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GAVIN SCOTT SMITH
Date of Passing: Jul 09, 2014
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
GAVIN SCOTT SMITH 1957 - 2014 With heavy hearts, Gavin's family announces his peaceful passing on July 9, 2014. Many people will know Gavin from Transcona, ("God's Country") where he lived the earlier and latter parts of his life. Gavin attended Wayoata School in Transcona before the family moved to the West End and there he made many friends at General Wolfe, Daniel McIntyre and Tec Voc schools. After completing his welding course at Red River College, Gavin then took the first steps on his life-long career at CN. In time, Gavin settled in Transcona with Suzanne, his devoted wife of 22 years, and their four-legged children Raja, Roxy and Jing. Gavin's legacy is one of music, laughter, loyalty and a massive collection of Montreal Canadiens paraphernalia. A true sports fan, one of Gavin's favourite moments was when he stood up in the crowd at a Mets game in New York City to show off his Blue Bomber jersey. He loved the attention and the opportunity to tell everyone around him about his Bombers. Back in the day, Gavin also enjoyed playing hockey, sponge hockey and games of pool. Music and Gavin were synonymous. Gavin played acoustic and electric guitar and of course, the small set of bongo drums which were in the house growing up. Gavin loved all sorts of music, from old time big band to heavy metal. His appreciation for music inspired the same in many of us. He also enjoyed a dance, whether jiving with his mother, Anna, in the front room of the house on Lipton Street or groovin' to reggae beat in the Caribbean with Susie and their friends. The sound of Gavin's laugh will remain with us, always. He was so funny. A natural story teller, Gavin had the knack of imitating every accent he heard. One of his traditions was to wear his kilt and speak with a Scots accent for the entire day on his birthday. Sometimes, if telling a story wasn't quite the right thing to do, he'd just break out into song. Perhaps if someone were to break out in song now to honour Gavin, he'd appreciate this one by The Beatles (his all-time favourite band): Though I know I'll never lose affection / For people and things that went before / I know I'll often stop and think about them / In my life I love you more. Along with being playful, Gavin was a determined gentleman who was deeply compassionate and loyal to his family. The support he gave his younger twin brother Guy was the epitome of brotherly love. His empathy for Guy was boundless. Gavin's relationships with his mother, sister Geri and his brother Bill meant so much to him, as did being the big brother' to his nieces and nephews. The love of Gavin's life was Susie and together they recently celebrated their 22nd anniversary. His card to her read, When things are hanging all around us and the world seems to move too fast, don't forget I'll be right beside you, loving you. So when you look ahead to the future or look back at how things used to be, don't forget to look beside you, because that's where you'll find me, loving you with all my heart. The physical embodiment which was Gavin is now gone. However, his spirit will continue to walk alongside those who love Gavin with all their hearts, his wife Susie, mother Anna, sister Geri, brother Bill (Brenda), brother-in-law Gerry (Donna), niece Angela (Michael), nephews Philip (Rita), Dennis (Jelena), Adam (Colleen) and Raymond (Mel), and great-nephews Julian and Oliver. Gavin was predeceased by his twin brother Guy, his father Arthur, brother-in-law Donald Fortescue, and parents-in-law Raymond and Yvette Doiron. Susie and the family extend gratitude to the compassionate staff of CancerCare Manitoba. A service to celebrate Gavin's legacy will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 10.00 a.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, #1 Hwy. East at Navin Road, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 11, 2014
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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To a good guy who could give and take the ribbing. I swear for the rest of my days when I see the habs Gavin will come to mind. I've come to realize the good really do die young cause behind those laughs I got laughs. My heart to susie and all the family. R I P big guy. - Posted by: Kevin Smith (Friend ) on: Jul 28, 2014
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My heart goes out to Gavin's wife, the Smiths and their families. It was a pleasure to have known Gavin and I will always remember his sense of humour when he was around his brother Guy; Gavin's big, curly afro that bounced when he walked; the lime-green Dodge Duster he drove around town together with Guy and Bill and all his other muscle-car owning friends; his guitar-playing, and especially the closeness he had with his family. Gavin will be missed by all. - Posted by: Bridget Pezzolla (A Friend from Long Ago) on: Jul 22, 2014
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We were saddened and shocked to hear of Gavin's passing. Our deepest condolences go out to Suzanne and the Smith family and to all affected by this loss. I have many fond memories of time spent with Gavin, cheers and Rest In Peace my old friend... - Posted by: Gary & Nancy Asselin (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2014
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I am so sorry to hear of Gavin's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you Suzie & family. Praying that the many wonderful, precious memories you have with such a special man, somehow bring a smile to your faces & peace within your hearts during this very difficult time. Much love,hugs & prayers, Kera xxoo - Posted by: Kera () on: Jul 14, 2014
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It was an honour to have known Gavin, a truly good and helpful man. - Posted by: Darrell Kahlian (Co worker) on: Jul 13, 2014
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So very sorry to hear about Gavin. He touched our lives with his contagious laugh and happy nature. We just heard the news today and our hearts felt for you Susie. Sending a big hug to you at this sad time. Take care...sincerely Steve and Terri Rawson. xo - Posted by: Steve and Terri Rawson (friend) on: Jul 13, 2014
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Our deepest condolences to you Suzie at the passing of Gavin. He will be missed, but never forgotten by the many lives he has touched. - Posted by: Marilyn Poitras & Dave Roy (Friends & Co-worker) on: Jul 12, 2014
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It was a pleasure and an honor to have known you Gavin. Your friendship will never be forgotten. God bless you the family at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Bruce Ferens (Co-worker) on: Jul 12, 2014
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If ever there was a moral compass that pointed to true north it was Gavin's. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Terry Mckimm (friend) on: Jul 11, 2014
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Suzanne, I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Gavin. My thoughts are with you at such a sad time. Take care - Posted by: brenda bennett (friend of Susie) on: Jul 11, 2014
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Gavin will be missed by all the Minikada Bay neighbours. His bright smile and hearty laugh....what a great guy. Our hearts and love go out to Su. Roy, Deborah, Rodney, Kevin, Warren - Posted by: The Thiessen Derksen Family (Neighbour) on: Jul 11, 2014
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My deepest condolences to Suzie and the family. It was a truly sad day when I received messages telling of Gavin leaving us. I am grateful for the chance to spend an afternoon of laughter swapping union stories with Gavin on my last visit to Winnipeg. Rest in peace my friend and brother. - Posted by: Bryon De Baets (Friend ) on: Jul 11, 2014
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My deepest condolences to Suzie and the family. It was a truly sad day when I received messages informing me of Gavin leaving us. I am grateful for the chance to spend an afternoon of laughter swapping union stories with Gavin on my last visit to Winnipeg. Rest in peace my friend and brother. - Posted by: () on: Jul 11, 2014
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so so sorry Suzanne to hear of the loss of your husband,I am sure he will walk beside you every day & give you the strength you need to carry on. Please accept my condolences at this difficult time. - Posted by: Dawna Baker (Sawchuk) (susie's childhood friend) on: Jul 11, 2014
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I am so deeply sorry for your loss Susie.Gavin was truly a gentleman and for the few years that we knew him from the restaurant he left a lasting impression on all of us.My prayers are with you at this time of your loss. - Posted by: Gail Sanduliak from Paddy's Restarant (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2014