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Gabriel Lenox Rich

1987 - 2014

Gabriel Lenox Rich obituary, 1987-2014

Gabriel Rich Obituary

On May 1, 2014, Gabriel "Gabe" Lenox Rich, gave his life while answering the call of duty in Tanana.
Born Oct. 23, 1987, in Sayre, Pennsylvania, Gabe was raised in Fairbanks by his parents, David Rich and Patty Ganley Rich, along with his extended family, including his grandparents, Sally Lenox Ganley and the late Richard "Dick" Ganley. 
During the summer and fall he would often travel to Central where he enjoyed his grandparents and parent's friends, and their hospitality, especially that of Jim and Sandy Crabb. Gabe and his cousins were blessed to be raised together in Fairbanks, where their families shared holidays, gatherings, birthdays, graduations and other life events, and where they could support and nurture each other in their young lives.
From his early youth, Gabe loved the outdoors, working with his parent's dog teams as a youngster and hunting with his father and grandfather throughout his life. He played in Fairbanks Youth Hockey, a sport he continued into high school and through which he made many lasting friendships.
Gabe attended Lathrop High School, graduating in 2006. He attended Montana State University and the University of Alaska Anchorage before pursuing his lifelong dream of entering the ranks of law enforcement. After graduating from the Fairbanks Police Academy in 2007, he went to work for the North Pole Police department until being accepted by the Alaska State Troopers in 2011. 
Gabe made his mark early as someone who could be depended on and as someone destined for a great career with the Alaska State Troopers. In January 2013, Gabe moved to Detachment D, Interior Rural Unit, which encompasses a huge swath and the many villages of rural Interior Alaska. He was to move to another assignment in Juneau as an Alaska Wildlife Trooper on July 1.
It was during his time with the North Pole Police Department that Gabe met the love of his life, Angie, when he stopped by a training event at the fire department. Of all of his achievements, the greatest of these soon followed when he became a father. Integrity was the foundation of his career as a trooper, and love was his foundation at home. As a father and spouse, you couldn't have asked for a more dedicated and compassionate man. Gabe had the biggest heart and there was nothing he wouldn't do to bring joy to the ones he loved with his infectious laugh and the warmth of his big bear hugs.
In his work, he was known to co-workers - the great men and women of the law enforcement community - as someone who could lighten the burden they shoulder every day. Gabe was dependable, kind and had an innate ability to bring comfort in difficult situations. He loved his work and those he worked with. Gabe's family grieves his loss, but recognizes and appreciates, beyond words, the loss felt by his fellow law enforcement officers and the State of Alaska.
Gabe is survived by his parents, Patty Ganley Rich and David Rich; his fiancé, Angie Taylor, and sons, Malakai and Lenox; his grandmother, Sally Ganley; aunts and uncles from the Ganley and Rich families, Ellen Ganley and Rick Lonn, Frank and Debbie Ganley, Matt Ganley and Polly Wheeler, Danna Rich-Collins and Mike Collins, Daryl and Mary Rich, Doug and Luanne Rich, and Tracey Ganley; and his cousins, Elizabeth Wellington and Eric Lonn, Sarah Ganley, Katherine (Katie) Brower, Danielle Hrabar, Stevie Williams and Leif Johnson, Megan, Sy and Cory Collins, Lauren Rudloff and Brian Rich, Josh and Danielle Rich, and Kaeli and Jadyn Ganley. 
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Dick Ganley, and grandparents, Kathleen Hinchey Rich and William Rich, and uncle, Ryan Ganley. He also leaves behind innumerable friends across Alaska and beyond. Of special note is Mary Rogers, of Pennsylvania. Our hearts are broken.
Gabe's family wishes to extend their heartfelt and eternal thanks to the many people that contributed to his character and growth: his hockey mates and their parents, his classmates and his teachers, his hunting and traveling companions, and all others who touched Gabe's life and helped create the light he brought to all of us.
Contributions to support Gabe's family can be made to Wells Fargo Bank account number 6157331379.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fairbanks Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily News-Miner on May 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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April N Tate

April 30, 2025

Will always remember that smile and energy

Donna Clarke

April 30, 2023

Still remember Gabe being so excited on becoming a Trooper. North Pole was and still is, very proud of him. Great guy. I feel blessed to have known him.

