife, Rose Taschuk in 1952. She was dating his best friend at the time. He had noticed her but when her eyes spotted those baby blues she knew that he was the one for her.
Peter had moved to Lodi, CA in 1955 to visit his sister and decided to stay. He found work with his brother in law. He decided to go back to Alberta to marry his sweetheart in 1957 in Edmonton, Alberta and eventually boarded a train with all their belongings in 1958 and made Lodi their permanent home. Soon Lodi became home to 3 brothers and a sister and their families. Cecile, Water, Edward and Peter’s families all would have game nights and potlucks regularly.
He then found work as a chrome shop supervisor with Valley Tow Rite which later became Valley Industries, working there for 35 years. His first child, Tammi was born in 1962 and was their pride and joy. Kory came along in 1965 and he was very proud to have a son. Marc was born in 1968 to complete their family. The family would enjoy camping in Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and numerous beach locations. Pinecrest Camp, the SDA conference church camp was a special place for the family where Pete and Rose would cook for many years with their friends Deanna and Bob Patee. But it was the family reunions in Canada when they took the kids back up north that really brought a lot of joy to them. Whether by camper, motorhome, vehicle or plane it was always exciting to plan many stops through the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise. He truly enjoyed his time in Edmonton around his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. He would tell stories that about growing up with them that brought the room to tears from laughter, a side of him many didn’t get to experience.
Peter was handy. He could make or fix anything he put his mind to. He volunteered many times to help at Lodi SDA Elementary School and Lodi Academy where his children attended. He was extremely generous and kind. He would drive kids to go skiing even though he didn’t like skiing that much. He would wait in the lodge until all his kids were done closing down the ski resort. He was also involved with English Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church where he had been a head deacon for many years there and their previous location on Central Ave. where he had the privilege of being one of the bell ringers, inviting the community to church each Saturday morning.
The gift of gab was not his forte’ but you knew where you stood with him when you looked into those blue eyes of his. Strength, compassion and generosity could not begin to describe this loving man.
Both Peter and Rose have had many other kids that have called them mom and dad, even grandma and grandpa. They had the privilege to call Jamieson and Shaylen Rudyk their grandchildren when they were born to Roger and Linda Rudyk. In 2014 Kory married Nena Custodio and in 2015, the first of their biological grandchildren, Kallan Peter Gabrys was born. Peter’s eyes twinkled with excitement. In 2017, Mia Mary Rose Gabrys was born and became the sparkle that wouldn’t fade in those blue eyes of his.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Rose, daughter Tammi, sons Kory (Nena) and Marc Gabrys. He is also survived by his siblings Jean Haluschak, Paul Gabrys, Edward (Sylvia) Gabrys, Estelle Skoretz, Cecile Shavoley and Elsie Gabrys (Sandy Lupul). He is preceded in death by siblings, John, Sophie Rudyk, Katie Hyrhirchuk, Adolphe, Walter and Leo. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. He had a very special place in his heart as he used to play and tease all of them especially Sherry Hyde and Kathy Shavoley.
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held for Peter on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240. Cherokee Memorial is in charge of arrangements.
For access to Peter Gabrys Private Broadcast™
Celebration of Life on May 22nd, 2021 at 1:30pm PDT
Please use the two steps below to view the service:
Step 1
Write down or remember the Service PIN.
The PIN is: 178-967
Step 2
Open the webpage by clicking the box below:
Peter Gabrys Private Broadcast™
When prompted by the website, please enter the PIN to view the service.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gabrys family.
