Bryan F. Gabbard

Bryan F. Gabbard of Yellow Springs and formerly of Centerville passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 25, 2014, just a few weeks from his 29th birthday. Bryan graduated from Centerville High School in 2004, where he was voted as having the "best smile" in his class. He played soccer for CHS, highlighted by scoring the winning goal against St. Ignatius in 2002. He expanded his interest in soccer, becoming a referee at age 11, highlighted by working elite U-17 games at the USA Cup in 1999 at the age of 13.

Bryan graduated from Miami University in Oxford, cum laude majoring in philosophy, in 2010. He excelled at logic puzzles and computer games, particularly "World of Warcraft," and "Call of Duty" as well as "Magic" cards. His prowess at WoW raised him to the highest PvP level theoretically possible in 2007. More than his accomplishments he had a depth of soul; he loved passionate philosophical discussions and carried an abundant inner mirth whose source we can only aspire to know.

Bryan was predeceased by his loving mother Ann Padgett Gabbard in 2007. He leaves to mourn his early passing his beloved father, Stephen R. Gabbard of Yellow Springs; his younger brother and confidante, Kevin M. Gabbard and his wife Linda Peia of San Diego, California; his beloved grandmother Vernell Padgett and his aunt Debbie Padgett of West Columbia, South Carolina; his aunt Petie Brown of Hilo, Hawaii, and his stepmother Christina Martin Gabbard of Yellow Springs, along with many other relatives and good friends too numerous to mention. Bryan cared deeply for others and although his light has dimmed on this earth, it continues to shine over us in the cosmos. His loss will be forever felt.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd. Beavercreek, OH 45432, followed by a short memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Bryan's mother.