Excerpts from the yearbook dedications to Gabe

...So many thoughts and memories accumulated over the past 2 1/2 years of "Bestfriendship." With his sarcastic smile, he was constantly giving everyone a hard time and hoping you could dish it back, telling us in his own unique way to accept the things you cannot control and enjoy what you have. Loving every second of life. Attacking life. And to those he shared with we remember, and he lives with us now... My love to Ben, Terry and Nick. I place you all on a pedestal for the utmost respect I have for your family. The potential of a person to grow comes from their upbringing. It is rare to find a family as trustworthy, loving, and truthful as yours. And, Thank you Lord, I am honored to have been his best friend. Brett Swigard

...many think of Gabe's life, his dreams, as being gone-lost-dead. I have a tendency to think...it has just begun...just as it has with all of us in this world...I bid you sweet dreams Gabe Ryan...May your travels provide yet another rung on the ladder. You may be ahead of me now, I'll catch you someday, someday. See ya later Bud...I'll see ya later, I love you Gabe. Brian Rice

Your life touched me more than I'll ever be able to explain. The times we shared will live on in my memories forever. I don't know exactly why you had to die, but some things are better left unexplained. I've gone over and over what to say, I guess all I can say is this... I love you, and I can't wait till we meet again. And we will meet again, I promise. Jay Bibbee

...Because we once lived with Gabe, our new connection with him becomes thought and memory. By bringing him into the light, Gabe can continue to contribute to our lives. We need only to create a positive rhythm. If everyone comes together to do their part, Gabe will pass into a better form of life, a place with no borders or closed values on creation and beauty. Humans tend to make a life for themselves with traps and snags that make things hard on themselves. A duck, on the other hand, doesn't make up problems for himself. He waddles, swims and flies through life with a rhythm that most humans avoid. People wonder why Gabe could act as if nothing bothered him: with a simple rhythm he phased through trivial matters. This rhythm touched us a swell. Gab's way of life opened my eyes to a new look, at an old picture. He taught me more than anyone ever will. In return, I will create a positive vibe for Gabe to ride until I meet him a little way down the line. Gabe has coasted into a new life, but I still know him and I will always love him. You can say you don't know how good something is until it is gone; but Gabe is not gone, I touch him every day. So if you pass me by, greet me with a smile, because that is what I give Gabe every day. We are blessed with life, let's use it. Let's put together a positive vibration to lift ourselves past the problems of life. I love everyone I know, but that love pales in comparison to Gabe's love for us all. Kevin Martin

...As tragic as sudden, many of us have just lost a good friend. One that listened to us. One that cared for us. One that talked to us, especially when we needed someone to talk to. The time we spent with him laughing, caring, crying, talking and, at times, arguing are now, vehemently, a fond memory locked in our minds...However trivial and lost our lives get, his memory will remain in our minds and, more importantly in our hearts forever. Gabe, you've made us see and soberly realize something that we unfortunately lost touch with and from all of us, thank you for being a part of our life... Shamin Nejad

Each day I thank God for giving Gabe to us...Gabe gave us life. I love him for everything he did and was... Jessica Hamilton  

When we meet again, We'll share what was lost. But the continued friendship, Will gain more than imagined! Eternal Friendship. I Love you Gabey-Abey Bill Kock