Chapel Hill- Mr. Richard William Rich Gaby, most recently from Chapel Hill, but long time resident of Oxford, North Carolina, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 13, 2015 from his battle with leukemia.Born January 1, 1960 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Walter Edward Gaby, Jr and Norma Ann May Gaby. His parents were world travelers - courtesy of the military - living and exploring both Japan and Turkey.They eventually settled in the desert Southwest of Tucson, AZ where Rich was raised and they, along with his older brother Walter Edward Gaby, III, nurtured his desire to see all parts of the world.After graduating from the University of Arizona, where he was a beloved TKE, he worked in places like Iowa and Missouri before settling in Oxford, North Carolina in the early 90s with his wife (Ellen Gaby) and two girls. Rich Gaby worked at Revlon in Oxford for many years, participating in leadership positions both in the community and within Revlon.He had several passions in life:his two daughtersAllison and Catherineflying airplanes, and travelling the world.While his life was cut short far too early, he filled it with pursuing his dreams. Rich leaves behind his brother, Walter Gaby of Tucson, AZ, his two daughters, Allison Gaby of San Francisco, California, and Catherine Gaby of Wilmington, NC; his best friend for life D. Michael Mahan, and Ellen Gaby, who supported him in everything.The family appreciates all that the loving and caring community of Oxford did for Richard in his long battle with leukemia.A Memorial and Celebration of Richs life will be held at a later date in the summer. Any donations in his memory can be made to the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society, 401 Harrison Oaks Blvd, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27513.
