Gavin Gill

When he was little he enjoyed playing in the dirt, Nerf guns, and building with Legos. His kind heart, easy-going personality and witty sense of humor was evident from the beginning. Gavin attended Apple Valley Elementary for a short time and then moved to Mountainview where he made lifelong friends Wyatt Beetchenow and Cody Wells. He loved finding sticks and bringing home cardboard boxes that the custodian would save for him. Earning his 50-mile shirt in mileage club was a proud accomplishment. Gav left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He loved his teachers at West Valley Middle School, West Valley Junior High and West Valley High School. His 5th grade science teacher, Mrs. Ellis provided Gavin with an endless amount of scientific facts that he would share with us every night at dinner and Ms. Chicken exposed Gavin to great literature that led to deep family discussions. He often wanted to buy special gifts for his teachers even if he couldn’t remember to actually give them to the teacher, like the Shakespeare insult Band-Aids he still has for Mr. Liebrecht.

Gavin enjoyed several years of Little League Baseball, cross country and wrestling. Gavin loved to be outdoors. Heading into the mountains to cut wood with grandpa, Steve Stiles, and then splitting the wood together was something Gav truly loved. His grandpas taught him to work hard, stack wood, and just about any outdoor job you could imagine. In the summer Gav would choose to spend time working outside with Grandpa Gill over a trip to the beach or Disneyland and at the end of the day there was nothing better than Grandpa making a Black Cow (root beer float) and eating a California burrito.

Gavin received some of his ‘Manhood” education from his Grandpas. Much needed information, passed down from several generations. Class was usually held while gathering firewood. Things like, “What happens in the woods, stays in the woods”. Failure to do so would result in the phrase “I’ll kick a lung outta ya!, followed closely with “I’ll knock you into next week”. Gavin learned to hesitate before wondering out loud about the location of a misplaced item. “if it was up your (bleep) you’d know”, which was quickly followed by “Aight Din”. Gavin’s trips to Montana with his friend Jack Herke and Idaho with Zach Dodge only confirmed that Gav forever wanted to be outside in the wilderness. Gavin made special memories with his dad on trips through the California desert and National Parks.

He fiercely loved his sisters, Jasmine and Kayla. He would protect them, tease them and love them like no one else could. Gavin had many people that he helped with odd jobs outside. He often smelled of goat poop and had the scars and dirty clothes as proof of all his hard work. His commitment to helping others and recognizing the needs of others around him was an incredible gift. He could talk to anyone, from the residents in his great grandma’s retirement home, to new neighbors just moving in, to those hurting and struggling on the street. Gavin gave generously to those in need even offering rides, sharing a meal and filling up the gas tanks of complete strangers who were down on their luck. He listened to others so attentively.

When Gavin wasn’t working he loved to spend time with his very best friends Colton, Zach, Kody, Waylon, and Jordan. The boys had adventures everyday and made memories to last a lifetime. Gavin spent a lot of time at Colton and Zach’s and their parents loved Gav like their own son. Gavin wanted nothing more than to fight wildland fires once he turned 18. He was a Cadet firefighter with the West Valley Fire Department. Gavin loved everything about being a potential firefighter. It was his dream job because there would have been nothing better than being outside and helping others.

Gavin was a true animal whisperer. He loved his dog Lakota most of all. Gav’s thoughtfulness was incredible. He once bought his mom an abundance of flowers just because and planted them throughout the yard. Gavin would tell you that he lived a good life. In his short life he had more adventures and positively impacted more people than one can imagine.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you would please do what Gavin would do and spend time with those you love, make a memory with your friends and family and give generously to causes you believe in. Donations can be made in Gavin’s name to the West Valley Dollars for Scholars Fire Department Scholarship, the Union Gospel Mission, Humane Society and the International Rescue Committee--these were all causes Gavin was passionate about.

Gavin is survived by his loving parents, Amber Stiles-Gill and Shawn Gill of Yakima, sisters Jasmine and Kayla Gill of Yakima, grandparents Steve and Waeva Stiles of Tieton, Grandma Lorraine Gill of Escondido California, Uncle Matt Stiles (Jessica Wray Clark) of Zillah, Aunt Chris Orem of Lincoln Nebraska, Uncle Danny Gill of Escondido California, Aunt Vera Gracia of Hot Springs Arkansas, and many other friends and family members. He is preceded in death by his Grandpa Bob Gill, Great Grandma Jessie Stiles, Great Grandpa Wayne Stiles and Great Grandma Leona Harvey.

A celebration of Gavin’s life will be at Stone Church, 3303 Englewood Ave. Yakima on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared and www.keithandkeith.com.