Robert K. Gaston Jr.

Robert Kirkpatrick Gaston, Jr. 18, passed away on July 30, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Although a terribly tragic accident has left a deep void in so many hearts and lives, Robbie, as he is known made such a difference to everyone who knew him.

Robbie, proud 2015 graduate of Crockett High School, a member of Thespian Troupe 1924, film program, tennis team, President of the Honor Society, band, and even joined the Art Honor Society. He started band at Covington Middle School where he was insistent on playing the trumpet. He was following in his Grandpa Paul’s footsteps. And, play he did, especially with the Jazz Ensemble. He continued in band through his freshman year. Leaving band opened up his world to theatre, film and tennis. He had a blast in film class and learned so much about viewing and lighting the world. In the Thespian Troupe he was part of the technical team until this year, when he was thrust on stage. He blew the socks off of everyone…..so tall, sporting a moustache, deepened voice….who knew he could act too! Some may wonder about the Art Society connection, but that is where he went on the trip of a lifetime to Madrid, Barcelona and Paris, traveling with one of his oldest friends and an amazing group of friends and chaperones who together created unbreakable bonds.

He tried his hand at almost every sport: t-ball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and football. He decided tennis was his sport and played at Covington MS and for 2 ½ years on the Crockett tennis team. And don’t forget trying to play Quidditch with friends and the Texas State Team.

Robbie was a member of Berkeley United Methodist Church from the moment he was born. When Pastor Patti baptized him, she took him and handed him to someone in the front row and told the congregation that this was their baby too. He sang in the Children’s Choir, was active in the Youth Group and loved every one of the mission trips where he learned so much about giving and receiving of God’s love. Family was created through the church and God’s love.

Family that will last forever.

Scouting entered into Robbie’s life as a tiger cub, and he fell in love with camping. And he as well as his family fell in love with the most amazing families. We went on family campout and adventures, too many to list. He crossed over with these boys into Boy Scouts, Troop 10. There the adventures abounded with many really, really hot summer camps, so many merit badges and an unforgettable trip to Philmont Scout Ranch for an Expedition of 12 days of backpacking in the beautiful New Mexico mountains. There was an amazing group of boys, leaders and parents who supported him all the way to April 23, 2015 when he became an Eagle Scout. His project is at The South Austin Church of the Nazarene. He will forever be an Eagle Scout.

So as we gather this afternoon filled with all of the various feelings we have, please keep in your hearts that Robbie made a difference. He loved every one of us, and we love him.

Robbie, our son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. Fun-loving, witty, twinkle-in-his eye, with a huge grin and an even bigger heart.