Gavin Smith
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Gavin Christopher Smith, of Lawrence, KS, died on Tuesday, September 28, while hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. His death came only 17 days after his 30th birthday. He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa and beloved 2 year old son, Liam Christopher, both of whom were his greatest joy.
Born in Lakenheath, England, September 11, 1980, to Greg and Julie Smith, Gavin spent most of his childhood in Papillion, Nebraska. He was a 1999 graduate of Papillion LaVista High School. Following graduation he moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend the University of Kansas where he lived until his death.
Gavin was the owner of Fatso’s Public House and Stage in Lawrence, KS, co-chair of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network and recent graduate of Leadership Lawrence. He was an active and respected member in the Lawrence community and cherished by so many. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, Gavin will forever be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. His passion for life and his love for the family and friends who meant so much to him was undeniable. He lived his days to the fullest, instilling a sense of grandeur while here on this earth. As one person recently commented, “Frankly, Gavin could probably be claimed to be the best friend of 100 people. He was that kind of guy.” Because he lived and loved so grandly, it was only fitting that his life ended in such a wondrous and beautiful place as the Grand Canyon.
In addition to his wife and child, Gavin is survived by his father and mother Greg and Julie Smith of McKinney, Texas; sister Courtney Smith Love and brother-in-law Michael Love; two nephews and a niece, Jack, Noah and Caroline Love of Dallas, Texas; sister and brother-in-law Jennifer and Mike Kraisan; nephew and niece Devin and Madalyn Kraisan of St. Louis, Missouri; paternal grandmother Charlotte Smith of Bowling Green, Kentucky and many numerous family members.
He is preceded in death by paternal grandfather Willard Smith; and maternal grandparents Harold and Florine Manning.
Services will be held, Thursday, October 7th, at Trinity Episcopal Church at 3 p.m., followed by a celebration of Gavin’s life at Liberty Hall at from 4 to 6 p.m. Family Inurnment will be at Pioneer Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Gavin C. Smith Memorial Fund to benefit Liam Smith through Peoples Bank in Lawrence, KS.
Gavin will be truly missed by so so many people. He was a one-of-a-kind, one-in-a-million, larger than life, spectacular individual. Our deepest condolences to not only Mel and Little Liam and his family; but also to anyone who had ever met Gavin Smith, for he was surely their dear friend.
Gavin was one of the first people I met when I moved to Lawrence. Always there to protect me during my boyfriends show or when I wanted to come in alone. “Hello Darlin”, followed with a hug and smile was a normal thing with him.
Dearest Gavin….. you will always be there above, in our hearts, when we close our eyes. Your love and respect will blanket your wife and son with constant guardianship from friends and family. We will never forget you Gavin, and will love you forever. Callie Tackett
To the Smith Family; Theresa and I were absolutely shocked and so saddened when we learned of Gavin’s accident. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. You’re in our thoughts and prayers,
Bill & Theresa Zehner & Family
Melissa: My heart and prayers go out to you and your son over this tragic loss. I remember the pure joy on your face when you got engaged, planned your wedding, and went on your honeymoon. We poured over your honeymoon pictures and I can truly say I never saw such a happy woman and couple. I wish I could hold you and block the pain. If you ever need totalk or just be with somebody, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will respond as quickly as possible. You and your son are shall be in my prayers and thoughts. love, Cathie
Melissa: My heart and sympathy go out to you and your sonover this truly untimely loss. I remember the excitement ad joy on your face when you got engaged, the planning of the wedding and you and I pouring over your honeymoon pictures. In those pictures I saw a genuinely beautiful woman and couple, made even more so by evidence of their love. I shall keep you and your son in my prayers and thoughts. If you ever need to talk or just be with somebody, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will repond as quickly as I can. Love Cathie Pawlicki
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gavin’s family and friends. What a special young man! I’ll always remember our “heated” political discussions and the friendship he showed my daugher Jordan when she came to Papillion Jr.High. May his family find comfort in knowing that he touched so many lives. Sincerely, Jacquie Pester
Gavin’s tragic death is such an enormous loss to all of those, like us, who knew and admired him very much. Our family feels great pain for you, our sweet Melissa and Liam. We pray that you and your family will find comfort and strength from the knowledge that Gavin is loved and will be missed by so many.
We were so shocked and saddened by the news of Gavins death. Gavin was like another son to Steve and I and we have spent all week reflecting.He was always so full of life and such a people person. Oh how he will be missed by everyone!We can’t begin to imagine the pain that you are enduring. Please know you all are constantly in our prayers.
