01. Welcome. Maria Gabriela

02. Welcome. Emilio

03. Daniela

The Invisible and Invincible Strength

Recently, I came across this text by Camus, which, coincidentally, reached me through three different paths:

In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.

In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.

In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.

I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.

And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger, something better, pushing right back.

I believe this text perfectly describes Gabriel—not only his personality and attitude toward life but also his ability to clearly see the invincible summer and smile that we all carry within us, even in moments when we ourselves cannot see them. Gabriel had this gift of lifting your spirits, even in his most vulnerable moments.

He is the “Strength in Fragility,” as a song says, one that reached me precisely when I needed it most. Gaby was, is, and will always be the best version of each of us. He was, is, and will always be my older brother, sometimes my dad, and my best friend. My savior in moments of despair, my escape, and my home away from home. My jam-packed vacation planner, the organizer of unforgettable experiences, the builder of memories, the go-to for the best restaurant, the one who always gave everything, always.

With Gaby, we dreamed incredible realities, most of which he achieved—all of them, I believe. Me? Maybe two or three at best. That invincible strength never let him stop, and he’d even get frustrated with you when you weren’t at your best. Gaby took on the world and constantly pushed us to do the same.

Thousands of memories flood my mind as I write this. I laugh, and I cry because, from El Cafetal to the Mediterranean, Barquisimeto, Cali, Barcelona, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and even Mexico (before actually living in Mexico), these were all my home and my city simply because Gaby was there.

I am who I am thanks to many people—and I’m not discounting anyone here; we’ll settle those scores later—but if you know me even a little, you know what Gaby means to me. And we must celebrate—damn it, we must celebrate—every minute we spent together, lying down watching TV or a baseball game over the phone (only Gabriel Zalzman could make that happen), eating at delicious places, taking a dip in the most beautiful seas in the world, and getting sunburned the rest of the time. Even sending reels of capybaras in spas or actresses wearing Birkenstocks with socks to convince Hannah to adopt the trend (which, by the way, she eventually did). Investment and soccer videos for Maxi and silly jokes that made us laugh for hours. It was his way of saying, “I’m always talking to you.”

Gaby is the invisible and invincible strength we all need right now. He’s the ocean wave in Machurucuto, the celebratory New Year’s dance, the reassuring “everything’s going to be okay, I’ve got your back,” and the “finish it, cabrón” he said so often.

He was the most demanding client I ever had (and trust me, I’m feeling the pressure as I write this), but he was also the best—and I know he was the best for many others too. He asked for and demanded a lot but always, always let you do your thing.

And now, a thousand more memories come flooding in—like El Fraile y la Monja se quieren casar, moments of suffering for many of those present here today and others who aren’t. And let’s not forget Pedro llama a Pablo, where Gabriel was always Pedro, always setting the rhythm we gladly and somewhat nervously followed, only to end up laughing nonstop.

Gaby was both collective and one-on-one, more so than anyone else I’ve ever known. I know we could spend all afternoon and evening here sharing stories, and each person would have their own memory, their own lesson, their own “he helped me” that will never fade.

“Speak from life” was the last thing we talked about, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here today.

I love you forever, my gordo.

04. Emmy

• Alan

My uncle was always the first person in the entire world I would go to for advice when I had no idea what to do, and he always had an answer. The thing about Gabriel Zalzman is that, above all, he was always focused on you, on helping you succeed, and he was always trying to help you in some way because my uncle was, above all, thoughtful.

When I lived with him in Los Angeles, one day he suggested we make plans for just the two of us: to attend a special screening of Almodóvar’s new film, Pain and Glory, where Almodóvar and Antonio Banderas were present. It was a surreal experience because I got the chance to speak with Almodóvar. Even though it was just three words, for any film fan, it’s a dream. If my uncle knew you were passionate about something, he would do everything possible to make sure you had the best experience with it.

But the anecdote I want to share isn’t about that screening—it’s about what happened afterward. Once it ended, we started the drive home and began arguing. Don’t ask me why, but I don’t remember what it was about. After 30 minutes of arguing, by chance, we both said, “I’m hungry.” My uncle changed direction, and we headed to Pink’s, an iconic hot dog restaurant in Los Angeles.

We sat down, each ordered what we wanted, and started talking about all sorts of things until we reached the point where he began telling stories about his teenage years and how much trouble he was. We laughed so hard about it… I think the reason I don’t remember why we were arguing is because the moment etched in my mind is the conversation afterward, which felt like one of those classic father/son moments we all experience in life.

