Obituary of Gregory Michael Gavan

GAVAN, Gregory Michael – Sadly, the family announces the passing of Gregory Gavan, who died on July 17, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, with family by his side. Beloved husband of Heather Hart.  Loving father of Melanie Gavan (Tony Phillips), Ottawa and Brian Gavan (Elvira Urbina Mendoza) Whistler, B.C.  Cherished grandfather of Alexander Gavan.  Dear brother of Jim Gavan (Deb), Bright’s Grove and Joanne Hennaert, Wyoming. Brother-in-law of Bonnie Delanghe, London and Kimberley MacDonald (Paul), Dutton. Favourite uncle of Alison (Adam), Neil (Lorraine), Erin (Jeremy), Peter, Lauren (Gregor), Brooke, Ben, Kaleigh (Laura), Josh (Michelle), and Shawna. He will be missed by his faithful dog Brae.  Predeceased by his parents Gisele & Vincent Gavan.

Gregory worked at CIL, Petrosar, and retired from Nova after many years.  He had a passion for sailing and was a long-time member of the Sarnia Yacht Club. He was the Electrical Director at SYC as well as a member of the haul out crew.  An avid sportsman, Gregory enjoyed swimming, biking, skiing, golf, curling and when diagnosed with Parkinson’s joined Rock Steady at Ironworks where he enjoyed the camaraderie of the people, he met courageously battling PD.

Greg loved to cook and was the chef in the family. He enjoyed entertaining friends with his many culinary talents. Greg was famous for his bean dip and paella which he made for his wife’s birthday. He enjoyed woodworking, welding and wood carving. Many of our friends and family have gifts of his artistry: cutting boards, wooden candlesticks, metal arbours, and wooden Christmas trees. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Heather, enjoyed sailing trips to the Caribbean, in particular the BVI’s, with their sailing friends. His first trip to Europe was to Barcelona where he fell in love with the outdoor markets, cafes, and the food. Greg and Heather continued to travel with friends taking cruises to Alaska, the Mediterranean, Great Britain, the A,B,C Islands, and a River Cruise down the Danube. Their last trip, before the pandemic was to Whistler in 2020, to celebrate their grandson, Alex’s fifth birthday. Greg was a wonderful father, grandfather and loving husband who will be sorely missed.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Sarnia Yacht Club at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to The McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to The Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario, 123-4096 Meadowbrook Dr., London, Ontario,  or The St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 Christina St. North, Sarnia, Ontario.