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GABRIEL JOSEPH
Born: Feb 27, 2011
Date of Passing: Feb 29, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
GABRIEL JOSEPH
February 27, 2011- February 29, 2020
Every life that Gabriel touched, he changed. Gabriel was born with Down Syndrome and was non-verbal but that did not impede his ability to connect with people. He loved to smile and he loved to laugh and it was contagious. He was able to use sign language to share his interests and personality. One of the first signs he learned was music!
Gabriel loved music. He had very eclectic tastes right from Fred Penner's "Sandwiches are Beautiful" to Eminem's "Lose Yourself" to classics like "Painted Ladies" by Ian Thomas. He knew a good rhythm when he heard it and he loved to dance.
Besides listening to music, Gabriel loved to go swimming. He would often go to the Y for hours, just splashing around and getting tossed in the air; in the summer he especially liked going to the cabin at Victoria Beach. There he loved going for bike rides and going to the beach. One of his favourite biking destinations was the Moonlight Inn where he would enjoy an ice cream cone.
At Robert H. Smith School, Gabriel was very popular with students and staff. Students always wanted to play with him at recess and spend time with him. They will fondly remember his joy and playfulness, doing silly things like turning the lights on and off and shaking off his mitts enthusiastically. His wonderful teachers and dedicated educational assistants loved learning with Gabriel and he enjoyed being with them. He loved reading books especially "There was an old lady", his all time favourite. The whole school community at Robert H. Smith embraced Gabriel with tremendous love. His classmates, teachers, educational assistants, a very special custodian Paul and so many others, will reside in his heart forever.
After a long day of work at school, Gabriel loved to come home. He enjoyed relaxing and watching TV or videos on his tablet. Some of his favourite shows were Masha and Bear, and Pocoyo. Gabriel was a very social person. He would always cruise around the house hanging out with his brothers and sister and mom and dad. He liked to watch Nakoma play legos, and to go up to Valentina's room and have her put on music for them. He also loved going downstairs to play with his toys and hang out with Isaiah and his buddies. Just like at school, at home he loved to do silly things like go on the bed when we were about to make it and then laugh loudly when we told him he was being silly and to move. Gabriel also loved playing games with his family like fly-boy, horseplay and the claw.
His sudden passing has left a tremendous hole in so many people's lives. Our hearts are broken Gabriel.
We love you; we miss you.
We will never forget you and
all that you have taught us.
Live to love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2020
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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My condolences on your very great loss. He had such a lively spirit and was so full of joy! - Posted by: Rita tully (acquantice) on: Mar 07, 2020
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I will always remember the time when I was working in the yard and I saw Gabriel run out of the house and down the street. He was so excited to be off on his own with no cares or worries. We made it back to the house together and he was all smiles. What a great spirit. He will be missed. - Posted by: Raphael DiCosimo (Neighbour ) on: Mar 06, 2020
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When I heard that he had passed, I broke down. He was a friend to everyone. He touched everyone he met. Even when he passed someone on the street. I spent many recesses getting to know him. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I remember when he used to sit on my lap and we would sing songs. He will always be remembered as a joy giver to everyone. My deepest condolences. sending love. - Posted by: Diana corona (friend) on: Mar 06, 2020
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My heart just broke when I heard the news about Gabriel. I'll miss his smile, his laugh, his dancing and his joy. I'll miss the way he would demand that I read "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat" over and over and over again. Gabriel just had a way about him that drew people to him. With a smile or a grunt he could get his message across. I'll miss you Gabriel -Miss Amy - Posted by: Amy McDonald (Former EA at RHS) on: Mar 06, 2020
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I can still remember two years when at school our daughter a teacher told us how happy she was to see how Carin and loving she was about Gabriel since day one,so many cute memories when he will pass by our house and the girls will shout for his name and he will be so happy. We are so sorry about his passing please accept our condolences and this small memory about him he thought our girl so much without even knowing. hugs to you all. Villegas Family - Posted by: Patricia Gonzalez (Schoolmate parent) on: Mar 05, 2020
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His time on earth was short and he was a tiny little guy but the number of people who are mourning his passing is a testament to how large his heart and soul were and how much of an affect he had on people. I will never forget the twinkle in those beautiful eyes and his mischievous grin. My deepest sympathy to his family and especially to you Claudia. He was so fortunate to have such a loving family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m away and cannot attend his funeral but I will be there in spirit. Hugs. Wendy Morrissey. - Posted by: Wendy Morrissey (Teacher from Oak Street Nursery School) on: Mar 05, 2020
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As a mother I read Gabriel's story with overflowing love for this special child. He was truly a blessing and a teacher to everyone he encountered. He offered Unconditionsl Love and spread it with fun and laughter to all. May his memory continue to remind his family and friends that through him their lives were enriched beyond measure and for all time. And May his Spirit continue always in Love. - Posted by: Laura Steiman (Admirer) on: Mar 05, 2020
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Sending my deepest condolences to Claudia and all the family. - Posted by: Shannon Bircham (Coworker of Claudia) on: Mar 05, 2020