Len Gaby

Gaby, Len
A mensch has left us, and his departure leaves this world a poorer place. All who knew Len were richer for his love and friendship, so with great sadness we share the news that he passed away at the Sherman Hospice Home, on Saturday, August 26th. Where does one begin to reminisce about someone who lived five lifetimes worth of adventures? A person who was successful in virtually everything he tried (other than getting money out of his father for doing the chores…but for that story you'll have to read his book). Len's career started at the bottom rung of the largest mattress company in the world. Twenty years later he was the president of the company, in charge of worldwide operations. Len left Simmons and moved to head up the premier furniture retailer in the south, where his five-year plan to purchase them was thwarted only by his "mistake" of stimulating so much growth he could no longer afford to buy the company. So along with his wife Debbie, they decided to start their own retail chain, and over the next twenty years Sleep America became the largest mattress retailer in the southwest. But as amazing as his recurring business successes have been, and Len has been repeatedly honored with not just financial success but numerous accolades, his business acumen isn't even the most spectacular thing about him. Boaters are familiar with the harbor sign that reminds, "You are responsible for your wake." What those who were fortunate enough to know Len will remember most, is that if Len passed through your life, he left you a better person. Len was a mentor, a teacher, who loved nothing more than helping others figure out their keys to success. No one who spent any significant amount of time with Len, escaped his astute insights and advice. And Len didn't just "do right" and "share the wealth" with those who worked for him, Len and Debbie were perfectly matched in their passion to help and elevate the lives of those whose lives are filled with challenges of every kind. Since starting Sleep America in 1996, they've used their accomplishments to support more than five hundred charitable organizations throughout Arizona. Len graduated from the University of Buffalo School of Management, The State University of New York with his MBA as well as being a proud member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity. Len was a connoisseur of the finer things in life, and whether it was superb food, a great cigar, or a Coen brothers movie, he reveled in sharing these experiences with those he loved. In fact, there's probably only one thing on his bucket list that he never got around to. Len loved music and often sung along with his favorites. His not so secret dream was to one day wear a big cape a la James Brown, and bring the house down with a soulful Motown ballad. Although Len was an operational and management savant, the aspect of business that he loved above all others was marketing. So, it would be remiss to close without encouraging you to get a copy of the book he devoted countless hours to writing over the last several years. Although it's structured as an autobiography, Len's real goal was to share the lessons each life experience taught him. Lessons about business, lessons about relationships, lessons about how to be happy, how to be filled with hope and purpose, his theory of "infinite wealth," and ultimately how to be a mensch. So, if you really want to know Len Gaby; The Man, The Myth, The Legend,... you still have that opportunity via THE ART OF THE MENSCH, available from Amazon. If you pick up even a few of the nuggets of wisdom he scattered on every page, Len's gifts and legacy will live on. While Len was a giver, he was also keenly aware and grateful for the contributions others made to his life. The movie SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, ends with a powerful question, "Was I worth it?" Did I live a life that honored all the investments and sacrifices everyone made for me? Len, everyone who knew you is shouting a hearty "Amen!" to that ultimate question. We will be together again…and we're hoping, just maybe, that this time we'll get to see you swirling that cape as you romp across the stage belting out, "I feel good!"…and we'll all be dancing. Len is survived by his beloved wife Debbie, son Jonathan and Laurie Gaby, granddaughter Elizabeth "Lizzie Gaby of Atlanta, GA, daughter Rebecca and husband Nessim Halioua of New York, New York, stepdaughter Tobie and her husband Chris Wilburn, grandson Cameron Mills of Houston, TX, and stepson James Fonville of Phoenix, AZ Debbie has requested if you'd like to do something to honor Len's memory, Len's request was that we continue to support our neighbors in need through the charity foundation Len and Debbie started together at Sleep America. With no overhead expenses, 100% of the money raised goes directly to the numerous organizations throughout Arizona that Debbie Gaby Charities supports. More than five hundred different charities over the past twenty years. To make a donation please visit DebbieGabyCharities.org (Note: In case you're not familiar with the word "mensch," it is a Yiddish term that encapsulates what it means to live your life totally committed to being a good person, a person of integrity and honor.)