Gabriel Marcus Groves

Gabriel Marcus Groves:  Known by many as Gabe, Gaber, Darth Gaber, Gaber Laber, Grinchy Groves, Po, and many other names that helped describe the things he loved!
Gabe loved Darth Vader, The grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and most of all he loved ALL Villains! Which was so funny because he was sweet, incredibly caring of others, and most of all he loved serving people and his savior.  The most important part of his week was blessing and serving the sacrament at church.
No matter how sick or how many seizures he had, Gabe would save up his energy through the week to make it to church to bless the sacrament.  After doing so, he would usually have to be carried or helped to the car, and would sleep the rest of the day.  Sunday’s were the one day he would wake up very early, and start waking everyone up every 15 minutes to make sure he made it. Gabe looked forward to being a missionary, and always wore a “future missionary” tag on his suit coat.  He frequently watched Mormon Messages, General Conference, and a number of other church videos, especially the Tabernacle Choir.
Gabe was a perpetual, pure child at heart throughout his life.  Some of his favorite movies include How the
Grinch Stole Christmas, Kung Fu Panda (particularly #3), The Polar Express, Rise of the Guardians, Daddy’s Home 2, and Frosty the Snowman.  Some of Gabe’s favorite things to eat were tuna fish sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, hamburgers, mac and cheese.  Gabe knew what he liked, and what he didn’t and if someone tried to use a different turkey than the one he preferred, he’d immediately notice and send it back until it was the correct brand and he ALWAYS needed 2 of everything! So if we cut it in half then gave it to him, it was 2 🙂
Gabe loved anyone and everyone, and had a unique gift of bringing people together to share in the things he loved.  Gabe made everyone feel welcome, and showed his excitement and love for each person each time he would see them. One of Gabe’s favorite things was to call people on the phone, even if it was 3 AM in Italy!
Gabe loved hearing from those he cared about and was always looking for ways and times he would see people next.
Gabe was obsessed with carwashes!  At 2 yrs or 19 yrs old! Loved going bowling, going to the movies, the zoo and aquarium, and going to the Bees and Real Salt Lake play.  Gabe loved seeing the mascots, and any dressed character.  Gabe never lost his childhood wonder and excitement, for to him these characters were real and he absolutely loved them. Especially THE JAZZ BEAR.  They shared a special connection for years with a genuine love for each  other.
THANK YOU to all those who took his calls, invitations to dance and that brought his mascots to life!  Gabe was an avid believer in Santa and Christmas by far was his favorite holiday.  Throughout the year Gabe would write letters, call Santa, and was always ready for December 1st when he could begin tracking Santa on NORAD Santa.  Gabe would be up at 3-4 AM, waking everyone up on Christmas morning, and would start peeking at the presents.  Gabe was the first to be ready for everyone to sit down, sing a Christmas song and begin opening presents.
Gabe loved freely and cared for those who were close to him.  Even during his hardest times in this life, Gabe’s primary concern was with his family and friends. Gabe was always more concerned with the wellbeing of those he loved, and wanted to know that everyone was OK.
Whether it was playing Just Dance, Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, having his brother Michael show him how to play Call of Duty so Gabe could beat him and say..  “You Got Wrecked”!  Teasing his brother Gavin, taking his hat, genuinely bugging him out of nowhere or just cuddling on the couch or his bed, all Gabe wanted was for everyone to be happy, healthy, and together.
Anyone who knew Gabe will know he is now free from the challenges he was given in this life.  While it is hard for us all to see him go, we can all take comfort in knowing that Gabe has been called home to fulfill that mission he lived and taught those around him to be ready for.
We are all better and stronger for having known this great soul, and the privilege it’s been to care for and to help him through this life. We know he is now spreading light everywhere just like Sandman in Rise of the Guardians and is making people believe.
Gabe is preceded in death by his service dog and best friend Fenley.
He is survived by his Mother Mandalina, His step Dad Cody, brothers Gavin and Michael, Father Kevin Groves, both Grandmothers or “nona’s”  Sylvia and Janet, and all extended family with the many other loving caregivers and friends.  We will truly miss you and always love you.  Thank you for changing our lives.
God be with you till we meet again, Gabriel.
Service Information

Celebration of Life
July 22, 2021 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
4986 Valios Drive Taylorsville, Utah 84129