Gary Kenneth Gabbitas, a North Ogden resident who built and shaped structures across Northern Utah for decades, passed away on October 18, 2026, at the age of 91. Mr. Gabbitas was a well-known figure in the communities where he lived, recognized for both his professional skill as a builder and his deep commitment to his family and faith.
Born on February 7, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Gary was the oldest son of Kenneth and Mae Gabbitas. He was raised in Springville, Utah, and later married his sweetheart, Sherey Leann Christiansen, on February 10, 1956. Their marriage spanned 64 years, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 10, 1974. Together, Gary and Sherey raised their three children, Val, Lonnie, and Kristy, in North Ogden.
Throughout his career, Mr. Gabbitas worked as a drywaller, framer, and foreman. He supervised and helped construct numerous buildings across the region, including in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo. Notable projects included the MTC in Provo, Utah, and the Hangers at Hill Air Force Base, demonstrating his significant impact on local infrastructure. He also contributed to the building of many homes, churches, banks, and schools in the communities where he resided.
Beyond his professional life, Gary was celebrated for his craftsmanship and love for the outdoors. He was a master craftsman and woodworker, known for building beautiful furniture and hand-carving remarkably lifelike wooden fish. Friends and family would often bring him a fish they had caught, and he would create a wooden replica that mirrored the real thing. He was also a talented gardener whose beautiful flowers were still blooming on the day he passed. Gary loved being outdoors, finding joy in working with his hands and enjoying nature.
As a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Gabbitas instilled the value of hard work in his children and taught them to appreciate the great outdoors. He particularly loved fishing and could often be found sharing this passion with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. He cherished playing outdoor games with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and teaching them how to fish, creating treasured memories for his family.
Gary was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings throughout his life. He was known for his generous heart and his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Mr. Gabbitas was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mae Gabbitas; his beloved wife, Sherey Gabbitas; his brothers, Darrell Gabbitas and Robert Gabbitas (Linda); and his daughter Kristy Green.
He is survived by his brothers, Kent Gabbitas (the late Althea) and Dennis Gabbitas; his sister, Vickie Simkins (Phil); his sons, Val Gabbitas (Malia) and Lonnie Gabbitas (Roxane); his son-in-law, Doug Green (the late Kristy); his grandchildren, Audrey Stokes (Matthew), Annie Drommond (Cameron), Jake Gabbitas (Lisa), Kaydee Romero (José), Garrett Gabbitas (Tami), Chase Gabbitas, Rochell Barrett, Jason Gabbitas (KaeAnn), Timothy Gabbitas, Tabatha Gabbitas (Llvarrious), Amanda Orton (Josh), Annalyn Barney (Buck), and Hannah Pond (Jordan Ruth); and 31 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the LDS chapel located at 461 N 300 W, Mt Pleasant, UT 84647. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Additional viewings will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM and 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM.
