Mike, Susan, James and Grant~
Saw Grandma today at OLPH while getting our ashes.  Hugged her tightly and told her I was thinking about all of you.  Matt and I were away when the news about jack came to us, and we will be away again at the same time this year.  Our prayers will come from far away....I lost my best friend when I was 9. It will be 35 years this august....I still talk to her....her mom recently sent me a letter she had written me back when we were very young, asking if I wanted to come over and play. Your friend, Joanne.  I cherish it.  
I will be in touch with John, Diane and Thomas when I return and will bring over some of my famous Turkey Tettrazini for all of you....it will be an annual feast and rememberance.
Love, Beth Engels and Family

Although we do not know each other, I had to tell you how our family's heart is with you at this tragic time.  We pray the Lord mend your broken hearts.  We know you will be with your precious son again.

I have just heard about the loss of your son Jack. I met him only once when he came with Grant to shovel snow for me.  I am so very sorry for your family.  Sincerely,

To the Gavins, 
My deepest condolences to you all. Things like this should not happen to truely wonderful people like you.You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in each other.
Love,
Dave and Terry Bizub

Betsy, I am so sorry for the loss of your grandson.  My heart goes out to you and I will definitely keep Jack in my prayers.  Keep coming to Kohls, so I can see how you are doing.  My sympathies also go out to your daughter and son-in-law.  Jenni @ Kohls

I am so deeply saddened by the loss of your beloved son, Jack. I can't begin to understand the pain you must feel. I wish there was something I could say or do to help calm your broken hearts. My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this very difficult time.

Nebbi Braun-Muszynski
Formerly of Arlington Heights

Gavin family,

We were so saddened to hear the news of the passing of your young son Jack. 

We want you to know that Jack will be with you always...he will live on in spirit and you'll see that often in the things and people around you...and it will amaze and comfort you.  

Sadly, we do know the pain of losing a child, and so we know the sorrow and eventual easing of that deep sorrow.  We lost our 4 year old daughter Christine, suddenly, 5 1/2 years ago.

To Jack's brothers, sadly, I also know the pain of losing a sibling. I lost my sister Teresa 2 years ago after a 12 year battle with breast cancer.  

I share this to let you know that you are not alone on this journey...many who care, have walked in your shoes.

May the good Lord bring you peace and comfort this day and during the days ahead.  We believe that your faith is strong and we pray that it remains strong, you'll need to draw on it often. 

We pass along this Psalm that a good friend passed on to us 5 1/2 years ago:

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.

As the passing days turn into months and years, you will certainly grow to understand what God means when He says 'Do not be afraid, I am with you...'

Our hearts are heavy today.  We will keep Jack, the family and friends in our daily prayers.  We know that your faith, family and friends will help you make it through this challenging and sorrowful time.

May the Peace and Grace of God be with you today and every day.

To the Gavin Family,

We grew up as neigbors and friends and our lives go on.  I was just so saddened to hear of the loss of your son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many.  I know his presence will be missed but will forever remain in your hearts and loving memories.  One of the hardest things as a parent, is to lose your child at such a tender age.  No parent should ever have to lose a child but God called Jack home for a reason.  My brother Bob lost his daughter three years ago at the young age of 18.  Everyone is forever changed but as others have said, time does heal. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.

Dear Fleece,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love, Nonie Garvey

I do not know your family but I know I have seen your son's  dear face and the Gavin name seems familiar to me.  Maybe I've seen it across the back of a jersey from the sidelines of a baseball or football game.  I have 2 kids of my own, ages 13 and 14 and have lived in Arlington Heights most of my life. We have lost one our own - as a community everyone is in pain.  As a Mother my heart aches for you.  I am sure I am not alone is saying that if I could absorb some of your pain, I would.  I have been praying daily for your family and will continue to do so for a long time.  May God bless you with some comfort and solace in the days ahead.