That invitation to the movie was just one of the countless thoughtful gestures my uncle always showed me. He always made me feel like I was one of his own kids, and that’s why I’ll always see him as my second dad. No one in the entire world would give as much to see you happy and thriving as Gabriel Zalzman. I’m sure anyone who knew him well would agree with me because that’s who my uncle was—the most thoughtful and caring person you could ever meet.

And even though it hurts so much that I never got to tell him he was my second dad, a part of me knows he already knew. I’ll love him until the end.

• Abraham

Dear Gabito,

I’m immersed in the millions of memories we built together, and as I sift through them, I weave the tapestry of countless meaningful moments that have brought me joy thanks to your fleeting presence in this physical plane.

Of course, I want to start with the small yet grand acts that led to your conception. For instance, that day I found myself running from the film school in Paris to our home in Asnières because Estella was ready for you to be conceived. What a race that was…

And how the Lewins took care of us to ensure Estella’s pregnancy was protected. Our weekends at their country house became days of peace and tranquility, culminating in your birth at the Rothschild Hospital in Paris, then directed by Dr. Lewin.

It was October 29, 1963, a sunny autumn day in Paris, which led me to walk to the Place de la Bastille and realize that from then on, I would be your father for all eternity.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, the nurses paraded you down the hallways, showing you off to the expectant mothers as the model child, a baby Jesus… Your beauty radiated even then.

A few days later, we went to register your identity. Amid all the pressures, we named you Rubén Julio Jean Gabriel—Rubén and Julio for my mother, in remembrance of her loved ones; Jean Gabriel for Estella and me. Gabriel and Gabito to us, your close friends and companions… and even Zimba in certain clandestine circles.

Those first days of your life were a marvel for everyone around you. You were a ray of sunshine for all of us. What days those were!

Sifting through these wonderful memories brings to mind the trip to Israel to introduce you to Eva and Margarita, who were living in Tel Aviv. What an adventure it was, starting with the train ride from Paris to Marseille, boarding the Ordú, a Turkish ship with all the imaginable Turkish delights and hospitality, accompanied by a traveling circus that disembarked with us in Haifa. This first trip of yours was an unexpected encounter with the magic of the circus. One look at your face and smile was enough to know you were experiencing something extraordinary.

Then came the warm welcome from my mother and sister, who were overjoyed at the arrival of the family’s first grandchild. And all that we lived in that Israel of 1965, where your vast culinary experience began—with hard-boiled eggs with sand in the beach, pasta with a multitude of sauces in your cradle, and fruits of all kinds and from all places, from Jerusalem to Eilat. It must have been here that your love for gastronomy and nonstop travel was born, traits that characterized your fleeting journey on this blue planet.

I keep navigating this sea of magical memories we shared, like our return to Paris, your baptism carried out behind my back (a confessed non-believer), the trip back to Colombia when you were four years old—crossing Spanish ports, enduring Atlantic storms, discovering the green of La Guaira, arriving in Curaçao, and then to Santo Domingo, Panama, and finally Cartagena. Then, settling at Clarita and Mario’s house on Calle 46 in Bogotá and meeting the most beautiful cousins: Marcela, Adriana, Camila, and Catalina.

It’s impossible to extend this record here and now. I promise you that every October 29, I will recount, in detail and in writing, those beautiful moments of my life connected to you, dear Gabito.

You believed in the power of science, which showed you its limits, and then began to explore the power of spirituality—barely scratching the surface. You sensed that there is more beyond rationality, and those conversations we had in the last two years shook me to my core. I thank you for them today and invite you to continue them in the early mornings when we have all the time in the world.

Now, stepping away from the memories, I look at Estella, silenced today by the weight of the years and unaware of your transition to another plane. Together, we cry out to the heavens, mourning the short yet intense time you gave us to enjoy your company, which became even more profound in these last two years, as if you knew of your imminent departure.

As this unfolds, I hear Estella again and again inviting you to come and share the nest of love we’ve built for you in MontMar, where you’ll find that piece of the Caribbean you love and that will now be yours forever.

Come, my love!

05. Ramoncito

I am Ramon Leon, brother to MG and Jaime, brother-in-law to Gabriel, and uncle to Juli & Emilio.

