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BORN
1936
DIED
2016
Fredric Wix Obituary
Fred Wix, "The Gabby Gourmet" passed away February 18th peacefully after an unexpected illness.
Fred was born on August 1, 1936, and made the most of his 79 years. He was born in Seattle and always thought of himself as a Northwesterner. He joined the Marines at age 16 and retired after 20 years, although once a Marine always a Marine. He traveled the world as a Marine and held his years in Japan fondly. He went on to have a successful career in radio at KALL radio, and then television at KUTV both in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was most proud of his 27 years as The Gabby Gourmet, although like a Marine, once the Gabby, always the Gabby. His TV show was seen daily on the noon news where he cooked, gabbed, and pioneered the idea of gourmet cooking in daily life. He retired from television 14 years ago moving to life in The Villages, Florida where he and his wife Jean have lived on the golf course, fulfilling their bucket lists. He was a Mason and a Shriner. Fred and Jean have spent the last few years traveling near and far, but his favorite trips always involved meeting up with his family and friends spread across the country.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Jean. His brothers: Franklin "Skip" (Connie) Astoria, OR and Phillip, San Diego, CA. His daughters: Gretchen Loulias (Kim) of Seattle, WA, and Heather Emmett (Donald) of Chapel Hill, NC; and Step-children: Libby Lovett (Michael) Hudson, OH and Daniel Lee Corley, Milan, TN. "Grandpa-oni" will be missed by Jillian (Scott), Demy, Abigail, Graham, Cody (Raelynn), Joshua and Christina. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Fred's memory is suggested to Shriner's Hospitals for Children; 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.
A celebration of Fred's long and happy life will be held in August near his 80th birthday, details will be released closer to the event. Semper Fi.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fredric Wix
Lara Katzman
July 14, 2025
I took a cooking class at the Gabby Gourmet´s store in Olympus Hills Mall the summer between 5th and 6th grade so the early `80´s. In the class we learned to make his Widow´s Quiche. I´ve been making that quiche ever since. It´s a family favorite. That class is a favorite childhood memory of mine. Thank Fred :)
Charles Basso
January 5, 2024
I moved to SLC in 1978 due to transfer from Nevada Kennecott. My new work friends were Ute Lovers and they got me involved with KALL radio and from there "The Gabby Gourmet". I would use my lunch break to walk the couple of blocks to the KALL building and pick up the recipes that the Gabby Gourmet had done during the week, so I have quite a few. Our favorite is "Just A Great Stuffed Pepper" that I am still using along with some of the others. He was great guy and so sorry that he passed so young.
Lynda Taft
June 18, 2023
From Jon Taft, who passed in 2012 and Tobie Taft, who passed in 2021, and family, friends and relatives of the Tafts, we will always remember Fred fondly. My search for Fred was spurred on by my cousins, children of Dave Taft, who gave me a laminated newspaper cutting of Toby's Broccoli Salad Recipe that Fred had liked so well he had it printed in Dan's grocery ads. I'm going to frame this and remember Fred for always.
William cutting
February 14, 2023
H
Pamela Schmidt
December 1, 2019
Here it is, the day after Thanksgiving and I'm in my Gabby Gourmet Cookbook making Turkey's Finest Hour for the 40th year. I sat down and googled, and read of his passing 3 years ago. I met Fred Wix when he was in Wenatchee Washington. Like many of you, my recipe won a formal several course dinner, each course paired with a different wine. He was an absolute hoot, a genius and is a very fond memory. Rest In Peace big man with the knowledge that you changed the course of many many people.
April 1, 2019
I just found this today. The obituary is interesting. Sgt. Fred Wix was interesting. I met Fred back in days of old when the induction center was at Ft. Douglas, Salt Lake City, Utah. I have a couple of stories about that brief encounter. His radio show on the old, and now extinct, KMOR radio was a fun way to start any day, especially when a young lady named Jessie called in and she did almost every day. She should have been a co-host with Fred. They were a great team. Fred was one of many people who contributed to making my life fun, enjoyable, and a wonderful experience. Thanks, Sgt. Wix
Barry Ziegler
February 19, 2019
I lived in Moses Lake, Wa. back in the day. Fred would come and hold classes in the local kitchen store. I loved the classes and learned much. I still have a note book filled with Fred's recipe sheets as well as a 24 inch calphalon pan bought because Fred said so.
After classes, we would repair to the South Shore bar and enjoy a few adult beverages.
I have great memories from knowing Fred.
Dr. Barry Ziegler, MSF, DBA
Jim Teahan
September 2, 2018
I loved Fred and Jean. I used to go to their home in the Avenues and he would entertain us and about 15 other people. He would joke, he would entertain, and he would COOK!!! Always had a great time. I was talking about him over the dinner table tonight with my kids and thought I would try to check in with him and read this. I'm sorry for the sad news. The world is a less better place with no Fred. I'll miss him but will always hold the memories I had with him.
