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R. I. P.
Bob “Dundee” Gabri
I really don’t know how to start this story except
to say I lost a good friend and a brother in our motorcycle family. My
brother Bob “Dundee” Gabri didn’t just have a passion
for riding a motorcycle, it was his life. He lived and breathed motorcycling.
He had an asphalt addiction for two wheels heading down the road. Bob
was well known for finding new roads and riding well-known ones. He didn’t
care if they were big roads, little roads, mountain roads, valley roads,
as long as they were covered with asphalt.
On September 9th, 2009 the first night of Bob’s wake,
Dave “Rip” Ripley, Director of Niagara Falls Harley Owners
Group, (H.O.G.) arranged a tribute ride from American Harley-Davidson
on Erie Avenue in North Tonawanda to Lombardo Funeral Home on Niagara
Falls Boulevard. in Amherst. The NF H.O.G. Chapter headed out of American
with 60 + motorcycles, leaving the lead position vacant in memory of Dundee
who had led many rides locally and across the country. They eventually
arrived at the funeral home where the chapter was greeted by the family
and a large crowd waiting outside. As everyone parked they started socializing
and swapping stories about Dundee with those already in attendance. Then
we heard more bikes pulling up, and when all was said and done more that
200 people had come to show their respect.
Dundee was 64 years old when he was taken from us. He went
down on U.S. Route 6 and Dartt Settlement Road, Charleston Township, Tioga
County Pa. on Saturday afternoon September 5th, at 3:05pm. Bob is survived
by his three loving daughters, Jennifer, Andrea, and Tamara (“Tamaroo”)
and two grandchildren Anthony Gabri and Amanda Epstein. Dundee was a faithful
family man and was always delighted to show the newest pictures of his
grandchildren even if when they were teenagers. His grandson was always
ready to ride with his poppa at a moment’s notice as poppa was always
ready to take him.
When he died, Bob was the current Safety Officer for Niagara
Falls H.O.G. He was all about safety when he rode. Bob knew safety and
riding. He organized and led many rides for NF H.O.G. and had won several
“High Mileage” awards from the National Harley Owners Group,
and his local NF H.O.G. Chapter for having ridden more than 420, 000 total
miles including the lower 48 continental United States and the outback
in Australia.
This was one busy man, on top of all his responsibilities,
Dundee always had time to help others whenever needed. If someone asked
for a volunteer, you can bet Dundee was first in line. He worked hard
and tirelessly for charities like Polar Bear Bike Blessing, Benefit Run
for Canine Helpers, Ruben Brown Run for the Salvation Army, American Red
Cross Buffalo Chapter, and the 2008 NY State H.O.G. Rally. Dundee was
also devoted to working with ABATE for motorcyclist rights. He worked
for Niagara Cutter for 15 years and General Motors, from which he had
just retired last year, for 20 years.
Another passion of Bob’s was motorsport racing. He
was chief of flagging and communications of the Sports Car Club of America,
of which he was a member for 30 years. During his years with the club
Dundee was named Sportsman of the Year and was also honored as Driver
of the Year. In later years he traveled the world with the Le Mans Series,
working that race several times in Melbourne, Australia as well as in
France. Several years ago while standing in his communication corner during
a race in Toronto, Dundee had a brush with death when a car flipped off
the track and landed about five feet from him.
Dundee is a man that will be missed by many. All who met
him liked him and a lot of us came to love him. To me, Dundee was my brother;
he was always there, the first to step up for anything. We would share
our military stories over a cold beer; I can honestly say that I loved
him and will miss him always. Not being able to look over and see his
red ’09 Street Glide Harley-Davidson with that DUNDEE plate will
be something I will long for, but I know when I’m riding that he’ll
be looking over my shoulder pushing me to crank the throttle just a bit
more as he watches over me and keeps me safe. The 2009 Street Glide had
32,000 miles on it already. Ride, Dundee, Ride.
Bob was with his Girlfriend Eva Dreier who survived the
crash and is still in the Hospital in Philadelphia. Our prayers and thoughts
go out to Eva and her family.
Ride Free my Brother until we can ride bar to bar again.
I Love You, Man!
Flyboy Dundee |
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