James&Grant~
I was so saddend to hear the news about your brother Jack.  It seems like yesterday that all 3 of you would come bouncing in Dr. Green's office with your buzz cuts and freckles.  Susan and Mike know that the Bubala/Engels Clans are praying for  you and your extended family during this very difficult time. Beth Engels and Family.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Peace be with you. May you find comfort in God's Love. The McDonnell Family

I went to school with Michael at SCL. I am so very sorry for your loss. The Gavin family is in my prayers. May God hold you all in the palm of his hands.

As I saw those young men carryng Jack's casket, I couldn't help thinking of the song "Brothers In Arms" by Dire Straits.
God Bless

My daughter is a Freshman at Prospect and did not personally know your son but we are so sorry for your loss.  As a mother I cannot imagine how much your heart hurts. May your memories bring you comfort in time and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time.

I remember growing up, seeing your boys out playing in the front yard, over by the park, all around the neighborhood.  Jack was such a nice kid, a truly genuine person.  My thoughts and prays are with you.

Mike, Susan and Family,
Our condolences to you and all of your family members on the loss of your son Jack. Words cannot express our deep sorrow for you at this time, and our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to you now.

Dear Gavin Family - We are so very sorry for your loss.  My daughter Taylor went to South with Gavin and called him her inhaler buddy.  There seems to be no words that can ever make this better, you can just hope that as each day goes by your hearts can start to heal.  
Randy, Karen and Taylor Swichtenberg

I did not know Jack, but it sounds like he was a terrific kid. From a mother of three boys, my heart is hurting for you and your family. My prayers are with you.

Gavin Family,  Please know we are thinking of you all and praying that you can find strength in each of these difficult days. Though our connection with your family is more thru your youngest son, Grant, please know that your love and commitment to family was always apparent.  Susan, I am especially praying for you as one mom to another.

We'll always carry Jack's light in our hearts and we offer your amazing family our love and support.  Mike, Lori & Michael Kelly

Dear Gavin Family:
 We live in the neighborhood and it was rare not to see your boys playing basketball and being outside- being the kids they should be. 
 Our hearts are heavy for you and know that this entire neighborhood is grieving alongside you. 
Prayers today and everyday for your entire family. 
Fondly,  
The Erickson Family (on Beverly Ln)

Dear Gavin Family,

As parents of a sophomore at Prospect, we want to share our deepest sympathy.  Although our child did not know your son, we are greatly saddened by the tragic loss.  May God bring you comfort over the weeks and months ahead.  Please know that many people in this community, whether we know you personally or not, are praying for you and your family.  While we do not know why your son was taken so young, we do know that he now is enveloped by God's loving arms.  May his memories bring you joy and, in time, peace.

We fondly remember Jack from Arlington Aces Soccer and South/Dryden. We are deeply sorry for your loss and our hearts go out to all of you during this very difficult time.

Dear Gavin family,
Brian and Jack were on the same soccer team for a year or two (5th and 6th grade). Their paths didn't cross after graduation from South, but we wanted to tell you how very sad we were to hear the news and how blessed Brian was to have known him. 
Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mike, Susan & Family,

I am so sorry for your loss.  I went to SCL with Mike, and SCL was like one big family.  You will all be in my families prayers.  I want to share a poem that has helped me during times of great loss.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there.  I do not sleep.

I am a thousands winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken 
in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die."

God bless.
Janet Harris DiMaggio & family

When I was grieving the lost of a loved one. And I would not accept what was. This question was asked of me. " What if God were to come to you right now and say. I see you are in great pain and there is a sorrow you do not want. I can take this from you, right now this very moment. But in order to do this, I would have to take away your memory of them. You would not have known their hopes their dreams. Their laughter their tears. Their hugs their kisses. All that they were to you would be gone. But so would this sorrow. Could you do this?"



This did not lessen my grief. But it allowed me to accept it. Because I understood then, that I could only feel this grief, because I had known a great joy. And I could never deny what they were to me.

