Obituary: Fabbe, Gustav Jon Ivar
Age 67
09/22/1944 - 02/10/2012
Gus Fabbe, age 67, died early Friday morning, February 10th.
He died peacefully at home surrounded by family, after a long struggle with genetic emphysema.
The son of M. Elisabeth (McConnell) and Harry F’son Fabbe of Seattle, he attended Coe Elementary and Queen Anne High School graduating in 1962.
After school he moved to California where he attended Santa Barbara Community College for one year.
He then transferred to Washington State University.
His education, however, was interrupted by the draft and he served two years in Germany in the US Army.
He then had the opportunity to travel in Europe and was able to visit his relatives in Sweden where his father was born.
Thanks to the GI Bill, Gus was able to return to WSU where he earned several BA degrees.
Gus started and ended his work career with the Veterans Administration beginning at the Seattle Veterans Administration Medical Center as a social worker.
He then transferred to the Spokane VAMC where he rose to the position of Chief of Medical Administration.
Gus repeatedly stated he was the luckiest guy, having transferred with the VA only once and then to such a special facility.
He said the Spokane VA was made up of a very dedicated staff with excellent leadership, who served a wonderful group of veterans.
Gus was a fierce fighter for the rights of Veterans.
He won many honors and awards for his advocacy for those in need.
He was especially proud of his work organizing Stand Downs and supporting tribal veterans.
His family stated that if you had Gus on your side as an advocate he would not give up until he found a solution.
Gus met the “love of his life” at the Seattle VAMC early in his career.
He married Ginny Robbins in July of 1978 and together they raised three wonderful children, Kristin Fabbe of Los Angeles, Karl Fabbe of Spokane, and Michele Fabbe of Spokane.
Gus is survived by his wife; his three children; and one grandson, Niam, who gave “Papa” much happiness during these last years.
Gus is also survived by his three sisters, Kerstin Brady of Bend, OR, Ingrid Fabianson of Friday Harbor, WA, and Ellen Hawkins (Hawk) of Edmonds, WA and their families, as well as Ginny’s extended family.
Gus and Ginny cared for all his family elders as well as various community members during their life in Spokane.
His sisters loved him dearly for the gift Gus gave to their family by caring for grandmother Avis, great-aunt Marion, and mother Betty, in their final years.
“Our gratitude knows no bounds.”
Gus was brilliant, an avid reader, and a lifelong student.
He valued history and especially the study of China.
He could talk to anyone about anything and that he did.
He was a gardener, a chef, a lover of cats and most small living things.
His family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Spokane for the wonderful care he received during the last year of his life.
Gus asked that in lieu of a service and flowers that donations be made to his favorite charities: UNICEF, VAMC of Spokane, 2nd Harvest, and Hospice of Spokane.