Robert (Bob) and Mary Gab’s private and public life epitomized their concern and love for our natural resources. It is impossible to separate the accomplishments of one from the other because they worked as a team, one totally supporting the other.

Between them, they held almost every conceivable office in the conservation district movement. Bob was chair of the McPherson Conservation District; a director, vice-president, and president of the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts; chair of the South Dakota Conservation Commission, and a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts Board of Directors. Mary was vice-president and president of the South Dakota Auxiliary; secretary/treasurer and president of the Northern Plains Auxiliary; and secretary/treasurer, vice­-president, and president of the National Association of Conservation Districts Auxiliary.

Among the NACD Committees the Gabs served on were District Operations, Awards, Great Plains, Information & Communication, District Outlook, Strategic Planning, District Capacity Task Force, and the 50th Anniversary Committee. Bob was instrumental in helping nationally organize the conservation district employees while he served as chair of the NACD District Operations Committee. Along the way they garnered numerous conservation awards, including the 1995 NACD Special Service Award. Mary received the National Arbor Day Award and was recognized as NACD Auxiliary’s Outstanding Woman. Mary’s interest in wildflowers is showcased in the NACD Auxiliary cookbook, which featured her wildflower drawings.