Reeves Joseph Gauthreaux

Reeves was born on November 19th, 1998, at Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas, “looking like a cherub with rosy chubby cheeks, crystal blue eyes, and blond silky hair.” At St. Matthew's Preschool, Reeves quickly gained a reputation as a kind and quiet boy. A complete snuggle bug, Reeves exuded love and warmth from an early age. His angelic face (often adorned with a Band-Aid serving as a fashion accessory), however, also aided in Reeves’ ability to get away with mischievous antics, largely directed at his younger brother, Hayes. Reeves embodied a kind and gentle soul with a thrill-seeking spirit from the beginning. This became one of his most defining characteristics in both boyhood and adulthood.

Reeves’ passion for sports and athletics manifested early. As a young child, Reeves was rarely found without a ball in his hands. In Austin, Reeves loved spending time on the boat, surfing on the lake, or perfecting skateboarding tricks. In Crested Butte, Reeves embraced all that Colorado has to offer. As a true Coloradan, Reeves followed an “only shorts policy,” even on the most bitterly cold winter days. He frequented local haunts including Secret Stash, Teocalli Tamale, Izzy’s, The Bakery, Westwall, and Gas Cafe. He fell in love with snowboarding at a young age and decided to try out for the ice hockey team. Unintimidated, he started from scratch - first learning to skate - then excelled quickly and was voted most improved player. There wasn’t a jump he wouldn’t attempt or a mountain he wouldn’t climb, earning him the nickname “Reevil Knievel.” Reeves and his buddies even built what may have been the only backyard half pipe in Boulder, Colorado. If you asked Reeves why he would do these crazy stunts, he would reply in true Reeves fashion, with few but honest words: “I just love it.”

Many of the friendships that would form Reeves’ “Westlake crew” began in preschool and continued to strengthen at Bridgepoint Elementary School and Hill Country Middle School. As boys, Reeves and his friends largely bonded through sports. At Westlake, Reeves excelled in football as a cornerback and receiver. He was incredibly focused, punctual, and disciplined. Beyond his physical abilities, Reeves’ friends remember him as “the glue in every group.” His ability to unify and relate to others served as his “superpower.” He even unified arch-rival middle schools, Hill Country and Westridge, when they merged into Westlake High School. His friendships are, in many ways, his most enduring legacy.

Reeves matched his focus on the field with an intensity off the field, learning every detail and stat on the teams and players. He was the friend or brother you went to when you wanted to place a bet. He was also the friend you went to for support and understanding. A tender heart always accompanied his intensity for sports. Forever a kind and gentle soul, throughout his life Reeves fostered a quiet connection with animals, most notably his dogs Sam, Willie, Maverick, Henry, and his cat, Izzy, among others.

Reeves returned to his beloved Colorado to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder. UC Boulder enabled Reeves to continue engaging with outdoor sports and to pursue his love of music. His passion for live music started at an early age, from a Pink Floyd concert with his mom to Rufus du Sol or Foo Fighters at ACL with friends, and many in between. Reeves was seemingly always returning from a live concert or planning to attend another soon. Music appealed to both Reeves’ introspective spirit and his love of friendship and camaraderie. Music, like sports, served as a core bond between Reeves and his friends and family.

After returning to Austin from college, Reeves quickly assumed a position at US Surfaces as an Accounting Associate. An adventurer at heart, Reeves soon embarked on flying lessons. He also began developing a passion for golf, extending beyond the thrill of speeding around ACC in the golf cart as a young boy. Reeves had a set of golf clubs awaiting him for Christmas.

Reeves is survived by his parents, Jamie Gauthreaux Faulconer and Kyle James Gauthreaux. He is also survived by his siblings Kyle “James” Gauthreaux II, Hayes Key Gauthreaux, and Cecily Anne Gauthreaux; and his “bonus mom” Lauren Manford Gauthreaux. Reeves is survived by grandparents Russell James Gauthreaux, Joan Richard Bernard, Wayne Paul Bernard, and Lisa Gauthreaux; as well as Catherine Thompson (Nonna), and Katy and Max Emmert III (Grammy and Papa). Finally, Reeves is survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins including Ginny “Gigi” and John Teguns, Hailey and John, Wendy and Chris Zogg, Catherine, Christopher and Jack, Shannon and Mike Halford, and Tate, Rex, and Lane. Of course, many others who knew and loved Reeves.

Serving as pallbearers during the service were Kyle James Gauthreaux ll, Hayes Key Gauthreaux, Cameron Lee Bergeron, Alexander Edward Comer, Alex DeLa Fuente, Edward Martin Fuller IV, Jet Josiah Hannon, Luke Maximilian Hodes, Chris James Knauss, Chad Amir McKeever Larry, Andrew Lang Purse, Joseph Donald Severt, Noah Samuel Skrudland.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Reeves’ memory be directed to Austin Pets Alive!, Adaptive Sports in Crested Butte, or to your charity of choice.