April N Tate

April 30, 2022

You will never be forgotten.

Gena Thompson

April 30, 2020

Thinking of all of you at this time. My fondest memories of him is pretending to be a cop as a little guy. Thats all he could talk about. He had the biggest smile. I cherish those moments.

Donna Clarke

May 10, 2019

I can still his beautiful smile and feel his kindness! How happy he was when he became a trooper. So proud of you Gabe and that will never change. Love and prayers to your family. Miss you!

Shannon

October 24, 2017

RIP y'all it's sad that y'all lost your life's I hope y'all family is doing ok with out y'all and I pray that they mack it throw this and to the family u will see them again in a dream or when it's time for y'all to go home too

mela carara

June 30, 2016

He shared my birthday.oct 23,1987.my prayers are for his family.god bless you trooper rich.

Linda Rich Estrada

February 11, 2015

I watched him on the TV show "Alaska State Troopers." I also am a Rich, maiden name. I feel as though I knew him! So sorry for your loss!

April Tate

February 11, 2015

May your soul rest in peace and watch over your family

Sherry Stevenson

December 24, 2014

There isn't a day that goes by that Dave and I don't think about Gabe and his family. Our prayers are with you this holiday season.

Sandy LaRue

December 23, 2014

I became a big fan of AST because of Trooper Rich. He was such a nice, clean cut, professional. I admired him and his dedication. God bless his family. The world is a little darker without him in it. He was a real hero.

May 14, 2014

My heart is heavy for the Rich family. Praying for God's comfort during this time.

Mark Begich

May 14, 2014

Deborah and I join all Alaskans mourning the death of Alaska State Trooper Gabriel ‘Gabe' Rich. I hope all Alaskans reflect on the dedication of our law enforcement officers and the role they play in protecting our communities. Trooper Rich's selflessness and willingness to serve others is something for which we will be eternally grateful. We will always be in debt to Trooper Rich and his family for the sacrifice they made to protect the citizens of Alaska.

Margie Ambrose

May 13, 2014

God Bless him and his family.

Lynn, Sally, and Hunter Levengood

May 13, 2014

Our prayers are for your peace. It was our joy to know Gabe.

Gabrielle Smith

May 12, 2014

Words alone can not express my deepest sympathy to the families, law enforcement community , as well as the State of Alaska . My husband is an Arkansas State Trooper and attended the funerals of both of these fine officers. We pray for you all for God to comfort all of you and to give strength to all who mourn the loss of these men! To Trooper Rich's family, I pray you will find peace in time. For his children, your father was an honorable man and will never be forgotten. To his fiancé , I can't imagine your pain . I will pray for you! Again, so sorry for your loss.

Anthony

May 11, 2014

Way too young, so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Trooper Rich.

May 10, 2014

R.I.P.

Di Burk

May 10, 2014

RIP Trooper Rich , Alaska well never forget

Mary Emerson

May 9, 2014

Dave & Patty - we were heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Gabe and his partner. We watched him as a trooper on TV and were so proud to say we knew him as a young boy. He showed such courage and compassion - you raised a wonderful young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Gabe's family. Mary, Steve, Luke & Matt

Debbie Conklin

May 9, 2014

Patty and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Gabe from the year I worked at the hospital day care. Such a sad loss.

Julie Johnson

May 8, 2014

Gabe was a joy to work with, one of the friendliest faces I ever encountered in the LEO community. I wish love and peace to the family he has left behind...he was so proud of you.

Mitch Davis

May 8, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Way too young.

Gena Thompson (Rosendahl)

May 8, 2014

Patty and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Many wonderful memories of Gabes contagious smile. I am keeping you all close to my heart.

Larry Adams

May 8, 2014

It is never easy to hear news of an officer struck down in the line of duty. As a member of a local citizens police academy alumni group, I have gotten to know many of the men and women who put their lives on the line daily protecting the community and its citizens. And my appreciation for what they do has no limit. To the family of Trooper Rich and the entire AST community, I send my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. Rest in peace, Trooper Rich. Thank you for your hard work, service, and sacrifice.