It’s truly a challenge to pick just a few great experiences with Gabriel because there are so many. In my case, to make it even harder, I decided that instead of selecting a specific image or memory—something that as a visual person would come naturally—I would try to sum him up in one word. A word that, through its meaning, could encompass not just particular moments but the essence of those special times that stay with us forever. One word came to mind that felt so much like Gabriel: “FEAST.”

Why that word?

A feast isn’t just a table full of food; it’s an act of generosity, abundance, celebration, and togetherness. And that perfectly describes him: a deeply generous man who always gave the very best of himself.

Without a doubt, that’s my brother-in-law—a “luxurious feast,” someone who offered a truly unforgettable experience:

• Always ready to share his energy and good vibes, often with surprises that seemed impossible to top... until he somehow did it again.

• A natural host who made everyone feel welcome and valued, always with a plan or strategy to ensure everyone was present and comfortable.

• Every gathering felt like a celebration, even on non-holidays. He would always find some way to make each moment special.

The memories I have with GABRIEL are powerfully joyful, filled with friends, family, and celebrations. I can’t help but smile when I think of them. His 60th birthday party is among my favorites—what a fantastic time that was.

Because that’s who he was: a grand feast that left us completely full—of love, shared experiences, and SO many lessons. And I mean many, because giving advice or suggestions was always on his menu—like the chef’s special recommendations.

Today, I celebrate having been part of his great table, his experiences, which shaped mine and my family’s. His spirit continues to invite us to live life with that same fullness, to celebrate every moment, and to savor life with joy and gratitude.

Thank you, CUÑI, for everything we enjoyed, everything we learned, and for your incredible legacy. Cheers!

06. Jaime Andrés

My relationship with Gabriel was always intertwined with our shared interest in architecture and design, a bond that also connected us with my father. Not only were we fortunate enough to visit and explore significant architectural sites together, but we also had the chance to discover cities like Barcelona, Mexico City, New York, and Los Angeles. From the Roman history of Barcelona, through the picturesque streets of Puebla and Guanajuato in Mexico, to modern architecture tours at the Eames and Stahl houses in Los Angeles.

In addition, I had the opportunity to work on design projects for him. The project for the lobby of Mattel’s offices in Caracas and the development of a “Glamping” site were among them. I learned a lot from the way he approached projects, always with an open and innovative vision, encouraging groundbreaking solutions.

When we worked on the Mattel project in Caracas, I partnered with a colleague who had already developed similar projects. This time, we achieved a better result than in his previous projects. During one of our conversations, Gabriel asked me, “What’s the difference? Why is this design better than the previous ones?” As I was trying to justify it with material choices or lighting, he quickly replied, “The difference is that you made the design.”

In the other project, I participated from the selection of potential land and the development of sets, to the execution of the CampHouse prototype, handling all stages of design and construction. That design won an award at the Venezuelan Architecture Biennale in the Transformable Architecture category.

You could say that I have a postgraduate degree in architectural design from IIT in Chicago and another master’s degree based on the experiences of these projects, certified by Gabriel.

07. Tamara

Good evening, We are three of Gabriel’s compadres, and we feel deeply honored to be here tonight to celebrate his life. We also represent a diverse group of friends—a true reflection of one of Gabriel’s greatest qualities: his ability to bring people together.

This “arroz con mango” of friendships (as we say in Venezuela) began over 30 years ago with an idea from Gabriel. He invited us to take part in a Secret Santa gift giving, a small initiative that grew into something much more meaningful. That’s how our Voyager group was born, which at its height took us to explore many corners of the world together. The photo you see here is from our very first Voyager trip.

Gabriel’s great gift, among many others, has been to represent the glue that holds the group together. And not just any glue: Gabriel, along with María Gabriela, are like Krazy Glue—the kind that sticks to your fingers and won’t come off. His ability to unite people transcends distances, personalities, circumstances, and we know that also time, because here we’re united by him. 

One anecdote that reflects his deep care for friendship is about a subgroup that emerged within Voyager: the “Soul Sisters,” made up of the women in the group to chat about our own things. And guess what? Gabriel insisted so much on being part of our dynamics that we ended up including him, and the group became known as “Soul Sisters + Gabriel.” Because that’s just who he is.

For Gabriel, friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures, second only to his family. He has always said that friendships need to be nurtured, even across distances. And how right has he been! Today, the fruits of that dedication are visible here, in this room filled with family and friends who have transcended distances to be here, celebrating his life and carrying a piece of him in their hearts. This is your greatest harvest Gabriel.

Gabriel, your example of friendship and life will continue to inspire us always. Thank you for so much compadrito.

