Gary Steven Lloyd Graber (Aug. 15 1982 - July 20, 2003) Gary was first and foremost a hockey player. He loved the game, starting at the age of seven, with his minor hockey days in Mission where he won the Jim Veitch Memorial Trophy for being the Most Dedicated and Hardworking Player in his midget year. He participated in the BC Best Ever 1998 under 17 hockey program at UBC, was protected in 1998 by the Saskatoon Blades Major Junior Hockey Team and the Kootenay Ice Major Junior Hockey Team in 1999. He enjoyed playing as a defenceman for the Abbotsford Pilots Junior B Hockey Team from 1999-2003 and was a frequent call up for the Chilliwack Chiefs Jr. A Hockey Team during this time. He particularly enjoyed the fan support of the Abbotsford Pilots.

Gary was a warrior as a defenceman on the ice. However, Gary was also a caring, affectionate, hard working (worked at Consolidated Fastfrate and the real Canadian Superstore), honest, loyal, humorous young man who loved to joke and have a good time. His family and friends were very important to him. Gary had goals in life and influenced many of his friends in positive ways. He believed in living life to the fullest - and he did. He was known to have a nickname for everyone and the team appropriately called him Gary "The Gong Show" Graber. He was a team player, his comments on the ice, the bench and in the dressing room were legendary among his teammates.

Gary was very energetic and excelled in sports that challenged his competitive edge such as lacrosse, mountain biking, wake boarding, skiing, and snowboarding. He loved the outdoors - camping, fishing, 4 x 4 trucking in his pride and joy jacked up white Chevy Z21 "The Culprit" and dirt biking. We'll never forget Gary's excitement when he landed a 40 lb. spring on a 10 lb. test line at the Abbotsford Pilots Fishing Derby on the Vedder River last year. Gary was the "life" of his family and friends. He was #3 on the program but will remain #1 in our hearts.