Rodney "Rod" Verne Gabrielson, aged 80, passed away on November 29, 2023, in Monterey, CA. He was born in Oakland, California, to Clarence and Ruth Gabrielson.  He spent his youth and schooling in San Lorenzo and Alameda in the Bay Area. His time as a life guard and swim coach prior to attending San Jose State College fostered his lifelong love of the water, swimming, scuba diving and working with children.  After college and ROTC training Rod entered the Army.  He served in Germany as a commissioned officer and completed his tour of duty as an Army Captain. After a short time working in insurance and attending Law School, Rod ultimately completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology and earned a PhD in Education/Counseling Psychology.  Rod wore many professional hats.  Starting in 1971, he worked as a Mendocino County Office of Education Psychologist and County Special Education Director.  Rod taught Psychology courses at Mendocino Community College.  His Mendocino County career also included serving as a Willits High School Counselor, District Special Education Director and Principal of San Hedrin High School.  In 2001, Rod retired in Willits from his position as Willits Unified School District Superintendent.  He was a beloved and dedicated Psychologist, Educator and Administrator. Throughout his over 30 year career, Rod was a defender of the most vulnerable among us.  He passionately championed the needs of children, young adults and the staff that worked with them.  He spoke softly but carried an unrelenting advocacy for individuals with special needs.  After leaving Willits Unified School District, Rod was briefly the Superintendent of Montebello School District and a Counselor at Mendocino College before moving with his wife, Linda, to Monterey in 2006. 

Rod was a loving husband, father and grandfather “Papa”.  His greatest joy was welcoming his children and grandchildren into the world and being with them.  Rod was a devoted father to his son Jeffrey and daughter Lindsey. He was a dedicated swimming and traveling soccer Dad.  Rod rarely missed timing their swim meets or cheering on Lindsey’s soccer teams.  As “Papa”, he volunteered in his grandchildren’s classrooms, eagerly attended their school and sports events, took them to the Aquarium and taught them to swim in summertime.  He was usually seen carrying his camera so he could take family photos and proudly document their achievements. He loved photography, listening to music and cooking Aebleskiver pancake balls on special occasions. Sunday mornings would find Rod reading several newspapers while enjoying his coffee. His travels frequently took him to Hawaii, Mexico and the Pacific Northwest. Rod had a lifelong interest in aviation. He earned his pilot's license while living in Ukiah and attended many local air shows. 

Rod was an intentionally kind and private man who lived his life with integrity, generosity, compassion and humility. He spent his retirement years enjoying every moment he could with Linda and their children and grandchildren. They shared a quiet life surrounded by beauty and gratitude for the time they spent together. He was especially fond of sharing time by the water, listening to others’ stories and imparting his wry sense of humor.

Rod was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Ruth, his sister Judith and son Jeffrey.  He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Lindsey, daughter-in-law Margarett, step-daughters Eryn and Kelly and will always be dearly remembered as “Papa” by his ten grandchildren:  Raven, Azul, Georgia, Ryder, Indy, Larsen, Cora, Ren, Vanna and Ameli.  At his request, no memorial was held.  Rod’s ashes were released in Monterey Bay by family.  He will be lovingly cherished in our hearts always.