Phillip W. Gabbard

Age 54, of Hickory Corners, died April 20, 2011.  Phil was born on April 12, 1957 to Charles and Audrey Gabbard.  He worked for Stryker Corporation in Kalamazoo for the past 20 years and traveled extensively worldwide.

Surviving are his father, Charles; brother, Keith (Sue) Gabbard; sisters, Luann Gabbard, Nora Kratz and Patty Garbin; and nieces and nephews, Jenny and Eric, Sydni and Justin and Leslie and Nick.  He was preceded in death by his mother Audrey in 2010.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2011, at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.  Interment will follow in Maple Ridge Cemetery.  The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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14 Messages to “Phillip W. Gabbard

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Theresa L. Prude
April 21, 2011 at 3:11 pm

My sincerest condolences to the family of Phil Gabbard. He always had a hello and a smile each time I would see him in the morning at Stryker. May God bless you and keep you through this difficult time.

The Prude Family

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Deb Scott
April 21, 2011 at 3:24 pm

RIP my dear friend! Thank you for the Bee Gees 8-track!!! I will miss your laughter!

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Sandy Jones
April 21, 2011 at 3:54 pm

My thoughts and prayers to all of Phil’s family. Phil will be sadly missed by everone who new him. Even though I had not seen Phil for a while, I will never forget his infectious smile. Phil always had a way of making people feel better and always greeted everyone with that smile.

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Gloria Lowe
April 21, 2011 at 3:59 pm

My deepest sympathy to the Gabbard family. Phil was a wonderful caring man with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in your time of sorrow.

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Christine Skeen
April 21, 2011 at 4:20 pm

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Phil Gabbard.

Phil always had the greatest smile and the quickest “hello” when I would see him in the hall or pass by his desk in the early AM hours.

I will always remember the “Phil*Mart” signage that designated his area on the service floor, I smiled every time I saw it. I am going to miss seeing him everyday.

RIP Phil…. my thoughts and prayers are for all of your family and friends feeling this tremendous loss today.

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Heidi Bucher
April 21, 2011 at 7:46 pm

Prayers and sincere sympathy to Phil’s family and friends. To lose a great mentor, friend and relative like Phil is a shock that takes the breath away. We all loved and respected Phil in our own ways, and he will be dearly missed, more than any of us could begin to comprehend. Phil was truly the example for being the BEST of the BEST. Rest in Peace, Our Friend

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Deb Stacey
April 21, 2011 at 10:17 pm

My prayers and deepest sympathy goes to Phil’s family and friends. I loved his smile and his laughter. We all will miss him more than we could ever put into words. Rest in Peace Phil. What a great loss for us all.

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Mary Peterson
April 22, 2011 at 7:01 am

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Phil will be deeply missed. I will miss his smile and our talks. May God bless your family during during this most difficult time.

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Jason Cook
April 22, 2011 at 8:48 am

My thoughts and prayers to the Gabbard family. What a shocking loss to everyone that knew him. He was a genuine guy with a personality you couldnt help but like. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. R.I.P. Phil.

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Mary Wright
April 22, 2011 at 8:40 pm

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Phil was an awesome man who always was there for so many of us. His smile and compassion for people and for the work he performed will certainly be remembered for years to come.

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John Nadzam
April 23, 2011 at 7:28 am

Phil and I have worked together at Styker for many years. I feel so blessed our paths crossed this past Monday morning. We both laughed and I know he was his looking forward to his Procare visit to Florida. I already miss our chats on bathroom and kitchen remodeling and music. I guess fixing the Porshe will have to wait. Your family and Stryker have lost a great person, he will be greatly missed. I know he is with his Mom now and not alone. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Jeff & Karen VanDyke
April 23, 2011 at 7:40 am

Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Phil’s family and friends.
Phil was a gtreat neighbor and friend. He will be dearly missed around the weekend bonfires. We were blessed to have Phil as a friend and good neighbor for the last 17 years. May God bless the Gabbard family. RIP Good Neighbor

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Louis Weijers
April 23, 2011 at 9:35 am

I worked with Phil for more than three years and we were friends. We traveled together to Freiburg Germany and Eindhoven the Netherlands to conduct Stryker’s Service Training. Phil is a true unique guy who doesn’t judge others. An example to most of us. And according to my mom, he met when we were in Eindhoven, he is a very handsome man as well. I had to hear this for several years afterwards 🙂 Anyway, Phil you are missed by all of us and my family. I wish we could have more time together, but unfortunately such can be life. Therefore for everyone surviving, we should always cherish the moments we get with family and friends, it’s more important than materialistic ideals, grudges, and your job. Go in peace my friend.

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Carol Nichols
April 23, 2011 at 1:56 pm

Phil was a wonderful friend and co-worker. We exchanged travel ideas, good movies and many other things. If you had any problems at work it was always ” call phil”. I am very sory I could not attend funeral due to prior commitments. My blessings for the family in this very difficult time. Phil was a great person.

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