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Bradley M. "Brad" GABBARD

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Home

3042 Harrison Ave

Cincinnati, Ohio

Bradley GABBARD Obituary

GABBARD

Bradley M. "Brad" , beloved son of Barbara Ann Gruver (nee Ramsey), devoted father of Nathan Alexander Sarver, dear brother of Keith R. Gabbard (Shannon), also survived by numerous extended family and friends. Suddenly, Monday May 20, 2013 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Age 36 Years. Visitation Thursday from 5-7:30 PM at the Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Home, 3042 Harrison Ave., Westwood. Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

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Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer on May 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Bradley GABBARD

23 Entries

Tom Daveu

May 16, 2024

This is what I said at Brad's service:
I´ve been struggling with this all week...not so much as to what to say; that would be easy. Brad was such a great guy and such a brilliant man. That list would be long.
What I wanted to do was to make this totally about Brad and not revert to Scott. But I can´t seem to do it. They were such good friends. They were joined at the hip (that is, if Scott stood on a BIG box).
But more than that, they were joined at the mind. If there were ever 2 people that could talk completely over my head, it was Brad & Scott.
Their love of philosophy, chess & bridge was well known. But there was something else, something that I can´t put my finger on. To run the risk of sounding trite, they were brothers from another mother.
I admired Brad for his character.
I´m reminded of the 1st encounter that had with Brad. They used to hang out at Perkins in high school. One night, as they were leaving, Brad backed into Scott´s car. He didn´t want it to be reported to his insurance, so he came over to the house and promised me that he would pay me for the repairs. He faithfully made those payments. This impressed me in ways that I can´t explain. It´s not what you would expect from a teenager. To me, that was an indication of his character.
I admired Brad for his loyalty.
In the years to follow, Brad became a fixture at our house and in our family. I thought of him like a second son. I have this picture of them playing chess on our deck and vivid memories of them heading for Highlands in Clifton at 10 or 11 in the evening. Naturally, Rita (and, if I am honest about it, me too) were worried about them. One evening, in particular, Scott turned to me and said "Dad, what do you have to be worried about? I have Brad on one side and Keith on the other. Who do you think is going to mess with them?"

I admired Brad for his mind.
I read part of his dissertation this last week. I wish I had read it sooner so that I could have discussed it with him. I have to admit that I needed to re-read it a number of times to grasp the meaning but I think that I agree with him. (Refer back to that point about them talking over my head).

I admired Brad for his sense of humor.
Recently, at the wine tastings, we had many discussions into the wee hours of the morning, after we had one (or 5) too many glasses of wine. I can still hear his booming laugh when he would recount Scott stories. I was counting on him to provide me with material for the book that I am attempting to write about Scott.

I admired Brad for his dedication to his son
Although, I don´t know Nathan very well, I have heard so much about him from Brad and thru Brad´s friends. I know how deeply he loved him. I hope he grows up to be just as great a guy as his Dad was.

I think that we can all agree that Brad was taken far too early. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be standing here only 4 short years after Scott passed away, speaking of Brad in the past tense. 2 of the people that I loved very dearly are gone and the world has 2 holes that can never be filled. But Heaven sure has a great Philosophy department.

Tom & Rita Davey

May 16, 2019

We think of Brad every time we think of Scott...I hope they're playing chess every day

Claire Hoover

June 5, 2013

I'm extremely heartbroken to hear of the loss of Brad, one of my favorite instructors in my 6 years at BGSU. To say "my heart is heavy" would be an understatement. Having him for both Ethics and Logic helped push me to minor in philosophy.

After having him only freshman (2006) and sophomore year(2008), I ran into him over 3 years later and he remembered my name and my work. Brad truly valued his students which in turn made them feel valued. With his help and recommendation, I was accepted into graduate school (for which I am extremely grateful)

Last summer I helped advise and register students for BGSU orientation. Whenever students took ethics or logic (or any philosophy class), I always encouraged them to take Brad's classes. I take comfort in knowing that I positively affected students' lives by doing this. They learned from a compassionate, devoted, and humorous instructor.

Brad taught me so much and I truly believe my experiences in his classes have brought me to where I am today. He pushed me to think critically, and to make sure to laugh while doing it.