Steve and Kristi Smith Bellevue NE
Gavin will always hold a special place in my heart. He was such a wonderful friend to Schuyler and Jessamyn, sharing so many important experiences that impacted who they became as adults. Gavin will always live in our memories of those days. Know that our love is with you. We are so sorry for this tremendous loss and pray that you will find comfort in the days ahead.
We were so saddened to hear of Gavin’s death. I remember him as a sweet little boy at Carriage Hill School. He grew up in a wonderful family and know that he became a wonderful man, husband, and father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Greg and Julie,
We want to wish our deepest condolences to you and your family. What a tragedy you all had to face, and will continue to live through the rest of your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your extended family.
Julie, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time in your lives. God Bless You.
Greg – I want you and your family to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Life will never be the same, but I’m praying God will help you find your new “normal”. May God’s comfort and peace be with you during this time.
To me Gavin was more than an employer, he was a friend. We shared many accomplishments as well as frustrations that did nothing but help us grow. His passion for his work and dedication to his family made him a rich man in spirit and earned him respect from all he met. There are no words to describe his impact on my life other than Thank you for being there. I’ll miss you Old Friend.
Dear Smith family, my deepest condolences to all of you for this unexpected, untimely loss of your dearly loved son, husband, father, uncle, and a dear friend to many. Gavin’s loving legacy and memories, and the positive mark he made in this world will continue to live through all of you. I pray for strength for you in these difficult times. May God bless all of you.
Our sincere condolences to the Smith family for this unbearable tragedy. To know Gavin was to love him, he will be missed by so many. Melissa, at least you have a mini-Gavin in Liam to help you carry on. You are in our hearts and prayers. We send our love.
Greg and Julie: Gav was every thing someone could want in a son. Sissy and I send our deepest condolences. I can’t imagine the hurt, but please know we are praying for you and your family.
I have not seen Gavin in years, but was one of the neighborhood hoodlums he used to hang out with in Papillion. I was very saddened to hear of his passing and wanted to send my condolences. Please, know you are all in our prayers. To me, Gavin represented the kind of person who lives life with a smile. As kids, there was nothing that we couldn’t get done if he believed it was possible. It is never easy to lose such a good man so early in life. I hope that you take some solice in knowing that he was the kind of person who used all he had to make an impact (even in elementary school, he impacted me!) Gavin will be missed greatly. GOD BLESS!
Greg, So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Harry Childress
Julie,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. With deepest sympathy – Andrea
Melissa and Liam, you are both in my thoughts and prayers!
Gavin was one of the best people anyone could ever grow up with. I was lucky enough to be friends with Gavin since we were in the first grade. We had some really amazing times growing up, and I learned a lot from Gavin’s amazing spirit at an early age. I know the last time we talked we both agreed that we wouldn’t trade our childhood experiences, because they are what molded us into the men we are today. You are a friend that I won’t ever forget. – Chris Dahl
Greg, Julie & Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your unmeasurable loss. We did not know Gavin, but knowing his parents gives us a very good idea of the strong, positive, caring man that Gavin must have been. Our thoughts and prayers are with you…
The Martin Family
Chad, Libby, Bailey & Ashlyn
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time! May you find peace in the days ahead.
Greg and Julie, I wish I could say something that would ease the pain of your loss. I can’t imagine. I don’t know what else to do except pray for you all. Fondly,
Melanie
Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
Thanks for bringing Gavin into this world. As time passes, memories of people you knew in the past seem to fade. Faces become blurred but Gavin was a character I will never forget. I will also never forget our jean jackets and walkie talkies. We set out to conquer the creek behind my house but were interrupted by our own humor. He sang “have you driven a Ford lately” over the open channel and the seriousness of our adventure was completely undermined. He always did that; he could focus on a task and at the same time enjoy life as it happened. That is something I’ve tried to emulate from that day forward.
It has been years since I have seen Gavin. I know from all of the things I have read this week that he had not changed. He was still a great leader because he loved his family and friends unconditionally and loved to get the most out of life. My prayers go to his family during this difficult time. God Bless!
It has been years since I have seen Gavin. I know from all of the things I have read this week that he had not changed. He was still a great leader because he loved his family and friends unconditionally and loved to get the most out of life. My prayers go to his family during this difficult time. God Bless!
Greg, Julie and family, We were very sorry to hear of Gavin’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with your and we send our deepest condolences. May God Bless and Comfort you at this special time.
Greg, Julie, Melissa, and family. Tina and I are extremely saddened to hear of Gavin’s untimely death. We want to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. Life can never be the same, yet we pray to our loving Lord to help you find some since of normalcy in the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with the two of you and all of your extended family. May God Bless and Comfort all of you during these most difficult times.
