Hearing this news is heartbreaking. Gavin was truly one of the most special people I have ever known. We worked together at McDonalds for 9 years and Gavin was always the person I most looked forward to seeing when we had meetings in the West or in Toronto. He was always so charming, warm, intelligent and just hilarious. He was a great sounding board for me, a mentor and a friend. I think back on all my memories of Gavin and immediately smile and laugh. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed. 

My deepest condolences to  Gavin’s family. I will always remember Gavin  for welcoming me in the Vancouver office when I moved out West to work the  2010 Olympic Games. Like everything, he did so with his awesome humour.  As everyone has already shared, he was such a wonderful person and a huge part of the McFamily.  Gone way to soon my friend.  RIP Gavin.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Gavin Stafford. He was a great mentor when I first started with McDonald's as an outsider. He graciously taught me about the business and was thoughtful in his approach and leadership. I could tell the national and regional leadership trusted him as a go to resource on many things.

He was most impressive during challenging times, and always had a witty grin and an unforgettable sense of humour.

Thanks for all you taught me Gavin. You are appreciated.

I'm not sure what lies next but that place is lucky to have ya' buddy!

Best, Surj

I met Gavin in March of 2008.  I had the pleasure of working with him on the business on a day to day basis until April 2011 and then until November 2017 in a much lessor capacity in my role as a Franchisee.  He was instrumental in teaching me about any and all aspects of the Western Canadian market.  During our time working together we were faced with many, many stressful challenges and Gavin was always a great sounding board and advisor.  Of course he was a master at using humour to defuse any difficult situation.  I truly appreciated and valued his friendship and counsel.! 

On a more personal note we spent many hours in the car over those years touring Western Canada and we shared a lot about so many different topics, I truly valued Gavin and his passing will leave a hole in my heart.

My deepest condolences to Deb & Chuck and the family!

Deb and Family
My sincere condolences to you and the entire family.  I have known Gavin for most of my life and although I have not seen him recently, there is always a story to tell about him.  I had the opportunity to work closely with him at Max Pasley’s Head Office in Calgary and during this time he quickly became a mentor and a friend.  I  remember the day he came to work and told me that he had fallen in love with the most beautiful woman and couldn’t believe his luck.  
His ability to lighten up a day was incredible.  He had humour and a sense of kindness and he knew just when to use them. I will always cherish the memories and continue to share them with others. Although short, we were all lucky to have you for the time we did here on Earth and I hope that you find peace in heaven.  You will be missed by many Gavin. RIP

Like everyone else, I was so sorry to hear of Gavin's passing. He was such a wonderful person to work with and to be around. I can only think of Gavin and smile, he was funny, always lightened the mood, had great feedback and would be the first to give his support and tell you that you did a great job!  I will always remember him fondly and with a smile on his face. 

My sincere condolences to you and the family.  I will miss Gavin very much.  We started working together in the early 2000's and became quick friends.  I always enjoyed my many conversations with Gavin about the business and family.  He supported my son in fundraising for the scouts and I always appreciated it.
I had my last drink with Gavin in Toronto Jan 21st, just before he found out about his cancer.  I am so happy we had the chance to have that drink at the hotel and believe there was a reason we did.
Gavin your a tremendous man!  You are gone but will never be forgotten.    God bless
Terri Thouless


I met Gavin around 1990, when I was working for Max Pasley. He was always the type of person who was making people laugh. His wit was incredible. He had the ability to calm a room of people down with his humour. He never seemed to be stressed out about anything. He had a calming affect on anyone who was stressed. He could be serious when he had to be however not often did he have to be. He always had a smile on his face. He had a quiet introvert about him as he did not need to be the centre of attention even though he often received attention. I never knew much about his personal life but I’m sure he touched many with his incredible personality. I will be praying for peace and comfort for his family and friends and colleagues. He will be missed a great deal. RIP buddy!!!

Deb and Family,
I was shocked and saddened when I became aware of Gavin’s passing.
I started working closely with Gavin in 2005 through to my retirement in 2011. During that short time I experienced his love of his work, respect for others, life balance and wonderful humour. 
He was someone I will always remember as “One Of The Good Guys”
My sincere condolences to all members of his family.

This memory of Gavin is from the RMHC golf tournament in August of 2019.
I've only been with McDonald's for two years but Gavin was one of the first people to welcome me to the McDonald's family.  We shared the same wicked sense of humour and he was open and friendly.  He will be sadly missed and left a wonderful legacy with me and many others in the Real Estate Department. 
May your memories sustain you through the coming months and years. 
Lea-anne Niamath

My heart and prayers go out to Gavin’s family during this time. 

