Rand Robert Frank Gaber

Rand Robert Frank Gaber Rand Gaber left this earth on Sunday, 16 August, at home in the loving embrace of his family. A longtime resident of the City of Fairfax, Rand made an enormous impact on so many people – both professionally and personally – and will be sorely missed. Rand was born in Rhinelander, WI on 12 September 1951. He was the third of eight children born to Bob (Robert) and Dolores Gaber. Rand spent his adult life in public service. Rand joined the Coast Guard when he was 18 years old and served on the Great Lakes for four years. He left the Coast Guard and moved from Michigan to Fairfax, VA in 1973 to pursue a career in law enforcement on the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). While there, Rand re-enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve. He also started a home improvement and commercial renovation company, Homeworks, Inc., that he successfully operated with his partner for more than 25 years. After five years on the FCPD, Rand transferred to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, where he served as an EMT, Firefighter, and Fire Marshal. He retired after 25 years of service. Upon retirement, he “walked across the street” to the City of Fairfax as a Building Inspector. He utilized his expertise in code enforcement, general contracting and fire safety to guide and lead commercial projects in the City of Fairfax. Rand achieved the designation of Master Code Professional in 2008. He retired from the City and came back to work as a contractor for five more years. Rand served 29+ years in the Coast Guard/Coast Guard Reserve, and retired as a Warrant Officer (CW04) and Special Agent in the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). Rand was instrumental in building the efficacy, success and reputation of the Special Agent program by recruiting Reserve Agents that had extensive law enforcement experience in the private sector. Rand was very active in the American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax City, VA, and served on the Corporate Board. He worked very closely with developers, architects, Legion members, and the City of Fairfax on expansion. Rand worked tirelessly to improve and update the Legion for its members. One of many projects Rand worked on, and took pride in, was the retirement of old and worn flags. The American Legion Post 177 is a drop off point for retired flags in Northern Virginia. US Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k: states, “The flag when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning”. Boy Scout Troop 1887 and Legion members would oversee the burning of the flags at Post 177. Due to the high volume of retired flags (approximately 1000 per year), and in the interest of safety from toxic fumes and ecological concerns, another solution seemed necessary. Rand collaborated with Covanta Fairfax (Lorton incinerator) and Fairfax County Public Works to provide a safe, respectful and honorable flag disposal at Covanta, according to the US Flag Code. Rand Gaber garnered great respect in all of his public service careers with his professionalism, his desire to bring people up and see them succeed, the ability to see and implement creative real-time solutions to challenges, his mentorship and most importantly his talent to connect in a meaningful way with all whom he came in contact. Rand never met a stranger and was always there with a helping hand, building lifelong friendships. He was viewed as a leader, and all counted on him to lead the way. He was a mentor and encouraged those he worked with to develop their education and move ahead in their careers. In his Building Inspector role, he guided business owners on how to accomplish code requirements so they could be successful in opening their businesses. Rand loved life, his family and friends. Rand was a loving and generous husband (my best friend) and father of three. He adopted Heather and Sebastian in 2019. Rand was a devoted and awesome Papa. He adored his grandchildren and they adored him, recalling stories of their time with him. “Remember Papa, when….” Rand was blessed with many friends. Whenever there was a project to accomplish, Rand would step up to help out – “no problem, piece of cake. It’ll take 20 minutes!” Or if you needed something, “I have a guy”. He had the habit of taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary! And he had an exceptional smile, sense of humor, and voice that lifted up everyone when he walked in the room – larger than life. Rand valued getting out with his buddies for a round of golf and a little wager. He was often in charge of setting up day trips and golf outings. He enjoyed having “yuks” with his friends and recounting golf stories. Rand loved to travel and we spent 33 years traveling the world. We were like kids, excitedly exploring new and different places and cultures, learning we are all very similar. Life was truly an adventure! So many wonderful stories and (lifelong) friends met along the way! Rand is survived by his loving wife, Melinda; two children: Sebastian and Heather (Naiem Saffoori); four grandchildren: Alexa, Brayden, Isabella, and Zoey-Phoenix. He is also survived by seven brothers and sisters: Scott Gaber, Cynthia Johnson, Mona Snow, John Gaber, Nancy Bowling, David Gaber, and Rebecca Spencer. Rand was pre-deceased by his son, Matthew Gaber. Rand’s life was so full and the stories are endless, so we invite you to share your stories and “Gaber-isms”. A service will be held on the front lawn of Truro Anglican Church, 10520 Main St, Fairfax, VA, on Saturday, 26 September at 2:00 pm. A celebration of Rand follows at the American Legion Post 177, 3939 Oak St, Fairfax, VA, at 3:30 pm. Both events will be outdoors in order to comply with guidelines for social distancing. Face masks are required. Please take the weather into consideration when choosing attire since weather could change throughout the day. (umbrella, jacket, sun hat, etc.) Donations may be made in Rand’s name on pancan.org, in lieu of flowers.