Courtney, Mr and Mrs Smith – I was so sad to hear of such tragic news. I’m remembering many times playing together as youngsters. My heart and prayers go to you and to Gavyn’s young family as well.
KNOW THAT WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND CANNOT CONCIEVE OF YOUR GRIEF. LORD HAVE MERCY AND BE WITH YOU AND YOURS.
Greg and Julie,
There are times words are inadequate. This is one of them. Gavin was a special kid, and even better young man. It was a pleasure to know him.
Julie, Greg and family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. It seems as if it was only yesterday we lived across the street from each other in Papillion and out children played together. Simple words cannot adequately measure our saddnes at the loss of Gavin and we share your deep sense of grief. While we had not spoken or seen Gavin for a number of years, it heartens us to read through the entries here and know Gavin grew into a fine man with the best of qualities (a loving devoted father, husband, and friend to all whom he met). Gavin was very special and will truly be missed by one and all.
Greg and Julie,
There are times words are inadequate. This is one of them. Gavin was a special kid, and even better young man. It was a pleasure to know him.
Greg and Julie, you have my deepest sympathy. I know nothing can take away the hurt of loosing a child, but I would like to the share the following poem with you. “We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name, In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone. For part of us went with you The day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.”
Greg and Julie, you have my deepest sympathy. I know nothing can take away the hurt of loosing a child, but I would like to the share the following poem with you. “We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name, In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone. For part of us went with you The day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.”
To Gavin’s family….Although we don’t personally know you, we were saddened to hear about Gavin. Our daughter, Courtney Nicholson (Stepping Stones), absolutely loves Liam, and talks highly of Gavin and Melissa. Our hearts, and especially Courtney’s heart, goes out to you.
My sweet Shmavin, my heart is so heavy. Courtney, Mr.& Mrs. Smith, my whole-hearted thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will forever have happy thoughts of a sixth-grader soul embedded in my mind. Thank you for all the childhood memories. Melissa and Liam, I wish you strength during this difficult time. Tears and Love, Shmavel
Greg and family: My heartfelt thoughts are with you during this time.
I am sorry for your loss, may God give you peace and comfort.
Gavin and I were best of friends as kids. Some of my fondest childhood memories of of the time we spent together. My prayers go to his family. He will be missed terribly.
Gavin and I were best of friends as kids. Some of my fondest childhood memories of of the time we spent together. My prayers go to his family. He will be missed terribly.
Sending you and yours prayers for healing, grace and peace at this most difficult time. In His Peace, Michele Bernard
With sincere sympathy. May God give you his help, his strength, and his hope during this time of sorrow.
Greg, Julie, Courtney, Melissa, and baby Liam you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with Gavin’s family and those who have had the privilege of knowing him. I met Gavin at the age of 3 and he was 4. We were both Air Force brats and seemed to cause just enough trouble running around together to make our parents laugh instead of angry. Some of my best memories as a child are from spending time with he and his amazing family. I am so sorry for your sudden loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with Gavin’s family and those who have had the privilege of knowing him. I met Gavin at the age of 3 and he was 4. We were both Air Force brats and seemed to cause just enough trouble running around together to make our parents laugh instead of angry. Some of my best memories as a child are from spending time with he and his amazing family. I am so sorry for your sudden loss.
Greg, Julie, Courtney and Melissa~My heart aches for each of you as you deal with the loss of Gavin. May you find comfort knowing that he had such a positive impact on so many people during his short life. Big hugs to all of you! Judy Black
Greg, Julie, and family:
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We are all very sorry for your loss. We pray for God to provide comfort to you at this time of grief.
Greg & Julie – so very sad to have to send my condolences. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts.
I APOLOGIZE IF THIS DID NOT GET TO YOU SOONER BUT I WAS JUST INFORMED OF GAVIN’S DEATH. I’VE BEEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY ON LEAVE BUT WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT MY FAMILY AND I ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, GAVIN WAS A GREAT FRIEND THROUGHOUT MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS,IN FACT HIS MOTHER WAS MY THIRD GRADE TEACHER! I REMEMBER IT LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY, LIVING JUST DOWN THE STREET HE WOULD ALWAYS COME OVER AND PLAY KICKBALL WITH ME AND MY BROTHERS IN THE CULDASACK RIGHT UP THE STREET FROM WHERE HE LIVED. BIRTHDAY PARTIES, HOT SUMMER DAYS, HE WILL BE FOREVER REMEMBERED AND MISSED. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS PARENTS,SIBLINGS, WIFE AND SON
SINCERELY,
MATTHEW J. GIBBS
CARRIAGE HILL ELEMENTARY
1987-1992