George Roderick

May 8, 2014

So sorry for your loss.

Julie Larson

May 8, 2014

My prayers and thoughts go out to Trooper Rich may he rest in peace, prayers also for his family, friends and the Alaska State Troopers. May God bless all of you with his comfort and peace....
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God....

Tracy, Willy and Ben Blais

May 7, 2014

The words seem empty to let Gabe's family know how much we grieve with them for their loss. May they find comfort remembering his acts of kindness and that he will never be forgotten by the Alaskans he served and protected and ultimately gave his life for. May he rest in peace; our prayers for all of you.

Shannon Gackstetter

May 7, 2014

I do not have words to adequately express the sorrow and shock that I continue to feel. My days are an endless prayer for Gabe's family, friends, and co-workers. Please accept my deepest condolences. Rest in peace, Trooper Rich. We will never forget you.

Searl &Terri Burnett

May 7, 2014

Dave and Patty,
Our hearts are breaking for you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you Gabe, for serving Alaska so honorably. God Bless you.

May 7, 2014

How very quietly you tiptoed into our world, silently, only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint your footprints have left upon our hearts. Author Unknown

Willima and Mary Ann Judd

May 7, 2014

We are so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Your family and the Alaska State Troopers remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you during this terrible time of loss

Gerald Nicholia

May 7, 2014

words can never express the hurt and sadness I feel for Gabe's Family, may heaven take Gabe for his selfless service to Tanana

Cheryl Adamson

May 7, 2014

What a wonderful man Gabe was. I'm grateful God lent him to us, even if for just a short while. God bless all you: AST, family and friends of Gabe Rich.

Mary (Maggie) Boucek

May 7, 2014

I had the pleasure of getting to know Gabe during his time in Bozeman, Montana. He was a joy and my soul is heavy with sadness. Sincere condolences to his family and law enforcement community.

Linda NIemann

May 7, 2014

Words will never be able to express the grief we all feel for losing such an amazing person. My heart goes out to the family.
Linda Niemann

Sharon Lestenkof

May 7, 2014

Rest in peace and may our Lord above give your family comfort and condolences for his friends and families.

Shirley Sam

May 7, 2014

Though I met your Gabe only once, he struck me as such a nice young man. Words can not be said of much the world has lost when he went to be with the lord. I pray for all of his family and friends and his fiance and children. God bless you always. RIP Trooper Rich.

May 7, 2014

God Bless....The Mariscal/Shipley Family!!

Mark & JoAnn Hibma Camp Li-Wa

May 7, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Teresa Clinkenbeard

May 7, 2014

Lord comfort everyone whos heart is breaking. Bring peace bring healing.

Judy Demoski

May 7, 2014

Sending my deepest sympathies to your family and AST.

Evelyn Ekada

May 7, 2014

May god give strength to your family members during this trying time...may you Rest In Peace and thanks for your service to the city of Fairbanks and interior villages.

Shannon Harrington

May 7, 2014

Rest in Peace, Alaska will NEVER forget. Rest in Peace

May 7, 2014

Rest in Peace and Sincere Condolences for the famlily!! <3<3<3

Donna H

May 7, 2014

I only had the chance to meet you once when you stopped me for speeding. I explained to you that I was 50+ and never had a ticket. After checking my record you returned & smiled and told me "since you are so honest I will not ticket you. I think it showed your kindness & sense of humor. My heart goes out to your family & many friends.
You will be greatly missed.

Sending love and Prayers

Wild

May 7, 2014

Bobbi DiCaro

May 7, 2014

May God Bless The Family Of Gabriel.
My Sincere Condolences

May 7, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to David and Patty and all his family and friends from the Henchy family in Ireland Vinny Maureen and Eva. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this terrible time.

May 7, 2014

We were shocked and saddened to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Our hearts go out to all of you. Pat and Dotty Hinckley, Heather Hinckley's in laws from Maine.

