Dr. Damien A. Gabis Dies at the Age of 83
We are saddened to share the news that the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest has lost a dear friend and advocate for environmental conservation and education. Damien Gabis died Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Damien and Rita Gabis founded Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, which is now Gabis Arboretum at PNW, named in honor of the generous couple. After seeing a need for environmental conservation in Northwest Indiana in the early 1990s, Damien and Rita set a shared vision in motion. In 2001, that vision led to the public opening of Taltree Arboretum and Gardens in Valparaiso, IN.
A cherished community resource offering visitors a peaceful retreat while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices, the arboretum was donated to Purdue University Northwest in 2018. It was the largest gift in the history of PNW.
“Damien and Rita leave behind a legacy at Gabis Arboretum,” says Stephanie Blackstock, former arboretum director. “Their passion for nature has inspired thousands of visitors while nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards. It is clear that the arboretum, born from dedication, will continue to thrive in their honor for many years to come.”
“Damien and Rita leave behind a legacy at Gabis Arboretum. Their passion for nature has inspired thousands of visitors while nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards. It is clear that the arboretum, born from dedication, will continue to thrive in their honor for many years to come.”
Stephanie Blackstock, former arboretum director.
Damien loved learning about ecology and nature; he put his heart into every step of the restoration of the arboretum. As he worked with family, friends and volunteers, the 300 acres of farmland was beautifully restored to wetlands, woodlands and prairies.
Current Gabis Arboretum Director, Sarah L. Reed, recollected, “I had the great pleasure of cultivating the arboretum in the footsteps of Damien and Rita Gabis. When I had the pleasure of running into Damien at the arboretum, it was inspiring to see how he would light up when he worked among the trees, kindly shared his knowledge with visitors or interacted with families enjoying the G-scale train garden. His true love of the arboretum was inspiring to me, and to many, as his passion for the arboretum shined thru his smile every day.”
Damien found peace and joy outdoors and instilled this appreciation in all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, generosity and wisdom will live on in the countless lives he touched, and countless acorns planted.
Sarah Reed
Director of Operations, Gabis Arboretum
“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Supporting Gabis Arboretum
If you’re interested in making a memorial gift to Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest, you can do so here.
Please select the “In Memory/Honor Of” option so that we can notify the family of your generosity.