I will always remember Gavin for being smart, witty, and a positive influence for many. He showed me kindness from the moment I joined the company 3 years ago. Gavin - Thank you for your support, believing in me, and for teaching me about the business. I will miss seeing you at your desk as you were only a few pods away. I’ll cherish the memories of the random pod banter that would wonderfully happen at any given moment. 

May your spirit fly high and rest peacefully in heaven. 
You will be missed. 


My thoughts and sympathy go out to all of Gavin's family.  In my 4 years here in Canada I always enjoyed meeting up and working with Gavin.  Although most of our time would be us sharing stories of our trips to the UK, for me going home to visit family and him visiting his son.  One of our last exchanges was him telling me how proud he was of what Chuck has achieved and us exchanging stories about Solihull.

Gavin was always fun, inspiring and will be deeply missed x 

I am deeply sadden that we have all lost a fantastic man.  He always brought a smile to my face and laugh to my heart.  I would look forward to travelling out West and when he came to Toronto; he always made time to have a conversation & share a story.  Gavin, you were a great mentor.
My condolences to his family & friends.
Gavin, you will be forever missed. 

My sincere condolences to Gavin's family and friends.  He'll be dearly missed as Gavin was a well respected leader in our "McFamily."  Such a smart, funny and genuine person always willing to lend a hand and share a laugh along the way.  Simply a great person taken from us far too soon.  May healing prayers guide all of us in this loss. 

Deb, Chuck & Family
I am deeply saddened when I heard about the news about Gavin. My sincere condolences during this difficult time. 
I first met Gavin in 1989 as a young buck 1st Assistant Manager with the Pasley group. You could not have found a more fun boss to be around on a day to day basis. He really made coming to work a fun and enlightening experience for all staff, management and customers. 
As I was promoted and moved on to another Pasley restaurant I took his valuable “people” attributes he taught me and tried to carry these on with my own endeavors down the road in both a business and personal level. After his move to marketing we stayed in close touch and I thank Gavin for the many last minute hockey and concert tickets that came my way over the years that created meaningful family moments I cherish today. Gavin was the master of the one liner with no more than a facial expression from him for around 5 seconds and then he would have a grin from ear to ear. You never knew if he was being serious or funny as he waited to see how you would react. You hardly knew when Gavin was having bad day. Whether he may have had a bad day at home or with the boss. He was always the life of the restaurant and the life of the people whenever he was around. Gavin was such a great guy, true leader and a huge loss to those that crossed his path. I know heaven is a much happier place now that you are there. 
R.I.P Gavin
 
Andrew Fielder & Family


Traci and I were very saddened to learn that Gavin had passed away. Deb and Chuck, Gavin was truly a special person to us. We worked with him at Horizon McDonald’s during the late 80’s and mid-90’s.  He remains the best boss we’ve ever worked for, because of his kindness, fairness, and of course his good humour. 

A large group of my friends worked for Gavin at Horizon and went on to meet their future wives there. Gavin was always super supportive of everyone, he even “donated” to our yearly group camping trips with hot cake mix, 1/4 pounders,  and all the fixings! He didn’t have to do stuff like that, but he did, because he knew that we would work hard for him and stick around in a high turnover industry.  Several years later, when I got the chance run my own store, I tried to base my management style on Gavin’s, because treating people properly makes for good business. He was always available for a chat even after he moved on to marketing manager and on to the corporation in Vancouver. 

So sorry for your loss, he was a great man.
The McAdam’s 





I have known Gavin since my days as a Business Consultant in Calgary in the late 90’s and since the beginning; I always appreciated how he made life a little easier, a little friendlier and a little brighter.  As a colleague, he was always a great resource and sounding board; with a wealth of information.  He was a master of seeing multiple viewpoints and finding common ground.  He would roll with the punches when times were challenging; but most of all, I appreciate how he always championed and celebrated things that were just and right.

We shared a love of history and travel; and we would have great conversations about the places we had visited.  He actively sought out the travel blogs I would write and gave me crap if I fell behind.  He was always interested in where I was headed next and why; invariably leading to more conversations about the history behind those places and the sights to see.

St Peter will likely have a list of questions to ask about some of the cartoon’s, jokes or meme’s he shared; however I am sure that Gavin will have a witty and unexpected response to ease any tension.

When I retired a few years ago; Gavin write a message to me, part of which I would echo right back today...”Thank-you for your Leadership, Humour and Partnership over the years.”  I couldn’t have said it better as I think about Gavin’s impact on me.  His passing was a tremendous shock it will leave a real hole in so many peoples’ lives; but I am grateful that our paths crossed so many years ago.

Of all the comrades that e'er I had
I’m  sorry for their going away
And all the friends that e'er I had
I'ld wish them one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

RIP Gavin.

I’ll always remember Gavin as a solid, grounded, great guy who laughed easily.  Working with him as a marketer for many years we could always count on his calm intelligent and insightful expertise to keep us on the right path.   