May 6, 2014

You were definitely one of a kind Gabe. You wee and will always be a hero to me. My prayers and thoughts are with your fiancé, two sons, and your family. Your life was cut way too short, but you still have unfinished work where you are. Love always. Christy Pichette and Shawn Pichette

Cathy and Gary Donaldson

May 6, 2014

Rest in peace.

Victoria wells

May 6, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sherry Stevenson

May 6, 2014

Gabe was an amazing young man so full of life & had an amazing smile & personality to go along with it. The love I saw that Gabe had for Angie & they're two son's was amazing. Thank you Gabe for all you did as a North Pole Police Officer & an Alaska State Trooper to keep us all safe. I will miss you dearly. Rest in peace.

Stacy Schultz

May 6, 2014

RIP fellow officers!! Thank You for your dedicated service. We stand together and wear the badge with pride my fellow brothers.

Angelo Ciotti

May 6, 2014

Very sorry for your loss David

Laura

May 6, 2014

You were a blessing to our community and will be sorely missed. I pray for peace for your family in the days and years to come. Rest in peace.

Pete Peter

May 6, 2014

Gabe, you did super great for our state and the people and may God bless your family and may God walk with you through your journey. You shown us love for one another.

Sue Wilber-Holmes

May 6, 2014

Dave and Patty, I am so, so sorry. with love.

Mark Swindle

May 6, 2014

So sorry we are praying for all of you

Jusczak/ Baker

May 6, 2014

This candle will always be lit!

Sheri Ymbert

May 6, 2014

A young life stolen from us too soon. God hold his family close during this dark time. Light their way and comfort them with memories to hold dear of this amazing young man and fiance to my dear friend. Angie, Mai, Lenox, and all of Gabe's family, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. My words are immeasurable to how heartbroken I feel for you all.

Janet (Foss) Lewis

May 6, 2014

Wanted to send my sincere condolences to you and your family, Patty. As the mother of a PA State Trooper, I know how proud you are of your son and also how aware, in the back of our minds, we always are of the risks that come with their job. There are no words to take away your hurt. Just know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many back here in Bradford County. May God comfort you and give you strength to get through the days ahead. I can tell just by reading the article that your son was a very special person and his passing is a terrible and tragic loss to the entire State of Alaska as well. God Bless all of you. Janet (Foss) Lewis

erroll tibbetts

May 6, 2014

Rest easy officier.

May 6, 2014

Gabe was such a happy student and friend to all. So sad to hear of his death and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Linda Upesleja and family

Heather Redington

May 6, 2014

Dave and Patty,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you guys coming to Manley and Gabe trying to ride that dog cart. He didn't do so great of a job if I remember- he crashed into the woodpile. I know he had been keeping in touch with my parents. I am truly grateful for the job he was doing-keeping Alaskans safe. He grew up to be a great young man! Hopefully I can visit you guys on my next trip to Alaska. Thinking of you both in this terrible time. Love, Heather Redington

Barbara Johnson

May 6, 2014

R.I.P. Gabe. You will be missed and never forgotten.

Nancy Gigliotti

May 6, 2014

Although my husband and I never met this fine young man, we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and we humbly thank him, trooper Johnson, and all the dedicated and brave law enforcement officers that go above and beyond to protect our safety, and freedom. God Bless you trooper Rich. You are truly a hero

Victoria Allen

May 6, 2014

I didn't know him personally (only from the tv show) but he really seemed like a humble guy. May he rest in peace and prayers for his family and the other troopers family who lost a loved one.

Trudy (Soprano) Owen

May 6, 2014

So sorry for your tragic loss - you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Words cannot express my sadness over the loss of this wonderful young man. May your memories provide you all some comfort in the days ahead.

Donna Clarke

May 6, 2014

My heart is broken hearing of your passing. You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace!

Patty Wagner

May 6, 2014

It was an honor to work with such an outstanding young man and a wonderful trooper.Gabe was at his best working with the community of Fairbanks and outlying areas. May God bless the family and our prayers are with you all.

