NAHB mourns the passing of Ignacio Cabrera, a longtime NAHB staff member, on July 12. He was 79.

Cabrera, who retired from NAHB in 2009 after more than 35 years of service, led the International Builders’ Show (IBS) sales team and was a catalyst in creating the extensive show experience that is IBS.

“Ignacio was a critical component to the success of IBS throughout his career at NAHB,” stated NAHB CEO Jim Tobin. “Without his drive and creativity, the show would not be what it is today.”

Originally born in Cuba, Cabrera grew up in Queens, New York, before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1968. He and his husband, Bill Sawyer, were frequent travelers and entertainers, and often hosted friends and family in their Georgetown home.

Cabrera is survived by his husband and his sister, Luisa Cabrera Mendoza, her husband Julio G. Mendoza, and their two daughters Cecilia and Gabriela.

A memorial mass was held for Cabrera on July 18 in Washington, D.C. Donations may be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.