John P. Gavin Jr.
John P. Gavin, Jr.
John died at the age of 87 on Sunday, May 23, 2010, in Peoria, AZ. He was born November 3, 1922, in Kansas City, MO, son of John P. and Lucile L. (Moore) Gavin. John was a WWII Veteran and served in the US Navy from August 7, 1942, to December 15, 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. John married Arvetta Houghton on February 25, 1950 in Mexico, MO.
John is survived by his wife, Arvetta of Phoenix, AZ, daughters, Patty Underwood of Goodyear, AZ, Mickey Thayer of Everett, WA, Sharon Gavin of Snohomish, WA, Brenda Gettman of Marysville, WA and Maureen (Mike) Diaz of Duvall, WA, grandchildren, Darrell Underwood, Zac Underwood, Danny Underwood, Christopher Thayer, Melanie Thayer, Jessie Cruz, Derek Arnett, Kyle Gettman, Sean Diaz and Alicia Diaz and twelve great-grandchildren.
John was an Accountant and retired from E. J. Bartells in Renton, WA. He was a long-time member of the Snohomish Men’s Club in Snohomish, WA. Being the son of a professional golfer, golf remained his greatest passion throughout his life. John was a member of the Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ.
Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 29, 2010, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 Palmeras Dr., Sun City, AZ. Burial is at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary.
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Patty and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow.
Wanda
I haven’t seen you all in ages and today, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Taumy (Sharon’s long, lost friend)
What color hair did Uncle Johnny have? I only remembered him with his white hair. He looks pretty young in his obituary and already graying. A big smile too. I remember him smiling alot. I am so glad to have spent some time with him and Arvetta in Oregon and got to know him a bit better.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can look back on the special times and memories you’ve shared and it brings you joy.
Memories are the legacy of love. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. God’s blessings to you in your time of need.
Brandon Viers and family
So sorry to hear that Brenda, I’m thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way.
Julie x
My thoughts have been with you and your family today. I hope all of your sisters were able to make it.
I remember how your dad liked my old fashion fudge I use to make. So I decided to make some tonight I hope it turns out. I havn’t made it in such a long time.
Take care
Susan
Brenda,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your father.
I knew John since 1982 when I first joined the Snohomish Men’s Club.
And, I served on the Men’s Club board with John for several years.
John was one of nicest guys I’d ever met.
I will miss John.
Chris Wickizer
Brenda,
I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. My thoughts are with you, as you put your father to rest and get your mother moved.
Take care,
Linnae
Brenda,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. No matter what their age, it is still hard to lose a loved one. My prayers are with you.
Linda
Hi Brenda,
I’m so sorry to hear that. I wish you strength as you go through this.
It’s sure going to be hard on your mom.
Warmly,
Erin
Brenda,
I am so, so sorry to hear about your dad. You were so kind to me when my dad had his heart surgery – just talking with someone who had a similar situation (with the infection(s), etc.) was so calming to me.
I am thinking of you today.
Brandi
Brenda, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time. We will miss you this week. Take care and safe travels.
Rachel
Brenda,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your father.
I knew John since 1982 when I first joined the Snohomish Men’s Club.
And, I served on the Men’s Club board with John for several years.
John was one of nicest guys I’d ever met.
I will miss John.
Chris Wickizer
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. After working with John for nearly 40 years at EJB, I can’t think of him without thinking of St. Patrick’s Day. He colored his hair green, wore a green vest with the family crest that his wife embroidered for him, draped his office in green. It was always a big production, year after year. He was a pleasure to know and my sympathies are with the family.
Wini Price
Thoughts of heartfelt sympathy are with you. May you be comforted by the many warm thoughts of those who care. Cherish this difficult yet special time with your family.
Take care.
Linda & Scott
My condolences to you and your family. I will offer my prayers for your peace and well being at this difficult time.
Anna
I am so sorry for your loss Patty. Just learned from your e-mail – no one told me. Please let me know about the services. Hang in there. If you need any help just let me know.
Barbara
Oh Patty. Mike had mentioned that your Dad was not doing well, but I had no idea he was in a Hospice facility. Thank goodness Maureen could be there with you and your mother. I’m sorry. This has got to be terrible hard. Thank God he did not suffer. Blessings on you for the love you have poured out on both your parents and for providing such a loving environment for them.
My prayers are with you, your family and your Father.
Much love,
Emily
Patty,
I just heard that your father passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you must be in shock, I certainly am. I was not expecting that.
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.
Are you expecting a guests in from out of town? Do you plan to take him back to Washington for services?
Let me know what I can do, other than prayers.
Patty
Hi Patty,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I will continue to keep you, your Mom, your sisters, and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Love and Big Hugs,
Fran
Hello Patty – I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your many happy memories bring you peace. I know you were a wonderful daughter to him. Love, Kathleen
Patty,
I am so sorry to hear about Johnny, but so glad he isn’t suffering anymore. I know this is a very tough time for you and your sisters and Arveta. How is she holding up? Does she realize what is happening? Dad indicated she did on Friday. My heart goes out to all of you. My prayers are with all of you for comfort. Please let us know what any of us can do! I’ll send an email out to the Hill’s for you.
I wish I were there to give you a hug. I am thinking about it, but don’t see how, as I am helping Trina move back to Tulsa from OKC this weekend. She bought a condo and we are scrambling to get the closing on Thursday, carpet laid and the whole thing painted so she can move this weekend. If there is a way to get out there and back, I will try to.
God bless you all!
Love,
Jan Tyler
Oh Patty, we are so sorry to hear this very sad news.
Please know our hearts go out to you and your family and we will certainly have you in our prayers. I hope your Mom can manage without him. I know that has been a concern of yours for a while.
Take good care and we’ll be in touch.
Paula & Ralph
I could feel it in my gut something that something happened when I didn’t see you at Mass..So So Sorry for your loss…What a neat guy…and you’re right he’s porbably playing 18 right now, or 36 for that matter…I will give you a call….let me know if I can help in ANY way….
God Bless You…Michael Moore
Patty
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Fran just told me yesterday he was not doing well. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.
Joan
Patty and family,
I am greatly saddened by the death of your Father but know that your fatih in God will see you through this difficult time. My prayers are with all of you.
Joyce Sargent
Patty:
We are really sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts are with you.
Ken & Gail
Patty,
Sorry to hear what we all feared was coming. I am so grateful for the time Kim and I had with him and your mom a few summers ago. He will be missed.
God Bless,
Rick and Kim
Dearest Patty and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Loved your words about him “passing over to that great golf course in the sky”. That fits your father perfectly. Golfing was certainly a passion for him.
You and your family are in my prayers and I hold each one of you in my heart.
Thank you so much for letting me know. I know I’m very far away but if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask.
Love,
Connie
Patty, I am so sorry. God bless you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Evelyn
Patty,
My deepest sympathy for the passing of your Dad. He was blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and family.
It was nice that your mom, Maureen and you could be with him.
I’ll look for the email with the information on the arrangements.
Love and prayers,
Barbara and Jerry
Oh Patty I wish I were there! Iam so sorry my friend… Now you and your mom will remain in my prayers. Hugs, Donna
Patty, so sorry for your loss. Even though it was kind of expected, it doesn’t make it any easier. Wishing you better days ahead. See you in a couple of weeks –
Love, Clark and Jennifer
RIP – John P Gavin. Lived a long 87 years.
I hope we are as lucky as your (Derk’s) grandparents were.60 years of marriage…wow!