Morris J.W. Gaebe of Barrington passed away on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 at the age of 96. He was the devoted husband of an extraordinary woman, Audrey Klee Gaebe, who predeceased him in 2008 after 66 years of marriage. He guided the formation of the character of his four sons, who are all Eagle Scouts.

Morris Gaebe was one of Rhode Island's great educators. He brought a rare kind of creativity and vision to education.

He was also a distinguished business and civic leader, and sportsman.

"Mo" was born in 1920 on a small farm in Addieville, Ill. He was the second son of Herbert J. and Emma (Behrens) Gaebe. He was the first person from his town to graduate from college, attending the University of Illinois on an athletic scholarship and majoring in accounting.

He served in the Navy during World War II where he met Edward Triangolo, who was to become his lifetime friend and partner in education. In 1947 they purchased Johnson & Wales Business School from Miss Johnson and Miss Wales. At that time, Johnson & Wales had just over one hundred students. Under their visionary leadership and that of those they mentored and inspired, Johnson & Wales University grew to over 15,000 students with campuses in four states.

Gaebe believed that an education is a major cornerstone of a fulfilling life, but only when coupled with a strong moral compass. He loved being with young people where he taught and lived the Golden Rule. With Gaebe, his students always came first.

In the community, when asked he served, with his own brand of creative hard work and sense of humor. He would give you help where he saw a need, even if you did not seek him out for it.

In 1978, Morris and his son Geoff acquired land in Burrillville and created Addieville East, a pristine hunting and fishing preserve unlike anything in New England. Now over 900 acres, Addieville East also has a sporting clays course which attracts sportsmen from all over the world. Addieville East has been recognized year after year for its outstanding conservation programs and its service to youth and charitable foundations.

Morris Gaebe has received many awards for his achievements in education and for the way he led his life. But recognition was not the objective for him. He did what he did because it was the right thing to do. He was always guided by his small town Christian spiritualism.

Gaebe was the president, chancellor and chairman of Johnson & Wales University.

Gaebe is a member of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

He was a member of the Governor's Commission for Aid to Higher Education, a member of the Permanent Council of the New England Business Colleges Association, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools, president of the R.I. Business Educators Association, chairman of the Educational Standards Committee of UBSA, president of the Rotary Club of Providence, member of the Corporation of St. Andrew's School, senior warden of St. John's Episcopal Church, chairman of the Episcopal Charities Fund of R.I., member of the Executive Board of Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America, member of Nooseneck Rod and Gun Club and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop Two Barrington.

Morris Gaebe is survived by his sons, Dana (Beth), Greg (Vicki) and John (Bonnie) and by his daughter-in-law, Paula Gaebe, and by his sister, Priscilla Doelling (Robert). He was predeceased by his son Geoff and his brothers, Kenneth and Herbert B. Gaebe. He also leaves eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Gaebe Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund at Johnson & Wales University, 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI  02903, or to St. John's Episcopal Church, 191 County Road, Barrington, RI  02806. Please visit smithmason.com for online condolences.