Teri Drake

May 6, 2014

My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

DAVE

May 6, 2014

MY HEART IS BROKEN.I CANT BREATH.
WE ALL LOVED HIM . HE WAS PART OF OUR FAMILY.THERE WASNT A MOMENT WE WERENT LAUGHING ABOUT SOMETHING GABE AND MATT HAD DONE THE NIGHT BEFORE. OR GOING OUT ON THE SLEDS TO MACLAREN WITH DAVE GABE MATT AND ME...HE WILL ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE AT THE GREAT TIMES WE HAD..I KNOW GOD HAS HIS HANDS FULL NOW THAT GABE IS IN THE HOUSE.. GOD BLESS YOU DAVE AND PATTY THERE ARE NO WORDS. WE LOVED HAVING HIM FOR WHAT TIME WE SHARED DAVE CLAXTON

Harry Larrabee Sr

May 6, 2014

Trooper Gabe Rich I only knew you thru the television show Alaska State Troopers, but you and I have a common bond as I'm a retired Police Officer. We know the hazards of our job, yet on the other hand we also know the positive side to our job. You served well, was outstanding at your job and paid the ultimate price. Peace be with Trooper.

Brenda

May 6, 2014

God bless you and your family. Rest in peace and thank you for your service.

Dale R Houseworth

May 6, 2014

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. St.John Chapter 15 Verse 13
Rest In Peace Trooper Rich
Until We All Meet At Jesus Feet
May God Hold Your Family In His Hands!

Josh Hoffert

May 6, 2014

My family prays that you've found peace with The Lord. May your family also find comfort in knowing that your service was honorable. Rest in Peace Trooper.

Denise Hernandez Young

May 6, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, my son was friends with Gabe and Gabe was so excited for Justin when he became a police officer in Anchorage. Gabe was a great young man and was so good to Angie and the boys. Our hearts are broken for all of them. God only let's is borrow his children until he calls them home, rest in peace Gabe you were a blessing to all who knew you.

The Lawless Family

May 6, 2014

Rest in Peace. May God give strength to those who's grief is too hard to bare.

May 6, 2014

A true hero. We thank you for your service. May the family find peace in the lords arms. I am sure he herd, Well done my faithful servant.

May 6, 2014

Patty and Dave,
Our hearts are heavy with sadness as we are thinking of you both at this time. My husband had the pleasure of knowing Gabe through hockey. As I read through the messages I am in awe of all those touched by your young man. You raised a remarkable person who had a profound affect on all those that crossed his path. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. Much love to you all. Christopher and Jennifer Hodges

Kate & Sadie Marshall

May 6, 2014

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Sadie Feistner & Kate Marshall

Darlene Bifelt

May 6, 2014

May God bless & comfort the families & friends of the 2 Troopers who were so tragically taken all too soon. This horrific act has devastated many in Alaska and nationwide. May you rest in eternal peace until you are reunited with your loved ones. Gods blessings to all~

Jason Fenno

May 6, 2014

I remember playing hockey with Gabe, One of my fondest memories of Gabe, was playing against Lathrop when I was playing for West Valley and he was a tough defenseman that I hated to play against, but off the ice I remember him asking me if I was ok after our hard fought battle in front of the net during the game. Gabe was a great teammate when we played together with FAHA, who always stood up for his teammates on the ice, but he was an even better person. Such a terrible loss

Tammy & Dave Sivigliano

May 6, 2014

From our family to Gabes family and friends our prayers and thoughts are with you all. God bless
Siviglianos

Vickie Miller

May 6, 2014

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. We will miss you.

Gary & Andrea Furman

May 6, 2014

Our deepest sympathy and heart felt thoughts are with all the family for the passing of your honorable man, Gabe. All are in our prayers.

Gloria Buchmann Ciavardini

May 6, 2014

Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for the loss of your son. The pictures that I have been seeing are wonderful. Please know that you and your family are in the Valley's thoughts and prayers.

Christine Schedler

May 6, 2014

Heartfelt loss!

May 6, 2014

Your Life Like The Light Of This Candle Will Glow For All Time! May You Rest In Peace Until We All Meet Again! May Our Lord Jesus Christ Comfort Your Family In The Days Ahead.

Kim & Ron Runnion

May 6, 2014

Wishing I could take away the pain - our prayers and hugs to you.

robert alexander

May 6, 2014

Rip

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