It is with profound sadness that we announce that our son, brother, father and friend, W. Gavin GERVAIS passed away on July 30, 2023 in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Gavin was born May 15, 1983 in Newcastle, New Brunswick to Julie NOLAN (Nova Scotia) and the late J.A. Gilles GERVAIS.
Besides his mother, Gavin is survived by his brother Daniel (Caitlin) in Nova Scotia; his daughter, Hunter and her mother, Lindsey (Chris) in Alberta; his uncle, John (Kim) in Ontario; and aunt & godmother, Donna-Lee in New Brunswick.
He was predeceased by both his maternal grandparents, John Patrick NOLAN & Joyce Leone KUTA; paternal grandparents, Rene GERVAIS & Simone RAYMOND; and his uncle, Wayne NOLAN.
Gavin harnessed the power of lightning, welding pipelines, structures, fabrication, etc. in Alberta and BC’s oil & gas industry. After achieving his Red Seal & “B” Pressure certifications, he worked his own business, Old School Welding.
He was an avid metallurgist and whittler. He loved playing guitar and creating original comic book heroes.
Gavin will be remembered for his kindness and generosity of spirit, as well as his mischievous nature.
He burned brightly and wore his heart on his sleeve. He loved his daughter fiercely.
A small private immediate family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. We ask his
friends to gather at their convenience to tell stories, anecdotes and celebrate his life and your
good times together.
He will be sorely missed.
Gabe Welsh says
I was shocked to hear of Gavin’s passing. We had lost touch in recent years but we had many good times growing up in the Valley.
Gavin was one of the most genuinely true spirits you could meet. He had a kind soul and he would always be there for a friend if needed.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends. The world lost one of its bright points when Gavin left it.
Julie Nolan says
Your kind thoughts & words are appreciated. Thank you.
Robert and Victoria Nolan says
“We cannot imagine the pain and heartache you’re feeling. We pray for your peace and comfort.” Our deepest condolences at this time of sorrow .
Julie Nolan says
Thank you for your support guys.
Lesley mcclure says
Awe Gavin … the world lost a great soul !! You were funny and goofy you made everyone laugh … your art skills were like no other ! It’s truly a shame !! Rip buddy till we meet again
Julie Nolan says
No truer words have ever been said. Thank you for thinking of him.
Julia says
Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for a loss so great. Wishing you peace and comfort in these difficult days.
Julie Nolan says
The world has lost a good one. Thank you for your words of comfort.
Bezanson Barbara says
So sorry to hear about Gavin’s passing. He used to come to my house as a young boy and hang out with my kids. Cherish every memories you have. So young and so sad.
Julie Nolan says
Thank you so much. We do cherish every memory.
Sarah says
So sorry for the loss of Gavin to you all.. Growing up around Gavin around the Patterson’s home,He was always smiling and making everyone laugh. I will forever remember you 🩵
Julie Nolan says
‘Tis true, Gavin’s humour touched a lot of people.
Bill and Anne Kuta says
Dear Julie we were so sorry to hear this news please take care and may he Rest In Peace Bill and Anne KutA Glacé Bay Nova Scotia
Bill and Anne Kuta says
Dear Julie and family,so sorry to hear of Gavin’s passing please accept our condolences and May he Rest In Peace
Julie Nolan says
His fight is over. I am sure he is resting in peace.
Marc Hébert says
I was blessed to attend college with Gavin’s mother Julie and to have met this young man here in Halifax, and also in Grande Prairie on one occasion. In his smiling eyes, I saw a soft-spoken man and a gentle loving soul. I could only imagine how much of an impact his guitar playing would have had on one’s heartstrings should the notes fall on the ear. Julie and family, I grieve your loss and continue to pray for condolence and soothing for your loss. “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”
Marc Hébert
Julie Nolan says
Thank you for your kind words, Marc. He truly was a gentle loving soul.
Bonnie McCullough says
So sadden to hear of Gavin’s passing .Sending my condolences to family and friends.
New Gavin as a young boy from AEES what a spitfire he was .
Gone way to early .
Rest easy Gavin
Julie Nolan says
A spitfire he was. He definitely wore his heart on his sleeve. Thank you for your thoughts.
Matthew Connell says
I didn’t know Gavin very well, but being the same age, we were in many classes together in high school and he always seemed like a very fun spirited person! This is very sad news and I can’t imagine the pain his family is feeling right now. I know he will be fondly remembered and never forgotten.
Julie Nolan says
A fun spirit is a great way to describe Gavin. I too believe that he will be fondly remembered and never forgotten.
Ness Paradon-Netzlaw says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gavin was a great individual and he will be sorely missed. He was loved by many and far as I know, he had no haters. Gavin, you are and always will be loved and you definitely are and will always be missed dearly😔😢❤️
Julie Nolan says
I cannot imagine a Gavin hater. He had no room for hate in his heart. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Laura says
I looked through an old photo album today with my kids and talked to them about how wonderful Gavin was in our teen years. He was such a a kind, caring guy who loved music and art. Always up for a party and could always make me laugh. Nothing but great memories of him.
A couple of years ago I ran into him in the valley when he was here for a short time. He told me about his daughter and how great it was to be a father. I was shocked to hear of his passing. Sending love to all of his family members.
Rest in peace Gavin.
Julie N says
Thank you for sharing your great memories.
Joey taylor says
Dear julie im so sorry for your loss gavin was amazing person no matter what good or bad he always made me laugh if we could all look at things like he did i think we would all be better people gavin was not my friend he was my brother and i miss him very much and just know julie you raised amazing man, father , brother, son he will be dearly missed
Julie N says
Thanks Joey. As I replied to your mom. There is no question that you & Gavin were pretty tight Buddies. I know you are hurting right now too. Just try to get together with friends to share some Gavin stories. Especially funny ones & there are a lot of those lol.
Patricia Fritz says
Patricia Fritz
My heart was so sad hearing about Gavin’s passing. Gavin was our neighbor when we lived on the Dodge Rd in Wilmot. He and my son Joey were friends here in NS and kept the friendship going in Grande Prairie. To Joey Gavin was more than a friend. They were like brothers. To all the family we hold you up in prayer for healing, comfort and grace. God Bless you all. RIP Gavin. ❤️
Julie N says
There is no question that Gavin & Joey were pretty tight. Thanks for your words of comfort.
Linda Jeffery says
Dear Julie I can’t begin to imagine the pain you are feeling. My condolences on this great loss. You are in my heart and prayers always.
Julie N says
Thank you for your thoughts & prayers, Linda
Ashley Quintal says
I’m gonna miss your positive way about anything love how you can make awkward situations and turn em around, we were never close till you had your own place and needed help cause people taking advantage of you and Joey n Laurie weren’t around at the time so Joey asked me to go check on you and from there we became pretty decent friend I’d like to think, it’s so sad to see you taking from us so soon Gavin , your gonna be missed my friend , till we meet again on the other side .. Luv you bro
Julie N says
Thank you for your lovely memories of Gavin. It’s appreciated
Anthony Robicheau says
I wish I could have told him what an inspiration his art and attitude were to me. I wish I was there for him more the last few years
Julie N says
You just keep that inspiration & attitude in your heart. Gavin would want that 🙂 Thank you for your memories.