It is with broken hearts that the family of the late Thomas William Gavin, age 64 of Springdale, NL, announce his tragic passing on June 25, 2022. Tom is predeceased by his parents Stephen James & Mae Gavin; brother Winston; niece Susan; parents-in-law Max & Marjorie Butt; brothers-in-law Malcom & Don.
Tom leaves to remember with beautiful memories of the wonderful life he shared, with his loving wife Mona of 41 years; sons Chris (Michelle), Mike (Joanne); daughters Kayla (Justin), Pamela (Mike); best friend Charlie (dog); brothers Cecil (Marie), David, Boyde (Edna), Doug (Maureen), Jim (Ellie); grandchildren River, Reauna, Madison, Dylan, Alex, Tommy, Kaiden, Destiny, Shay, Gavin; brothers-in-law Alvin (Yvonne), Gary (Michel); sisters-in-law Elsie, Delphina, Denise; many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; also a large circle of extended family.
Tom spent his early years growing up in Bear Cove before moving to La Scie when he was 8 years old. He was the youngest of 7 boys.
At the age of 17 he went to Leaf Rapids Manitoba to work for a couple of years before returning home to La Scie. Shortly after Tom welcomed his first pride and joy his daughter Pamela. Later, he met Mona and became a father to her 2 boys, Chris and Mike whom he loved dearly. In 1980 they were married and in 1984 they welcomed their daughter Kayla, which completed their family.
Tom was a poppy to 10 beautiful grandchildren. He was the BEST poppy in the world. He always had so much fun with each and every one of them. As some got older, he became a friend as well. He would dress up as Santa during Christmas, teach them Johnny cash songs thinking it was funny, he let them give him makeovers, hide behind doors during Halloween so they could trick or treat. He carried the girls in his arms longer than he should have but they loved it. If they did without anything it was because he didn’t know. There was no one like Poppy Gavin
Tom worked at the fish plant for 16 years before returning to college and graduated from the ITT program, where he made many special friendships and bonds with his classmates and instructors that lasted a lifetime.
This led him to his career with Seawatch and DFO. Tom loved his job, and the people he worked for. He was respected by all his coworkers in his field and was recognized for his work by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Tom was also well liked and respected by those he encountered in the fishing industry, “friends” as he would joke to them.
Tom loved curling, and although he hasn’t been able to play in a while, he looked forward to every event on TV and was a big of fan of Team Gushue, a bond him and his daughter Kayla shared and looked forward to every winter.
Tom loved to moose hunt, although in later years, he loved the hunt more than getting the moose. He was very compassionate towards wildlife, his job allowed him to see so many different species and he was always eager to share what he saw when spending time on the water. He was always fascinated with Gods creations and had a strong faith in our Lord and Saviour.
Tom was a natural comedian; he spent hours thinking of jokes and always had the right moments to bring them out. No matter where Tom went on the island through work he made many friends, and would love to try those jokes out to see which ones received the most laughs. Then he would come home and tell them to Mona.
Tom wore his heart on his sleeve; he loved his brothers, his sisters-in- law, all his nieces and nephews. There was nothing Uncle Tom wouldn’t do for them, and they all loved him dearly for it. He might have been the baby, but he was the rock in the family.
He was Mona’s anchor, he took care of her when she was sick, credited with bringing her back to life. He loved her family as well, and it was reciprocated in everything that was ever needed for the family, Tom was there. He loved his brothers and sisters in laws, no matter what time day or night they could count on Tom to be there.
He was a kind, gentle, compassionate, caring man. There was no one like Tom Gavin. His daughter would say “Dad, if I had a choice of any father in the world, I would choose you over and over again”. He was the best father and husband, brother, uncle and friend; There is a void left in our family that will never be replaced.
The Celebration of Life service was held from The Salvation Army, Springdale, NL, on July 1, 2022 at 11:00am with Major Lindsay Oxford officiating, assisted by Majors Joshua & Pauline Randell. Interment was at The Salvation Army Cemetery, La Scie, NL. Pallbearers were, brothers Boyd Gavin, Doug Gavin, Dave Gavin; nephew, Keith Gavin; great nephew Bill Gavin; cousin Larry Butt. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the professional and loving care of Harry Oxford and Julia Budgell of Green Bay Funeral Home, Springdale.
We love you so much Dad! Forever in our hearts!!
Flowers will be accepted, but charitable donations can also be made, in Tom’s memory, to The Salvation Army Cemetery Fund, Po Box 54, La Scie, NL A0K 3M0.
The Celebration of Tom’s life will be held at The Salvation Army, Springdale, NL at 11 am. The service will be live streamed from The Salvation Army Springdale Citadel Facebook page.
Following the service, there will be the procession to La Scie Salvation Army Cemetery. After the Cemetery service the people of La Scie will serve refreshments and lunch at The Salvation Army Youth Hall, 29 Budgells Lane, La Scie, NL.
https://www.greenbayfuneralhome.ca/obituary/thomas-gavin