Cooking Is Life!
James Parks
July 20, 2016
I was walking down memory lane myself and relived with delight the noon news cooking segment on which I was a guest of Fred Wix. I had won the Utah State Spam cookoff, however Fred wanted me to cook something else. I did a quiche. He was so very gracious and helped me navigate a strange environment. Afterwards, he took me for a tour of a local tortilla factory. I am so sorry he is gone. From an old Army pilot to a lifer Marine . . . God's speed my friend!!
Susan Furstenberg
June 27, 2016
We lived in Utah during the 1980's and it was The Gabby Gourmet who ignited a love of cooking and recipe hunting and collecting. I still make his Thanksgiving bread stuffing and have shared that recipe with so many others. Of course, I have added my own touch to it, but that was part of learning to love cooking. I have often remembered his TV show and chuckled as I remembered his great smile and spirit. Wish I had thought about sharing my gratitude with him, so I am sharing it now with his family. I remember him well. What more can one ask of life?
Mary Prudent
February 25, 2016
I loved the Gabby Gourmet and use many of his recipes now as my favorites. I'll never throw away celery leaves again and I always "ENJOY!" his creations.
Thank you, Fred, for your service to our country and your fun, applicable approach to cooking.
May God be with Fred and his family.
Danny Garn
February 23, 2016
Heather, Gretchen, Jean and the rest of the family. I was so sorry to learn that your dad/Fred had passed away. I know that your heart must be full of sorrow at this time, but you have received a great gift having your dad/husband/grandpa with you for so many years. Though he will be greatly missed, you will always have a special place in your hearts for him, a place that only a father and daughters/wife/grandchildren can share. I know I will have a special place in my heart for all the fun time I had the pleasure of experiencing with Fred and his family. God bless him and keep him close and may you and your family have peace.. Big hugs to you all, Danny Garn
February 23, 2016
So Sorry for your loss, we Love you Gretchen and Kim, we are here if you need us.
Nadia and Dave Huck
Deb Brooks
February 22, 2016
Thank You for Your Service to Our Country and Enriching Our Lives and Our Tastes
Prayers for Your Family
Rose Ann Consolie
February 22, 2016
Fred was like "my dad away from dad" during my years in Salt Lake...so honest, so fun. So many fond memories have come rushing back to my heart since hearing this news. Condolences to my friends Heather and Gretchen. May your wonderful memories of your dad stay fresh in your heart and memory forever.
Pat Markham
February 21, 2016
I still use recipes he shared. Loved his beautiful smile. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
Gene Page
February 21, 2016
I loved listening to Fred on the radio during my evening drive to school. He was always so joyful and made cooking both interesting and fun. Years later my disabled son was treated to be a noontime guest on the show and also went to a cooking class.
Fred has been missed for many years but will never be forgotten.
Sean Wix
February 21, 2016
He will be missed. We love him
February 21, 2016
How very sad I am to here this. My mom adored watching the show, along with my brother, and would often do that recipe. Good memories of such a happy person. My condolences to family and friends.
Lesa Sullivan
February 20, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear this! I enjoyed seeing him on TV and always collecting his recipe cards at Dan's foods. (I was probably 8 or 9). His style made cooking approachable and fun, and had a lifelong influence on me. Best wishes to his wife and family, and to Fred, wherever you are, a big thank you. Chef Lesa Sullivan
Fred and Jean in Gig Harbor 2008
Bill Campbell
February 20, 2016
February 20, 2016
Jean, I am so sad to hear of Fred's. Passing.... I enjoyed our time with you both at the Villages...as you know Fred and I have been playing "words" for years... I was surprised when I didn't hear from him... Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you Jean... Carole and Cliff
Kent Hogan
February 20, 2016
Condolences, Fred will be missed
Gayle Erskine
February 20, 2016
Fred, you were one of a kind! Heaven is celebrating your being there with all of your gifts and talents. We all loved your wry sense of humor, your love of Jean and family, and your delicious recipes. Till we meet again.......Gayle and John Erskine
Tami Platt-Jeppson
February 20, 2016
I remember watching him and loved his happy persona. "ENJOY"!!!! He was amazing and will be missed!!! So long Gabby Gourmet!! Tami Platt Jeppson
Caiti Kennedy
February 20, 2016
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. He will be missed.
John and Lou Crosby
February 20, 2016
So Long Fred. We watched you and still use some of your recipe's here at home. We hope you are resting well. You did a great job when you were here.
Heather Wix-Emmett
February 20, 2016
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