GREENSBORO --
Walt Gavin (Poppa G) died smiling on January 11, 2019. (OK, I had a bit of help here.)
I was born as a child, the favorite oldest son of Walter and Joan Gavin. Born on St. Patrick’s Day and blessed for the trek. I have lived 73 serendipitous years.
Honesty, integrity, and fairness are core principles hardwired to my earliest childhood memories.
A slow learner, but have been accused of being a character with character.
My philosophy is captured by three Kenyan kissi-stone carvings in my office: depicting respect, unity, and hope. My approach to life is do what you can; it is what it is; repeat . . . In doing what you can, sometimes there’s a fight. That’s ok (actually, that’s imperative) if it’s the right fight.
Other than my professional grandfathering adventures, my most rewarding role has been creating and implementing Mindbenders with Greensboro fifth graders – an interactive journey of exploration, working together, and having fun. I love kids of all flavors: embrace our common humanity; celebrate our intriguing differences.
Heralding my sophisticated wit, Griff Mattox, age five at the time, trumpeted, “Poppa G is the funniest man in the world.” Not a bad sweet spot.
Pay attention here. I have discovered the secret to life. Surround yourself with people depicted in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem, Success. Immerse yourself in the movie, RBG. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is, perhaps, the world’s premier superhero.
I am survived by truly extraordinary people: wife and best friend Liese; children Barbara Mattox (and husband Matt), Brady (and wife Megan), Brock (and wife Lauren); and stepdaughters Sarah Flathers (and husband Chris), Kate Braun, and Hannah Braun. Also survived by grandchildren Griff, Gracie, Lucy, Maddie, Millie, Aidan, and Charlotte; step-grandchild, debuting August 2019; and former spouse, Felice Gavin. Eulogized (well, endured) by siblings Pat McConville (and husband Dick), Mary Gavin-Wagner (and husband Bob), Paul (and wife Debbie), Eileen McKenna (and husband Dennis), Mark (and wife Suzy), Jean Searfoss (and husband Ron), Joan Ross (and husband Burt), and Jack (and wife Christina); and by numerous nieces and nephews. And by Murphy, The Aussie MonoViper.
A friend opined that I was a mutt: with a German mind, an Irish heart, and a Yiddish sense of humor.
Services will be private. The merrymaking, a bit later, not so much. Stay tuned.
In lieu of flowers, spend a day with a kid who would appreciate it. And learn from it. You, that is.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
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