My sympathies to Gavin’s family and a special prayer will be said for him and for you tonight.  He was one of the good ones. 

Deb, Chuck and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It was truly a joy to work with Gavin over the years. I will never forget the warmth of his smile or the ability to keep things light thru his humor and wit. He was a gem of a person, an exceptional human being  with a passion for the business. He will definitely be missed. May the memories of Gavin's wonderful personality and many contributions be celebrated by all. We stand with you in this time of need. Stay strong and know that there is a whole community and McFamily at your side. Gavin you will be in our hearts and memories forever. Rest in peace now.

Deb, Chuck and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.  Gavin was a friend and great colleague and meant a lot to our business.  His impact on all of us was more than just as a marketer, it was as a loving, compassionate and funny human being.  He could be counted on to inject a level of humor or sarcasm to keep things in perspective or deescalate a tense situation.  He cared deeply about his team and coworkers and the success of others.  He taught me a lot about our business.  However, he was happiest when he spoke about his hobbies and his family.  Like you, we will miss him and we thank you for sharing Gavin with us.  Rest in peace now Gavin.  We will miss you.

I am gutted in hearing about the passing of Gavin.  My deepest condolences to Gavin's family and loved ones.  I worked with Gavin for 5 years at McDonald's and he was nothing short of a kind, smart, funny, giving and all around lovely person.  He was the kind of guy that had your back and always lend a helping hand no questions asked.  He was taken too soon and will always hold a special place in my heart.   
With sadness, Solange

I was shocked and saddened when I read the news about Gavin. 
It wasn’t long ago I attended a meeting Gavin also attended, one where he provided an update on Marketing in  typical fashion, with wit and impressive insight.
What made Gavin special was the way he made you feel heard and respected. He never tried to use his position to his advantage and was always able to take feedback in a way that you knew was going to be taken seriously.
Gavin truly represented the McFamily, the essence of a culture where everyone was treated as an integral part of the solution, in particular, Owner Operators.
He always had a twinkle in his eye.

Gavin’s sense of humour, wit, knowledge and passion for respecting everyone will truly be missed. 

May he Rest In Peace.

Gavin was such an amazing person, positive, funny, attentive to others, kind and so smart. It was always such a pleasure to see him and talk with him. 
I remember how he greeted me for my first trip in Canada, in snowy Edmonton, and took me for a ride for my first time in Vancouver. 
We all will miss him enormously.
Please accept my deepest condolences.

My Deepest Condolences to Gavin’s family. 
Gone way too soon. 
RIP Gavin 🙏 

Thank you all for your memories of Gavin.  Even though this bright light has been extinguished, we are all better off for having known him.  Gavin was irreverent, impatient, and competitive.  He was clever, compassionate, and generous.  I know he was so very grateful for Debra, and enormously proud of Chuck.  I was always proud to call him my big brother, even when there were so many things he could do better than me.  Except play piano.  And skate.  Memories of our 2018 British Isles cruise are treasured even more now.

Deb, Chuck and Family,
Like many others, I have nothing but fond memories of my time with Gavin. He was an absolutely brilliant marketer, a fantastic leader and an amazing friend. He wit and sense of humour leaves us all with many stories to tell and memories to cherish. He leaves an incredible legacy for all of you to be very proud of. 
Rest In Peace my friend, you will missed.
My most sincere condolences to all of you,
Michele 

Gavin will be missed by so many in the McFamily. I was lucky enough to be on his path to the coffee station and was entertained almost daily with his newest Dad Joke. I will miss this most of all! Rest in Paradise Gavin! My thoughts are with Deb and Chuck during this difficult time. 

My condolences to the family.  I will always remember Gavin for his humour, his ability to break down tense moments with a joke or two. He was always a pleasure to hang out with when he was in the Toronto office.  RIP Gavin.

Deb, Chuck and family, 

My deepest condolences to all of you in this difficult time.  I know how much Gavin loved his travels with you Deb.  Chuck, you made him a very proud dad.
Gavin was one of a kind, he was witty, funny, intelligent, a great listener and a true mentor.  He will be missed.
I am truly saddened for your this loss.

I just want to thank everyone for sharing your memories of my dad. Obviously, I remember him a certain way and have my own memories, but I find it amazing to read the impact his life had on all of you and what each of you remember about him. Despite the closeness of our relationship, I never knew much about his social or professional circles. So it makes me happy to know that he was the same person in all avenues of life, rarely taking life too seriously, and cracking jokes at every occasion. He was like this through to the last time I spoke with him! So thank you all.

My sincere condolences to Gavin’s family.  I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Gavin, but his sister, Shelley was adopted into the Fowlie family.  We have so many good times with Shelley, and we hear wonderful things about your family.  Take good care of each other.