I am so sorry for your loss.   May your hearts be filled with all the  love and joy that you shared together.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

From one parent to your family...you're in our thoughts and prayers...such an incomprehensible loss.

Grammy Betsy is always bragging about her wonderful grandchildren during bridge at the Senior Center. I'm sure all your hearts are broken but hopefully the prayers of so many people will help you get through this awful time.

To the entire Gavin family,

My heart goes out to you and many prayers are with you.
May you have some peace of mind knowing that Jack is in heaven. I am so sorry for your loss.

Mike, Susan, Jimmy and Grant,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are to hear of your loss. Your Family will be in our prayers. God bless you and give you strength through this difficult time.

Gavin Family

You are in our thoughts and prayers.  May God hold you in the palm of his hand.      Jerry & Judy Nolan

Susan and family,
Our deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to you. Everyday, we witness Susan's undeniable love and devotion to her family. We hope you all find strength and peace during this difficult time. Love always.

March 28, 2011
   Mike, I haven't seen you in years (I went to 7th and 8th grade with you.) Susan, we never met.  I heard this news through the grapevine and the sadness really touched my heart.  Although I have three almost grown children, my first baby died shortly after birth.  It took a long time to get over the pain and sorrow. Time heals all wounds and eventually, it takes a long time, you will start to feel joy when you think and talk of him rather than the sadness you experience now.God Bless your family. Let the love and support of your friends and community give you the strength to get through this difficult time.  Linda

Susan, Mike & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We can't even imagine the depth of pain. May you find great comfort in each other and the family and friends that surround you. I will be dropping dinner off this week. Hugs to 2 old friends.
Sherri, Brittany, Lauren, Patty and Kimble Hicks

To the Gavin Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I am a student at Prospect, and though I did not now Jack, my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

To the Gavin Family,
I am so sorry.  Jack was such an amazing boy in so many ways.  His curiosity and love for learning never ceased to amaze me.  I feel so blessed to have known him.  My heart breaks every time that I think of what you must be going through.  You are in my prayers.

A child who loses a parent is called an orphan, 
A husband who loses a wife is called a widower, 
A wife who loses a husband is called a widow, 
But there is no name for a parent who loses a child, 
Because there are no words to describe the pain.

Barb and Christine Hood

To the entire Gavin family we send our deepest sympathies, thoughts, prayers and love from the Tucson Arizona Czechowsi family!

Dear Gavin Family, 

We cannot begin to imagine what you are going through.  Please know you are and will continue to be in our hearts and prayers.  
With love, 
Val, Traci and Hannah Janschutz

When we moved to Arlington Hts my son Colton was in 8th grade. On his first day of school at South he was scared & nervous. He came home and told me the 1st person he talked to was John Gavin. I truly thank him. My heart goes out to the Gavin family your all in my thoughts & prayers in this very difficult time. 
Cyndi Chapa

To all the Gavins:  
My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I'm so saddened by your loss. Words just can't express how sorry I am to hear this news.  My sympathy to you all.

Patty O'Grady LeVee

To the entire Gavin Family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most challenging and inscrutable moment.

What a beautiful boy.....Our prayers are with you all.

The Gavin Family
Words cannot begin to express our sorrow for you loss.  As the days and weeks pass and as you return to lifes routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

The Hill Family

To the Gavin Family,

We have a sophomore daughter at PHS who was heartbroken to hear the news of Jack; he touched many lives in such a positive way.  We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan and Family,

Words cannot express the profound sorrow that was felt with the news of Jack's passing.  We have been praying for all of you since we heard, and will continue to do so.  Please know there are so many who are thinking of you and remembering Jack.

