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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goinginstyle - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
I cannot even imagine what Gary and his family is going through right now. There are no words to even describe the loss of a child this early in life. Gary always helped me while he was at AT, no matter what dumb question I asked or situation I got myself into with a variety of PCs. He even sent me a replacement X58 motherboard, no questions asked although I had screwed up the CPU installation. I am sure Abigail was just as giving to others based on what I read today.gamoniac - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
My hearts go out to Gary and his family. With two kids of my own, I cannot imagine what you must be going through. I will try my very best to cherish everyone close to me when I can. I am sure she is in a good place.Voldenuit - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
Gary, you have my deepest condolences and sympathies for your loss. While words can not undo your pain, I can only hope that the outpouring of sympathy and support from all of us Anandtech readers can provide some measure of comfort and that you can find some solace from all our well wishes.We are with you in spirit in your time of loss.
bleekii - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
Gary did great work here, and because I always by Asus products he must be continuing his level of excellence. I had a friend die in a car crash at 16. It changed the lives of those around her. It was the first time I saw death affect my life and since then I've lost even closer people. There are no words to describe the individual loss Gary has suffered. I hope that those closest to him in all areas of his life give their support. I know never would have made it though my losses without the understanding and care given to me. To other AnandTech readers, if you see others suffering from loss like death or divorce make sure to lend an ear and a helping hand.bleekii - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
I'm sorry for this terrible loss. I hope Gary and his family have more good friends like Anand to support them in this awful time.dishayu - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
RIP Abigail and my condolences to the Key family.johnp888 - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
Condolences to your loss Gary. RIP Abigailikjadoon - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
Hi, Gary and Gary's family and friends. I know it's weird and possibly unexpected for a stranger to wish you condolences. But, a family, even if virtual, is something. She sounded like a wonderful and exciting young woman. I wish you all calm days of peace in your time ahead.Your articles, by the way, were wonderful. When I was building my first ever computer, I read your glowing review of the ASUS P5N-E SLI (650i SLI chipset) and ended up using it for my PC. It's still going strong, 6 years later. :) Thank you for passion and detailed writing--it was appreciated.
May she rest in peace and all of you be able to live fulfilling, complete, and extraordinary lives.
From your virtual family member,
~Ibrahim~
Diamond3 - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
My heartfelt condolences to Gary and his family.watersb - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
Oh thanks for posting about this. What a horrible loss. It should not be borne alone. My kids are the most phenomenal people in my life. The only solace I could possibly offer is the sure knowledge that Abigail made the world a better place, because of the lives she touched while she was here. For all time, a better place, and that cannot be taken away.