Wings Across the World

Wings Across the World: The Life and Legacy of Gabriel C. Gebara is abiography that traces the arc of Gabriel Gebara's life-from a joyfulchildhood in Lebanon to a globe-spanning career in aerospace-highlighting the relationships and values that anchored him through decadesof change.Born in Lebanon in 1938 and raised in Kornet Chehwan and Beirut, Gabrielwas known early on for his academic talent, kind disposition, and love of life.He left his family behind to attend California Polytechnic University in SanLuis Obispo, where he studied aeronautical engineering. While at Cal Poly,he met Sandy Paulson, whom he married in 1963. As Gabriel began workingafter graduation, they started their family, welcoming Giselle and Greg first,and later Nicole.After a return to Lebanon that did not unfold as hoped, Gabriel shifted courseand joined Boeing, where he found a runway for the rest of his professionallife. Over the next 37 years, he worked primarily in international roles and wasknown for his ease with people and his ability to build trust across cultures.As the children grew into adulthood and built successful lives of their own, thestory shifted toward legacy: the wider community of friends gathered acrosscountries, the continuing bonds of marriage and parenthood, and the prideGabriel and Sandy took in their children and grandchildren.Gabriel's life was ultimately framed as one lived with momentum and joy-propelled by curiosity, ambition, and an ability to connect with peoplewherever he went. He continued embracing life fully until his death in 2024,leaving behind a legacy defined not only by professional achievement but bythe family and friendships that traveled with him across the world.Written by Giselle Gebara Swann with contributions from family and friends,the book reads as both tribute and remembrance-a portrait of a man whose"wings" were equal parts engineering and heart