08. Manuel

I’ve been reflecting on what I can say about Gabriel that hasn’t already been said or won’t be said by others. As I thought about it, I realized that, among countless moments, situations, and experiences we shared over 50 years of friendship and brotherhood, there were two instances where I felt a unique and deeply spiritual connection with him.

Gabriel had an incredible ability to forge individual connections—intellectual, emotional, and professional—with many people from different places, origins, and cultures. However, spiritual connection wasn’t necessarily his strong suit. I want to share these two very special and unique moments.

The first happened after we finished school and later reunited while studying at IESA. About a year into our postgraduate program, a new cohort of students arrived, and among them was María Gabriela. I remember that at one point, Gabriel said to me—once, or maybe several times—“You know, that girl, I like her. She attracts me. I think she’s very beautiful and stunning.” He felt a particular attraction to her.

At that time, he had a serious girlfriend, whom we both knew well. I believe María Gabriela also had a boyfriend. Still, that feeling, that attraction, was there. It was then that I felt we had this intimate and special connection.

Shortly after we graduated, there was another pivotal moment. One evening, Gabriel, Sofía (my wife), and I went out to Friday’s. Suddenly, Sofía pointed out, “Look who’s walking in the door!” It was María Gabriela, entering with someone—I can’t remember who. By then, Gabriel had ended his relationship, and so had María Gabriela. Gabriel looked at us and said, “I don’t know what to do. I want to talk to her, approach her, make a move.”

I remember we told him, “Well, who said you should be afraid? The worst effort is the one you don’t make—what do you have to lose?”

After a while, we told him we were leaving. He said, “I’ll stay. I’ll try to talk to her.” Just before we left, we noticed him either talking to her or inviting her for a drink. That moment felt transformative, not just because of the special bond we shared when he confided in me but also because it was a life-altering decision.

Such moments are crossroads in life—taking one path or another shapes the direction of your life. That decision led to the family that Gabriel and María Gabriela built together. Today, we’re here, surrounded by the family they created. That’s history now.

Throughout my time with Gabriel, I saw three major crossroads in his life. One was when he had his car accident at 17. He survived that accident—it wasn’t his time to leave us or transition to another plane. The second was the moment I just shared, which determined his life partner, his family, and the rest of his life. It was as if their souls reunited after knowing each other in past lives and other times.

The third major crossroads was his illness. This is the second moment I want to talk about because it was so special and transformative for both of us.

When that process of transition began—sometimes long in nature—I felt that the last six months were very special. Thankfully, I had the time and resources to visit Gabriel practically every month, spending several days with him and María Gabriela. I was able to share and accompany him through this transition.

I felt that we both knew this process was underway—that he knew, and I knew—without speaking about it, simply being present for each other. It was a level of intimacy and spiritual connection I had never experienced before.

During that time, a magical moment occurred. It was Saint Francis Day (my middle name is Francisco, after Saint Francis of Assisi). I told Gabriel, “My sister just sent me a Saint Francis prayer adapted to Buddhism. I found it fascinating.” I asked him, “Gabriel, would you like me to read it to you?” And he said, “Yes, read it to me.”

This happened on Friday, October 4. I read the following prayer to him:

Saint Francis of Assisi’s Prayer (adapted to Buddhism)

*Lord, make me an instrument of peace:

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is offense, let me bring forgiveness.

Where there is discord, let me foster unity.

Where there is error, let me offer truth.

Where there is doubt, let me instill faith.

Where there is discouragement, let me inspire enthusiasm.

Where there is darkness, let me bring light.

Where there is sadness, let me kindle joy.

Oh, Divine Master, bless me not to seek so much

To be consoled, but to console.

To be understood, but to understand.

To be loved, but to love.

For in giving, one receives.

In letting go, one finds.

In forgiving, one is forgiven.

And in dying without regrets,

Happiness leads to enlightenment.*

When I finished reading, he paused to think. Knowing him and his feelings and beliefs about anything religious or spiritual, we stayed in silence.  About an hour later, something extraordinary happened—like a miracle. For the first time in 50 years, at least with me, he asked me to read the prayer again. So I read it to him again. It was an incredibly special moment.

That Friday, I returned home for the weekend. Gabriel left this plane the following Sunday, October 13. That was the last time we saw each other. Although we spoke over video afterward, that Friday was our final in-person meeting.

During those last six months, something profound occurred—what Dr. Enrique Benito, a pioneer of palliative medicine, describes provocatively:

“God does not exist; no one has seen God.

