Gavin Keith Grubb
November 28, 1985 - October 20, 2017
Gavin Keith Grubb, 31, passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of Friday, October 20, 2017 in Smithers, BC with family at his side after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Gavin was a loving husband, son, friend, and educator who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Gavin was born on November 28, 1985 in Vancouver, BC to parents Ellen Gillis and Brian Grubb. Gavin and his parents moved to Telkwa in 1996 and attended school at Telkwa Elementary, Chandler Park and Smithers Secondary. Gavin then attended Northwest Community College where he obtained a technical certificate in Forest Ecosystem Technology and Applied Coastal Ecology.
Gavin first started his career in 2001 with Department of Fisheries in which he worked until June of this year. Gavin loved working with K-12 students in the Stream to Sea Program and was affectionately known as 'Mr. Gavin'. He loved to share his knowledge about salmon life cycles & ecosystems, ecological footprints, and sustainability. Gavin was a passionate educator and proudly spoke about his work with DFO.
Gavin met his wife, Helena (nee Hawes) in 2007 and quickly fell in love. They shared many adventures together; home ownership, hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, playing softball, spending time with their many pets, and trips to Peru, Costa Rica, England, Scotland, & Ireland. Gavin and Helena were never apart for very long and loved each other very much. On August 22, on their 10 year anniversary, they officially tied the knot in the presence of their closest family and friends.
Gavin was a mentor to many. An adventurous, curious soul, whose love for exploring and learning was only surpassed by his love for family, friends, and community. His love for family always came first, whether it was to lend a helping hand, fishing trips, or family gatherings-he deeply valued his time with them. Gavin's charismatic personality and dry sense of humor drew many people towards him, but he always held his tight group of friends (in which he considered brothers) in the highest regard. From themed nights to late night fires, whenever they got together they always picked up where they left off. From far and wide, Gavin was loved by all.
He is survived by his wife, Helena (Hawes), parents Ellen Gillis, Brian (Sandy) Grubb, Robin & Lita Hawes, sister in laws Marlina Hawes (Hank), Charlee Touchette (Eugene), uncles Floyd Gillis (Akemi), Leo Gillis (Mary), Herb Gillis (Dianne), Darrell Grubb (Lana), cousins Nigel and Nicole Gillis, David Gillis (Angela), Nadine Koreman (Rob), grandparents Gary Grubb (Sheryl). He is predeceased by his grandparents, Johanna and Frank Gillis.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Scholtz, the staff at Broadway Medical Clinic and Smithers Cancer Clinic, Bulkley Valley Hospice Society, Smithers Community Cancer Care Team, his colleagues at the Department of Fisheries and the community of the Bulkley Valley for their incredible support and kindness during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to the Smithers Community Cancer Care Team (Box 3776, Smithers, BC, V0J 2N0), and Chicago Creek Community Environmental Enhancement Society (Box 682, New Hazelton, BC, V0J 2J0).
A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of next year.