With deep sorrow and immeasurable love, we honor the life of Gabriel Micah Fensler, affectionately known as Gabe. He was a young man who carried both brilliance and compassion, with a mind that saw solutions and a heart that saw people.
From the moment he could talk, Gabe was ahead of his time. By 18 months old, he was speaking in full sentences, and by the time he started pre-kindergarten, he had all his teeth and the kind of wisdom that made people stop and listen. He never saw limits, only possibilities. At 16, he became certified for professional work, securing a job at Allstate, where he proved himself beyond his years. By 17, he had obtained his license as an agent and was excelling in ways that made it clear he was gifted.
Gabe was not just smart. He was a visionary. He secured a role as an executive assistant at Microsoft for three executives and was already mapping out his future. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a heart for family, he created a 60 page business plan, making sure that everyone around him had a roadmap to success. Hi dream was to earn his next degree and build a business that would not only elevate his life but create opportunity for others.
Beyond his own ambitions, Gabe was a fighter for justice. He served on the Washington State Council on Juvenile Justice, standing up for young people, especially those impacted by the system. As co-chair of the Behavioral Health and Reentry Subcommittee, he worked to make sure youth had real chances to rebuild their futures. He believed in second chances, in people’s ability to grow, and in the power of community.
Gabe’s greatest gift was love and resilience. He never ended a conversation without saying “I love you”, and he meant it. He believed in the power of words and made sure people felt seen, valued, and never forgotten.
On the day after his 24th birthday, Gabe’s light was taken from us far too soon.
Though his time here was far too short, his legacy is unshakable. Gabe is survived by his devoted mother, Kitara Johnson-Jones and his Bonus Dad Tony Jones, his father Shane Michael Fensler, and his loving siblings Terrance McKinney, Manuel McKinney, Matthew McClure, Leilani Knypstra, and Shane M. Fensler Jr.. He was an adored uncle to his niece and nephew, and his light will continue to shine through his maternal grandmother Dianne Henry, his stepfather Tony Jones, and the many grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose lives he touched.
Gabe lived with purpose. He loved without conditions. He dreamed without limits and never quit.
Rest in power, Gabriel Michael Fensler. You are loved. You are missed. Your fight continues.
As seen on dignitymemorial.com. In the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – South Hill.