But when someone is dying, and another person draws near to accompany them, God appears between them. And that experience transforms both of them.”

I believe that happened. God was there between us. And it transformed both Gabriel and me.

09. Alfonso

Hello to everyone who joins us today in this celebration of Gabriel's life, both those who do it on Facebook and those who are here in this beautiful place, the New World Center. Before I begin, I would like to let you know that I could not help this building reminding myself of Gabriel. Not only because of Frank Gehry's beautiful architecture, because as we know, architectural appreciation was one of Gabriel's hobbies, but because of the building itself, because of how spacious and generous this building is, allowing you to enjoy from the outside what happens inside and vice versa. That's how Gabriel was, broad and generous, connecting what was inside with what was outside, paying attention not only to how we looked, but also to how we felt. And that is why being here talking about Gabriel, like his friends, is an honor that is not easy, because it is many of us who we are representing through the words of Tamara, Manuel and me. Let's talk then about Gabriel as a friend, about the great guy Gabriel was, about that Gabriel as a sidekick, about the Gabriel who created multiple connections with all of us who knew him, and I would add, with all those who crossed his path.

Voyager is our group of dear friends, which more than 30 years ago was formed and forged under the patronage and care of Gabriel and Maria Gabriela who started it as a Christmas gift exchange group back in the early 90s.

From the beginning, Gabriel assumed the role of being the living and motivating force of this group. To be that engine of inexhaustible enthusiasm, in the style of the Energizer rabbit all the time playing the drum that marked the beat that kept us all on our feet and alert, committed and always ready for the next adventure. And this is because, even though we continued to be a Christmas gift exchange group for many more years, very quickly Gabriel reinvented us and transformed us into a group of explorers, travelers, gourmets, tourists, and "glampists", but above all things Gabriel transformed us into a brotherhood that despite the distances, despite being scattered around the world, he with his energizing drum and his motivation to keep us active and together, kept us really connected, so today 30 years after that first exchange, we continue to be soul friends and brothers in life.

There would be countless memories, anecdotes, moments and conversations with Gabriel that I have no doubt that all of us who are here today could recapitulate, and in each of those situations he made us feel like a friend, like his friend. I remember a Thangsgiving that our two families spent together at our house in San Francisco, when he decided to stay in his PJs the whole holiday weekend, and so it was. We went out to eat, for walks, we watched movies, we played gameboards, we had long conversations, we drank wine, and ultimately, we had Thanksgiving dinner, with Gabriel in his PJs. I never told him, but that funny gesture during those beautiful days we shared made me, my wife, and my daughters feel intimately connected to him.

I have no doubt that Gabriel has left each one of us wonderful legacies: his culture, his knowledge, his intelligence, his bonhomie, his affection, his humor, his compassion and his advice were nothing more than tools that he masterfully used to give each one of us the best of himself. Thank you for everything you gave us Gabriel and for that legacy of friendship that you leave us with dear friend of the soul and brother of life.

10. Mateo

I met Gabriel in 1999 when he was hired as the General Manager of Mattel Venezuela. At the time, I was the General Manager of Mattel in Argentina. Gabriel was competitive, confident that he was the smartest, but you couldn’t help but be fond of him: a cheerful, lovable guy, full of energy, always wearing quirky, not to say outright ugly, shoes. Gabriel loved accompanying me to the market of pirated goods in Hong Kong; he never bought anything, but he enjoyed watching me haggle with the vendors.

After Venezuela, Gabriel moved with his family to Mexico, where he took on the role of General Manager of Mattel Mexico. There, with his team, he created “lo chungo y lo chimbo,” a dynamic so innovative that even today, I’ve seen it replicated in other companies by people who were part of his team at the time.

Fate never ceases to surprise us. In 2009, I found myself reporting to Gabriel. I moved to Paris, and he to Barcelona. That was when the dynamics in Europe changed. With aggressive growth targets for the first time, Gabriel set out to build the conditions for success through a high-performing team. It was the only time in my life I experienced that state people call "flow" in a team. Every time I talked about it with him, his face lit up, and he enthusiastically said, “It’s true!”

Gabriel thrived when surrounded by people. He loved big events, where he shone as the master of ceremonies, but he also knew how to make everyone around him shine. His famous pats on the back weren’t empty gestures; they were nudges that launched many careers. I count myself among the lucky ones. That’s why Gabriel was, without a doubt, the most admired and beloved leader of Mattel in Mexico and Europe.

