Gabriel Richards

Gabriel William Lee Richards passed away unexpectedly on December 10th, 2020. He was born on August 24th, 2007. He was thirteen years old.

In addition to his Mom, Dad, Step-Dad, and three brothers, Gabe had just three true loves:
music…      science…       and Mac & Cheese!

Whether he was Live Action Role Playing (LARPing) or playing Pickleball with his brothers; emersed in Minecraft, Dungeon Defenders, Undertail, or Among us video games; watching Marvel’s Avengers movies or Five Nights at Freddy’s videos; eating Mac & Cheese, Taco Bell, or sushi; OR enjoying long talks / pillow fights with his Step-Dad, photoshoots with his mom, or laughing at his dad’s bad jokes… it was evident - to everyone in his vicinity - that Gabe knew how to squeeze every ounce of joy out of these activities, while endlessly expressing his thoughts as he experienced them. Gabe did this so often, and was so chatty, his family began calling him Cricket.

Drinking a Caramel Macchiato with Mom or eating at Mac & Cheesary with Dad were two things guaranteed to bring out his legendary smile; a smile that conveyed true happiness and appreciation for every moment shared. Gabe was also quick to share with those less fortunate; never expecting anything in return. Everyone Gabe touched knew they were blessed to have this sweet, considerate, and generous young man in their lives.

Gabe dreamed of being a biomedical engineer and video game designer. He chose these fields to be just like Ironman, so he could design and build anything his heart desired. Recently Gabe became interested in changing his life style and began investigating healthy diets and weight training programs.  He was thrilled he had practically achieved the one-armed push-up…  a triumph he shared with great pride!

Coming from a musical family - his mother being a singer / songwriter and his father a musician - it was only natural Gabe gravitated toward music, as well. His instrument of choice was the acoustic guitar and he was becoming quite proficient with it. Most recently he impressed everyone by playing the theme song from The Last of Us video game. His musical influences and favorite bands were Imagine Dragons and 2CELLOS and he especially enjoyed the song “Hysteria” written by Muse and performed by 2CELLOS.

Gabriel was a beautiful, kind, generous, brilliant and loving young man, who will be missed by all who knew him.

Gabriel is survived by his mother, Rya Rayne Toms, and  father, Dorian Michael Richards; his step-father, Kyle James Adams; his parents: James & Sue Adams; & step-mother, Lyndsay Nye Culver; his grandparents: Michael & Linda Richards, Carl & Melanie Cone, and DJ & Samantha Murphy; his brothers: Grayson Richards, Gavyn Richards, & Gunner Toms; his cousin, Aliza Richards; his aunts: Angelique Bruce, Arabella Byrne, Alayna Magill,& Tasha Magill; & his uncles: Storm Cone & Jaden Murphy

Gabriel was blessed with a very large and loving family; all of whom are shattered within the silence left  in his absence.

Special thanks to JD Rose and Jody McDonald for their love and support.