Loving, silly, spiritual, determined, helpful, never judgmental
Described as a “brown eyed beauty with brown fuzzy hair and the biggest smile that brightened any room,” by his mother, Delana, Gavin was a good kid. He participated in Boy Scouts and loved baseball and soccer. A talented artist, he won many awards.
For most of his life, it was Gavin, his mother and his older sister, Destiny, until his “bonus dad,” Chris, and siblings Aislinn, Brinley, Albaney, Cassedy, and little brother Beau joined the family. Entertaining his youngest brother, Beau, and his nieces and nephews was paramount for Gavin. “Every time you saw him, he had a kid or animal in his arms,” his mom said. He was always looking forward to the next family gathering, party, or vacation.
In second grade, Gavin completely lost his hearing in his left ear. Upset about the loss, he cried to his mother, “What if I can’t hear my baby crying when I become a dad?” That was how much Gavin looked forward to having a family.
His mother holds many memories of him, like the annual tradition of bringing out Gavin’s fish slippers for “Dirty Santa,” and the New Year’s Eve filled with laughter and silly games.
And the Fourth of July when Gavin brought his fiance’, Jaylin, and her mother to meet his family for the first time.
A believer in chivalry, good manners and taking care of people, Gavin was striving to be a better person and was seeking the word of God. He was emulating his bonus dad, Chris, in seeking a good life with a home, wife, and family. He and Jaylin were recently engaged and lived together. They enjoyed spending time at the lake talking and planning their future together as husband and wife.
Gavin’s siblings and a cousin offered their thoughts about him:
“Gavin loved people. He truly radiated the joy and love of Jesus! With a kind message and warm conversation.” – Aislinn
“I told Gavin I was nervous about school and he told me I was going to kick butt in my classes. And he would try with everything he had to help me.” -Brin
“I loved it when it was just us working together because we could bond on a personal level. We could learn together and act like goofballs”- Cassedy
“I love that you loved my babies and encouraged me as a mom. We love all the memories!” -Destiny
“Gavin never gave up on me even in my bad times. He always encouraged me to stay sober so I could be a good mom to my kids.”- Roxy
“He was the best big brother. He loved me so much and taught me everything. He wants me to be Amazing!” – Beau
“He didn’t know how to break the control drugs had over his life, his mom said. In active addiction, he would become sneaky, ashamed and not come around. Gavin was excited about the plans for his 25th birthday on September 4th. He died August 31st, and instead of celebrating his birthday, we had his funeral,” Delana said. “His shoes are still wrapped with his birthday card.”
“I hate that we didn’t understand addiction at the time, and how one can’t just quit. Every day there is temptation,” his mom stated. Now, she tells Gavin’s story to teach others about fentanyl, mental health, and the importance of carrying opioid reversal drugs.
Gavin’s mother, Delana Pritchard, provided the information for this narrative.
September 4, 1997-August 31, 2022-Age-24
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