When we moved to Los Angeles, our professional relationship continued, but something deeper grew between our families. Together with the Solar and Martínez families, we became one big family. We traveled together and lived unforgettable adventures, like that day at the LA River—or the famous "poop river"—and the getaway to Ensenada, riding ATVs on the highway. There were so many passionate conversations, shared dreams, and even business ventures that didn’t succeed but that we enjoyed dreaming about together.

Gabriel, you were the life of the party and the driving force behind many lives. I miss you so much, Gabrielón. Though you’re no longer with us, we carry your laughter, your energy, and the impact you left on each of us. Thank you for so many stories and for being the heart of so many happy moments. You’ll always be with us.

11. David

Hola, soy David Traughber y era amigo de Gabriel de Mattel.

Estoy seguro de que no sorprenderá a nadie, pero Gabriel y yo nos conocimos durante una comida. Estábamos en Barcelona en una reunión de negocios, y él se sentó a mi lado en la cena. Cuando el camarero vino a tomar nuestra orden, Gabriel me dijo que él iba a pedir por los dos, pero que yo comería la mayor parte. Para muchos de nosotros, esto no sería considerado un comportamiento normal; pero para Gabriel, era su manera de establecer una conexión rápida y una experiencia compartida (mientras también conseguía la variedad de comida, dado sus limitaciones para comer).

Avancemos unos meses, y Gabriel y su familia estaban recibiendo a la mía, mientras él trataba de convencerme de unirme a él en Barcelona. Para ser honesto, no necesitó mucho convencimiento, ya que su reputación dentro de Mattel como un estratega hábil y un líder destacado era ampliamente conocida. Durante los siguientes 18 meses, Gabriel y yo pasamos muchas horas juntos viajando por el sur de Europa, discutiendo y debatiendo una multitud de temas: desde los detalles de la industria del juguete, hasta política y cultura, pasando por familia y relaciones. Nada estaba fuera de los límites, y nunca hubo una conversación superficial con Gabriel.

Unos años después, cuando ambos nos mudamos a Los Ángeles, nos reunimos nuevamente cuando él lideraba los grupos Digital e Internacional de Mattel. Si bien la habilidad innata de Gabriel para entender a las personas y la estrategia empresarial lo convirtió en un líder natural de estos equipos, yo prefería hablar de béisbol. Verán, Gabriel y yo compartíamos el amor por el juego y pasábamos gran parte de nuestro tiempo disfrutando, analizando y debatiendo todos los aspectos del deporte. Su conocimiento era profundo, su pasión fuerte, y él realmente era feliz solo estando en el estadio. Como fanático tanto de los Dodgers como de los Yankees, supongo que es apropiado que sus enfrentamientos en la Serie Mundial marcaran los dos extremos de su vida.

Para concluir, en las últimas semanas he hablado con muchas personas que formaban parte de la familia de Gabriel en Mattel. Cada una tenía su propia historia sobre cómo Gabriel era inteligente, curioso, energético, divertido, reflexivo y compasivo. Realmente era un hombre del Renacimiento, un jugador completo, y admirado por todos. Si tuviera que resumir el sentimiento, sería este: gracias María Gabriela, Emilio y Juliana por compartir a su esposo y padre con todos nosotros. Nuestras vidas son más ricas e interesantes porque él fue una parte viva de ellas.

12. Fernando

Our dear Gabriel, Gaby, touched our lives in a special way as a friend, companion, and Forum brother. Always spontaneous, witty, and fun, he had many qualities that defined his personality and way of being. He was empathetic, true to himself, authentic, consistent, profound, and full of integrity. Always approachable, he extended a helping hand, was a great optimist, had a unique perspective, thought outside the box, was sharp, and a staunch defender of his beliefs and arguments. He could disarm you with clear and pure thoughts, always willing to help others and give his best as a person, father, husband, professional, and friend.

Gaby was the kind of person you always looked forward to seeing again. Brilliant and fun, he greeted you with his big smile and wanted to know what you were up to. He loved sharing experiences, spoke like a buddy, like a “chamo,” with those unique phrases of his. He was exciting but also challenging—especially when you got into a serious, deep conversation. You never knew when or how it would end. He was a peculiar, distinct, special, and impactful person who commanded your attention, as he would say, “pararle bola,” because he radiated knowledge, vitality, and energy to those around him.

