A Post About Loss and One of Our Own, Abigail Key
by Anand Lal Shimpi on July 30, 2013 4:20 PM EST- Posted in
- Abigail Key
If you've read any of our motherboard reviews from around 2005 - 2009, chances are you're familiar with the name Gary Key. He was a member of the AT team, heading up motherboard reviews and helping me out with a lot of our CPU/chipset coverage on the site during that time. Gary now works at ASUS, but I still view him as part of the AnandTech family. Last month his 15 year old daughter, Abby, was involved in a fatal car crash in Oklahoma.
I originally wanted to do a post last month when it happened, but I shied away from doing so in order to give the Key family more privacy. I've been speaking with Gary regularly since it happened and believe that the time is now right.
I'd never met Abby. Gary was at my house a few weeks before all of this happened. Abby needed a Mac for some college classes she was taking, so I gave her one of my old MBPs. She loved that notebook. Gary told me that she'd send pictures of it to her friends, along with her latest pair of toe socks - her other recent obsession. She loved pink. That bright pink MeMO Pad HD7 sample? It was destined for Gary, and then Abby.
Gary was always a proud father. And understandably so. He'd always tell me about how well Abby was doing in school and about how they were in trouble since she expressed interest in eventually going to Duke. She was a straight A student, excited about becoming a Junior in high school next year.
He always told me about how kind hearted Abby was. I've learned more about her desire to help and support others more since her passing than I ever knew before. I'm saddened that the world has lost a wonderful person with such potential. I've been getting regular updates from Gary, photos of Abby, notes on things she used to love to do, and every single time the emails bring me to tears.
Gary has been doing incredibly well with all of this. I can't imagine anyone being stronger than he has been over these past few weeks.
Here's where you all come in. If you've ever read anything Gary wrote, if he ever helped you in any way, or if you just want to lend some words of support to an honestly wonderful person and his family - please feel free to do so in the comments below. Gary didn't ask for me to do a post here, but I'm sure he and his family would really appreciate any kind words from his virtual family at AnandTech.
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frozentundra123456 - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
My deepest condolences. She sounds like she was a wonderful person with all the potential in the world. Our 16 year old grandson has just spent the summer with us, and he is a very kind and caring person too. I cant imagine how we would handle the loss if something happened to him. I admire you for dealing with the loss and hope you somehow can heal, although I am sure you will always feel the loss.wiz329 - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
My deepest sympathies. One of my good friends died at age 20 this past week in a hiking accident, so we are grieving together. God bless you, and may she rest in peace.Reflex - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
My condolences to Gary and his family. I am very sorry to hear this.WilliamVW - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
Gary was both patient and helpful with me in the past. No tragedy should ever strike someone like this, but it's doubly unfortunate that it should land on someone so undeserving of it. As a father and colleague, Gary, my every condolence goes out to you and your family, and I deeply hope you are able to heal as time allows.StormyParis - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
My deepest condolences to her family and friends. 15 is way to young to go. She seems to have had a good life, so maybe that makes up for it in part.EddyKilowatt - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
"To have a child is to forever have a piece of your heart walking around outside your body"Only a parent can understand the terrifying depth of this statement.
noeldillabough - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
I can't imagine your loss or what you're going through, but I know you're handling it better than I would. Best wishes to you and yours and RIP Abigail.DawsonsDada - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
I am so sorry to hear of your daughter's passing.She sounds like a wonderful daughter.
My, and my families, prayers are with you and your family
epoon2 - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
It must have been difficult. My condolences. Car accident is one of the top causes for fatality among young people. I am very sorry to hear that.Nancy Key - Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - link
Anand is one of the nicest men I never met. Gary always spoke so highly of him, and Abby loved him. She did love that tablet. Thank you Anand for all you do.We are lost without our girl - we love you Abby, to the moon and back.
Nancy Key