I only today learned of Roy's passing. We had worked together at the California Department of Industrial Relations and remained friends ever since. Although I had retired and moved to Mexico, I ran into Roy and his son several weeks ago in a Sacramento shopping center. They were loading up there antique cars with refreshments and heading off to a car show somewhere in the Delta. His positive energy was up and running that morning. I'm forwarding a memo (below) from DIR director John Duncan informing all of the employees there of Roy's death. He had many friends in state government and was highly respected by all of us. He will be truly missed.

From: DIR Director's Office
Sent: Fri 11/2/2007 4:47 PM
To: DIR Employees
Subject: Former DIR Chief Deputy Director John R. “Roy” Gabriel Dies Unexpectedly


John R. “Roy” Gabriel, former DIR Chief Deputy Director to John Duncan, died unexpectedly on October 2. He was 64. At the time of his tenure DIR was a cabinet level department and Roy served as the liaison to the Governor’s office and other departments and agencies. He was also very involved in organizing and hosting the conference of the National Association of Government Labor Officials in San Francisco in July of 1998, and helped to finalize the DIR strategic plan, among other accomplishments.



He was appointed DIR Chief Deputy Director in 1998 by former Governor Pete Wilson, but for most of his 35-year career, Roy served as a respected voice for the California agricultural community. He began as a legislative assistant for the California Farm Bureau Federation in 1973 and was later named Director of Labor Affairs at the Federation, a post he held until his death.

In addition to his role at the Farm Bureau Federation, he was Chief Operating Officer of Farm Employers Labor Service and was a member of many agricultural organizations including the El Dorado County Farm Bureau and served as a director and board member of the National Council of Agricultural Employers.

He was also a railroad historian and collector of railroad memorabilia, served on the board of the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, and held memberships in numerous national and state railroad historical organizations.

Roy will be fondly remembered by those who knew him as a very kind and understanding person. He was not only concerned about assisting families of farmers and ranchers but also was very involved in assisting agricultural workers.

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