This is not an obituary. This is a tribute.

It is impossible to capture a life in words. Especially a life as big, good-humored and important as Gabriel Haugh's. He was better known as Gabe, Gabe Babe, Mr. President, Woob or simply amazing brother. Gabe was born April 27, 1986, to his beautiful mother, Debbie Haugh, and was the third of six intelligent and boisterous siblings. It was partly due to this fact that Gabe was often heard saying, "that woman is a saint", when talking about his mother. It was from then on, that Gabe's mother was known as "St. Debbie" to all of his friends.

Gabe and his family moved to Cardwell, Missouri, when he was 12 years of age, and he began attending Southland Public Schools in the sixth grade. Throughout middle and high school, his friends and teachers knew him to be an exceptionally smart student. His math teacher, Ms. Shaw, remembers that he had his own colorful idea of remembering the order of operations. And his Quiz Bowl teammates will never forget what a "fairy" good time they had trying to beat the other teams to the buzzer.

Gabe's goofy, off the wall and wildly funny personality, combined with his ability to empathize and lean into difficult times, made him the most incredible person to know and love. His smile could cheer up a room almost as well as the frequent sight of his derriere flashing quickly in and out of sight. It was impossible not to love riding around in his car, "Beast", as smoke wafted in the air while everyone harmonized to "Gangsters in Paradise" or Tenacious D lyrics.

It is hard not to smile when remembering that his inability to set a digital clock was just as infamous as his love for bacon. It was nuts! He also had the fantastical ability to choose a slightly questionable Halloween costume that could leave everyone stunned in amazement. Those who knew him well can also attest to how his hugs could melt away a tough day, and suddenly you would find yourself smiling because he was smiling that goofy, Mr. President face smile. There was also no insurmountable life issue that couldn't be made small by watching ESPN or "Blazing Saddles". "Excuse me while I whip this out" — Sheriff Bart. He was the best who ever was.

It is no secret that family and friends didn't want him to go. It is in times like these that death is wished into nothingness. However, death is not the true enemy of life. That title belongs to pain. And although they still want him here so that they can hear his laugh, see his smile, listen to his words and be a part of his jokes, they have to remember that the pieces of him that are scattered in their hearts and minds will never fade. He will be with them always. They know this because Antoine Lavoisier states in the law of conservation that mass is neither created nor destroyed. It simply changes form. And if Gabe's effervescent life is any indication of how he may change, then it is sure to be a beautiful and full and radiant form.

Gabe joined his grandparents, Vernon and Doris Haugh and Selvie and Marian Branum, and Aunt Vicki Krapf in death Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Cape Girardeau.

Gabe's loving family members who will continue to carry him in their hearts are his mother, St. Debbie Haugh; siblings, Michael (Courtney) Haugh, Grace (Pedro) Garcia, John (Stephanie) Haugh, Chuck (Olivia Fridley, Gina Floyd) Haugh and Peace (Michael Morie) Haugh; nieces and nephews, Amber Huckabee, Jesse and Marian Garcia and Vivienne Haugh; and a new great-nephew, Hendrix Rhodes. Gabe will also be severely missed by the many friends who he loved and who loved him like family.

Gabe's family will be hosting a celebration of his life from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at The Rhine Building at 120 N. Second St. in Paragould, Arkansas. As all who knew Gabe will understand, this informal drop-in style wake will not focus on his family's pain, but will be about the celebrating the man, the legend, the Haugh. Stop by any time and share your best stories, jokes, antics and tall tales.