Thank you for making my life more enriched, my decisions more thoughtful, and for making me understand the power of humor in teaching (and approaching life). You will be missed more than words can say. Thank you.

My thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and co-workers.

Chuck Walker

May 26, 2013

Brad, While I haven't seen you in years, I have always considered you one of my dearest friends. The memories of the all night video game sessions have always brought joy in my heart. You are gone but never forgotten. You are loved and will always be loved. You are missed. But we will all see you soon.

Rita Davey

May 24, 2013

Brad, Only God knows the reason for someone to die so young. Maybe someday we will understand. I know you are in a much better place than earth, even though we selfishly want you will us. You were a good man, good father good friend, and a good teacher. That is a legacy to be proud of. Will miss you and your laugh and hugs.

kathy sauer

May 23, 2013

I went to school with Brad and was sorry to hear of his passing. He was a kind guy with a nice smile. He will always be remembered.

Joel Gear

May 23, 2013

He was one of the very few professors whose classes I have never skipped. I found so much value and enjoyment in being his student. My heart goes out to his family and especially his son. The impact he has made on me will not be forgotten, I am so lucky to have had met him.

Alan Cordell

May 23, 2013

The world was certainly a better place with Brad in it. He will be missed by us all.

Douglas Hentges

May 23, 2013

Brad was an amazing person and the world will be a lesser place without him. Brad was an amazing teacher, philosopher, and friend and I know that I will always remember him and the impact he has had on my life. I had many great discussions with him and am saddened that no more students will be able to be enlightened by his wisdom and swayed by his great arguments.

Karen Meyers

May 22, 2013

I did not know Brad well, but in our brief acquaintance, I found him to be brilliant, funny, and a great teacher. What moe could one ask?

Kari

May 22, 2013

Brad, it is hard to believe you are gone. Too sudden, with no chance to say goodbye.

Gene Torisky

May 22, 2013

I met Brad for the only time at BGSU just six weeks ago. We both were giving poster presentations at the memorial for R. G. Frey, a mentor of ours (separated by about 15 years) at the Philosophy Department there. I enjoyed meeting Brad, reminiscing about Frey, and thinking about the cases Brad discussed as part of his argument. He seemed a bright guy and a good philosopher. What a tragedy that his life is cut so short!

Spencer Cordell

May 22, 2013

Brad was a good man, a great father, and a lifelong friend. He will be missed, and his family will be in my prayers.

Tom & Rita Davey

May 22, 2013

Brad, A great friend and terrific father. You will be missed at the Davey household. I'm sure that Scott was there to greet you. We love you. Raise a glass with Scott and get the chess game started

Linda Roll

May 22, 2013

So sorry for your loss. I hope that in time your memories will bring you comfort.

Polly Dornette

May 22, 2013

Brad, I will always remember your sarcasm and laugh. Gone way too soon. Say "Hi!" to Scott for us all.

Laura Garrison

May 22, 2013

Brad, May you rest in peace. I pray for your family. You were way too young, sometimes there is no explanation for why a life is cut so short. You were such a smart guy and great dad who will truly be missed by many.

Bean

May 22, 2013

Barb, I am so very sorry for your tragic loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers.

May 22, 2013

It was too soon, Brad. You left too soon.

Jessica Rizzo

May 22, 2013

I am so saddened by this news. I will always remember Brads big smile and big laugh. May you be wrapped in the arms of the angels.

Bill Case

May 22, 2013

My lord who I love you now have one of your smartest and true men back by your side. I have nothing but good memories of Brad. I only wish I'd had more time to sorta reconnect we stayed in touch via Facebook but selfishly I admit I wish I'd had more time 36 is to young but its not in my hands just know I pray for you in a godspeed manner and pray for your families. I will miss you old friend thank you for being a good friend!!

Jessica (Miller) Banks

May 22, 2013

Brad, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends as they try to cope with the loss of a beloved father, friend and family man. We didn't always see eye to eye, but your wit, sarcasm & humor always kept me on my toes!

Mark Ludwig

May 22, 2013

Brad you were an awesome guy. You will truly be missed.

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