It’s impossible to talk about Gaby without mentioning his beloved María Gabriela. We were fortunate to be their guests in various cities around the world. Gaby loved organizing everything in meticulous detail and precision, hosting us, and taking us everywhere so we wouldn’t miss a thing. Just last year, he enthusiastically and lovingly took us to the Yucatán Peninsula, a place he loved and wanted to share—and he succeeded.

Today, we celebrate the good times we had with you, the lessons you taught us, and the legacy you leave behind for those of us fortunate enough to have known you. Thank you, María Gabriela, Juliana, and Emilio, for this space of celebration and for allowing us to share these words.

To you, dear friend, up there where you are, we say that the combination of strength, authenticity, joy, and optimism you gave us will always remain with us, in our thoughts and hearts. Fly high, dear Gaby.

13. Maria Gabriela

More than 30 years ago, Gabriel told me he had an Excel sheet with his life mission and vision, and that he based all his decisions on it. I asked him, "What is your vision?" and his answer was, "To live with intense happiness." And he achieved it... Gabriel lived a very intense life, which I say is worth several... in six decades he had more experiences and contributed more to the world than many others will in lives twice as long... The accident in his youth marked him... and from there comes that insatiability, that drive to make the most of every moment of every day... for me and my children, one of his greatest teachings.

Our love story was fast, very much in his style. Two months into our relationship, one day he called me and said: "Get a calendar. What are you doing on September 12?" That’s how he proposed to me, and six months after we were already married... His love for me was intense, from small details - like including my name in all his passwords - to grand gestures like my birthday parties, where not once but twice he brought my favorite singer, Yordano... I remember 15 years ago he said: "I don't like this beard much, but María Gabriela does, so I'll keep it," and look, his signature look is another expression of love for me

Gabriel and I together are light, but I say I am a candle and he is fireworks… I am home and a fireplace, he is travel and adventure. I was her partner during eight moves across five countries. With each move, he convinced me by saying he was certain that what was ahead of us would be better. Thus, he arrived at each place with that appetite, to squeeze the experience, to share, to explore. He used to say that we needed to live each country as if we were tourists …

Burning Man, Formula 1, three World Series, Coachella, Ferraris on the tracks of Maranello, the Orient Express, rafting in the Grand Canyon, skiing, surfing, he even participated as a producer in the last documentary of Latin American cinetist Cruz Diez…

And he lives everything with the attitude that in our family we call Yippee Wow… Everything amazes him. Everything astonishes him. Everything to the fullest. He enjoys traveling: from camping to the best five-star hotel. He enjoys eating: from In-N-Out to three Michelin stars. He loves road trips: from a motorhome to comfortable trips in his Range Rover… from Los Angeles to the Guadalupe Valley, Yellowstone, or Seattle… from Barcelona to Paris, or Milan… collecting miles, memories, and speeding tickets.

My beloved Gaby… Today, your boundless energy transforms into the heart of this crowd. Today, I am convinced that this adventure you now embark on will also be better… I thank you today and always for the love you sowed in us. I promise you infinite love, and I promise that we will continue to be a family who lives with intense happiness.

14. Juliana

Mi papá hizo tanto por mí.

Para empezar, me hizo más cool. En el 2012, me llevó a un Urban Outfitters (el primero de su tipo en Europa) y me compró mi primer par de pantalones de bota ancha cuando todavía estaba en mi época de jeggings. Me he puesto esos pantalones durante 12 años y son tan cool ahora como lo eran entonces. En el 2017, hicimos un roadtrip hasta Indio, California, para ir a Coachella. Me envió uno de mis textos favoritos cuando nos separamos en el concierto de Greta Van Fleet. En medio de su canción favorita, se detuvo para enviarme un mensaje con las palabras “pura energía” y tres signos de exclamación. En el 2018, me dio el mejor cuento para romper el hielo con mis nuevos compañeros durante para mi primera semana en la universidad. Cada vez que mis futuros amigos hablaban de sus padres y familias en casa, me encantaba decirles que no había oído nada de los míos porque mi papá no tenía señal y estaba corriendo en una falda escocesa en Burning Man. En el 2024, sacó su lámpara favorita Flos del depósito y me ayudó a instalarla en mi primer apartamento de adulta para que no tuviera que usar la luz fea del techo que ambos detestábamos. Mi papá ha sido una fuente inagotable de diseño, arte, música y cultura, y en algunos aspectos no sé dónde terminan sus gustos y comienzan los míos. En un momento como este, me trae paz saber que llevo conmigo esta parte de él.

