Gary Leonard Ashburn died in his home Wednesday morning at the age of 45 following an 11 year battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He grew up in Maryland, with a close-knit group of friends who were still an important part of his life. During his 6 years in the navy as a nuclear reactor operator he also discovered a passion for cave diving that lasted the rest of his life. He was in many ways the boy who never grew up. His passion for life, exploration, and his ability to focus on the things that gave him joy was central to everything he did. His passions included cave diving, computer programming, nuclear physics, gaming, and running RPGs. In his wife Kathleen he found a soul-mate to share those passions with, during their 11 years together. His death is a painful loss to those who loved him, because he touched so many lives with a generous, loving, compassionate spirit - and he was also one of the most strong-willed and stubborn people that most of us knew. He was noble to the core and his selfless attitude while facing his disease and impending death has been an inspiration to many. Born 5/21/68 in Bethesda Maryland, Died 10/2/13 in Gainesville, Florida, Survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Seide-Ashburn, his parents Ronald and Pat Ashburn, his brother Stephen Ashburn, and his nephew Alexander Thomas Ashburn. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL (352)378-2528. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528