The Milwaukee Westside Harlequins are mourning the loss of one of their Old Boys, Mark Gabrich.
Mark was a vibrant part of the early Harlequins, and is remembered (as quoted from a piece in the Harlequin yearbook by Dan Brienzo) as a teammate who would bust his butt for the team, hurl his body through the air to bring down an opponent, and dig deep to catch up to the play & let you know he was “with you” as you were about to be ridden to the turf…
Mark passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 31, 2009, age 54 years. Beloved son of Mary Ann (nee Weiler) and the late Walter. Loving brother of Sue (Don) Neumann, Mike (Carrie) and Gary Gabrich. Dear uncle of Dave (Erica), Dan (Megan), Carolyn (Erik), Al (Sarah), Rachel and Erica. Great-uncle of Brooke and Jackson. Also survived by other relatives.
Mark was an employee of We Energies.
Mark was buried in a private interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Special Olympics are appreciated.
Be sure to raise a toast to Mark, and appreciate those who helped bring rugby to Milwaukee, so you can enjoy it today.