Mi papá me hizo curiosa. Tenía una manera única de profundizar, especialmente cuando pensabas que la respuesta era simple. Era famoso por no estar satisfecho con la palabra “interesante” porque creía que carecía de significado. Ahora, casi de forma innata, noto que mi curiosidad se presenta cuando escucho “interesante” viniendo de otros, lo que me impulsa a preguntar “¿y por qué?” y otras mil preguntas al estilo Gabriel. Tampoco aceptaba un “no” inalterable. Siempre solía decir: hay que probar las cosas siete veces antes de decir que no te gustan. Esto empezó en el contexto de la comida para combatir una infancia de comer puro pollito, y evolucionó de manera inesperada para convertirse en una filosofía de vida más amplia. La vida es simplemente más sabrosa cuando estás programada para preguntarte: ¿por qué _no_ debería disfrutar de esto? Gabriel predicó con el ejemplo y me mostró lo que significa estar predispuesto a la felicidad.

Mi papá me hizo sentir plena. En el 2007, mi papa, mi mamá, Emilio y yo nos sentamos alrededor del comedor para escribir juntos los valores de nuestra familia. Amor, honestidad, solidaridad y servicio, mente y cuerpo sanos, respeto, humildad, hacer lo correcto, pasión y experiencia, responsabilidad, justicia. No solo elegimos estos valores, sino que también los definimos juntos. No creo haber conocido a alguien tan intencional como Gabriel. Todo lo que aprendí de él estaba arraigado en una pasión profunda por la vida que ha sido la base de nuestra familia y de mi identidad. El sentido de la pasión ha cambiado desde su partida… pero sé que sigue presente y la veo en mí, en Emilio, en mi mamá, en mi familia, en mis amigos, y la siento reunida en este espacio. Ahora, en las palabras de mi papi: _a vivir intensamente_. Te amo y te adoro siempre.

15. Emilio

When I think of my dad, there is always one word that stands out in my mind: perspective. He has always had a way of seeing things that took him on expansive and exciting life paths, full of loved ones and unexplored adventures. In the US there is a saying about people who “see life through rose-colored glasses,” always seeing things in a positive light, but the implication of the saying is that this tendency comes out of naivety and little real-life experience. That's why it's so beautiful that my dad always wore yellow glasses. I still laugh so much about those glasses. My dad loved the yellow light so much that he said, “Well if the sun isn't going to change this white light, I'm going to change how I see it.” Doesn't that sound great? Isn’t it just classic Gabriel? And the beauty is that with that simple decision, my dad created the perfect metaphor for his outlook on life. Seeing life with yellow glasses is similar to rose-colored glasses, it means focusing on the good and keeping a positive outlook, but this impulse and attraction to the good comes from the wisdom and experience of a life well lived. When someone sees life with yellow glasses, they focus on the beauty of life, not because they are unaware of the difficulties and pain, but because they know that the best way to overcome them is with love. Putting on yellow glasses also highlights the responsibility of the individual to make changes to their environment to see what they want to see, and live what they want to live. This moves us from the receptive role of “life is something that happens to me” to the active role of “life is what I create.” This is something I try to live in my day to day life, and putting on my yellow glasses is something that has helped me in this transition.

Now, it's easy to say “put on your yellow glasses” and enjoy, but maybe it's hard to find the positive in such a complicated moment. We as people have a tendency that when something difficult happens to us, we look to our memories of a similar situation or event to process what is happening at the moment. For me, my mind takes me back to the multiple moves we made as a family. This situation felt like the loss of my home, a leap into an unknown and frightening world. At the time, I was fortunate to take that step with my entire family, and my dad's support was indispensable. He would tell me “when you miss it, tell us, we'll get on a plane and go visit” and I remember that even though it was never the same, those visits we made after the moves helped me a lot. The magic of the human mind is that even though my dad is not around right now to support me with his loss, his words echo in my head, and tell me that the way to maintain that bond with him is to keep visiting him. Especially today, I have the honor and pleasure of not only visiting him in the home that exists in my heart, with all the memories we share, but also visiting him in all your hearts as well. I would love to meet him and re-meet him with each of you, and so visit him in all the places where I know he is still with us. So, today I ask you to share him as best we can, connect all those memories and all those feelings, and create a home for him here, amongst us. When today is over, know that this home that we create together will be carried by each individual and that whenever we miss him, we can visit him here. Gabriel is still with us and will continue to be with us.