To Deb, Chuck, Warren, Shelley, Maureen, Bob and extended families...Kori and I on behalf of the Davidson clan, are thinking of all of you at this difficult time, on the loss of Gavin.  He was a true and loyal friend to so many people, and how very privileged we all have been, to share special times with him, and all the Stafford family, spanning back more than half a century...there have been many wonderful occasions and cherished family gatherings...the Hinton fishing trips, Sylvan Lake Thanksgivings, and Nickerson Open Houses to name but a few.  We will all miss Gavin’s smiling face, his wit, and his endearing sense of humour...Rest In Peace Gavin, and know that you’ll remain in our hearts forever...until we meet again...












Gavin, thank you for showing us how to take work seriously but never taking ourselves too seriously.  You always brought laughter and fun everywhere you went and you'll be so missed.  Debra and Chuck, I am so sorry for your loss.  I hope you are comforted by your memories and also the knowledge that Gavin made such an impact with everyone around him.  Sending you much love during this difficult and very sad time. 

Gone too soon.  I don't have a single memory of Gavin that isn't immediately followed by a smile and chuckle.  Such an amazing, warm and welcoming person.  I am deeply honoured and blessed to have known Gavin.  Please accept my sincere condolences.

Debra & Chuck, at this difficult time in your life, I pray that God will grant you the peace that you need to get through this. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Gavin and my sincere condolences.  Gavin was compassionate and a great supporter of the people he worked with.  He will leave his mark on us all. Working together with him for 16 years, I find myself thinking and finishing sentences, as he would have.  In addition, his dry wit has kept us all laughing over the years, he had a great way of knowing when we needed it, and we will continue to remember him fondly. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, through us, they live on.  May you rest in peace Gavin!

After 30 years of working around Gavin I am going to miss the way he could take any subject and inject his brand of Humor! He never asked himself it was inappropriate only if it would grab the attention of others. Many years ago I remember sitting at his desk and we were excited talking about a Campbell River Fishing Trip1
RIP Gavin and continue to be an inspiration to others from your ne pulpit! 

Gavin, 
Thank you for being you! Thank you for inspiring us all to laugh more, smile more, travel more and eat well. Your sincere generosity, ongoing support and kind heart will be forever missed. I am so thankful to have been given to opportunity to work with such an inspiring human being. Always in our hearts.

Gavin was the best. He was always supportive and always honest.  He really brings the out best in his team. He had funny stories to share, was super knowledgeable, and I always looked forward to his sense of humour on a hard day at work. He believed in me and I am forever grateful for that. I pray for his family, Deb and Chuck, and wish them peace and consolation during this hard time. 

Gavin was the best of us - smart, funny, kind and always in good spirits.  He never failed to find the humour in tough situations and helped everyone put things into perspective.  Such a lovely person and lovely soul - his passing is a loss for the world, and his McFamily will not be the same without him.   RIP Gavin - we will miss you tremendously.

Please accept my deepest condolences. Gavin was such a fantastic human being, always ready to share his knowledge and experience with his co-workers and always with a smile (or a smirk) on his face. I was lucky enough to work alongside Gavin in the marketing team and will miss him dearly. 

Gavin, you will be so very much missed.  You were always such a bright light and a pleasure to spend time with.  You always made me laugh and always took time to connect with me on my family or something important to me.  To your family, I am very sorry for your loss.  What a wonderful man.

Will remember Gavin from High School in Hinton, and his witty humor. I last saw Gavins in 2014 when he came to Edmonton for a work conference. I was coming off the elevator at Edmonton City Centre, opened the door and there he was. Shared a few laughs and that was the last time I saw him.

My condolences to all the family. Always remember his jovial spirit and the fun times at Christmas at Bob and Lorraine’s
Taken far too early. Rest In Peace Gavin

My condolences to you and your family, Gavin will be missed by all that knew him.  He certainly left a positive impression on everyone he came into contact with. 

Our condolences on the loss of such a wonderful person.  We enjoyed getting to know Gavin’s sense of humour. He was a terrific “big” little brother to our good friend Shelley.   

First my heart goes out to you Deb and of course the entire family. Gavin was an amazing man. He and I had a unique relationship as I hired him away from the Pasley group years ago to join Mcds as my Regional Marketing Manager, and then years later I ended up working for him as his Regional Marketing Manager. He always saw the bright side to everything he touched. Always. And he had a simple way with his quick wit to bring the seriousness of a McD's problem or issue quickly to it's knees with laughter. Incredibly loyal, and dedicated, and extremely compassionate and empathetic. We can all learn from him, for he had an amazing outlook on life and living. He will be sorely missed. Love, Brad Gamble

OBITUARIO

Gavin Howe Stafford

7 diciembre, 1961 – 21 abril, 2020

Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre

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