Mike and Susan
My heart hurts. We are praying for all of you. You are a wonderful family. 
Sean and Lynne Ross

Your loss is part of our loss.  May you find comfort in your family and friends and the many beautiful memories that will flood your hearts in the many years to come.  You are in our thoughts and prayers and we just cannot imagine the pain you are enduring.  We also are at a loss for words.  All we can say, is we love you all, and you have us to lean on anytime.  Lots of hugs are always available at any given time.  May this candle always be lit in honor of such a beautiful young man.
Much love,
Becki, David and Scotty Janschutz

Dear Gavin Family,
We offer our sincere condolence and deepest sympathy on your loss. May the outpouring of sympathy, the kind acts of friends and strangers and the comfort in knowing that your loss is felt by many, help you through this difficult time.  I ask for God's blessings on you and your wonderful family. May you find the courage and strength to move forward in peace.

The the Gavin Family;
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and in the months ahead. Our words are just not enough to express our sorrow for your loss, just know that the prayers we send are powerful and hopefully will carry you through the days ahead.

To the Gavin family,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Our son Jack is a classmate of Grant at South.  You will be in our prayers during the difficult days ahead.
With our deepest sympathy,
John, Julia, Maddie and Jack Piontek

I don't know you but when I read about your son's death instantly reacted because I have a son almost his age. My son is also my "sunshine" and I can't imagine being without him. Your son was very loved and I will pray for your family at this time of sudden and devastating loss.

Dear Michael,Susan,Jimmy & Grant-

We are so profoundly sorry for your loss. I do know that your family has an incredible love and unity and we pray that you draw on that, along with your faith, to bring you all some peace to your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With love,

Dear Gavins,  We will have you close in our hearts and send love as you grieve the loss of your beautiful son.

Dear Mike and Susan,
We cannot imagine your grief. Please know that we are praying for you and your boys. "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
Love,
Justin and Sarah Ooms

Mike and Susan,
We are at a loss for words, although no words could possibly express the sadness we feel.  Our hearts and prayers go out to you.  May God bless you and be with you at this most difficult time.

Thoughts, prayers,& God's embrace to your beautiful family.
Deborah De Salvo, Tom Sarikas, Chrissy, Chelsea, & Dylan Sarikas

Mike and family

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you and your family.  I cannot even imagine the pain you are going through.  Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts and that my arms are reaching out to hug you and your family.

Mike, Susan, Jimmy and Grant,
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to hear of the loss of your dear son.  It is a loss that is incomprehensible.  I lost my dear John at the tender age of 26, so I know the heartache you are experiencing.   Strength comes from faith and the support and love of family and friends.  You are in my prayers.  With love, Maureen Alexander

Mike, Susan and family, We are so sorry for your loss.  Losing a child is such a difficult thing.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike and Susan,
We are so sorry to hear about Jack. The Pipeline Vball boys will definitely miss his presence on the courts. Our prayers are with you.

Chris Leonard n family

Dear Susan, Mike, Jimmy and Grant,
Words cannot begin to describe how saddened I am by your loss.  Jack was such a kind and caring person. I fondly remember his gentle nature, beautiful smile and love of learning.  My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Kathy Schoeffmann

Susan & Mike and the entire Gavin family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so very sorry.                                                                                                         Tim Hendricks & Famiy

May your family find the strength to endure this tragic loss. Our family will keep yours in our prayers.

Dear Susan, Mike, Jimmy, and Grant,
There are truly no words that can express our sorrow for your loss. There is a saying, however, that I hope will bring you some peace and comfort as you look to the heavens in the evening. "Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of those we have lost pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." May the Lord give you strength and comfort in the days to come, as he holds Jack tightly in his arms forever.

Love,
Pam, Mark, Nicole, and Katie Seckinger

Susan, Mike, Jimmy and Grant

Our hearts and thoughts are with you and grieve with your loss.

Mike,Susan and the entire Gavin Family our thoughts and prayers are with you. 

The Hendricks Family

Dear Mike and Susan,  God's blessing & grace to the Gavin family at this difficult time.  You're in our thoughts & prayers.  With Deepest Sympathy, Don & Ann (O'Grady) Ventura

My heart hurts thinking of you and what you're going through. I'm so sorry. Jack was such a sweet boy and enthusiastic student. With much sympathy

Susan and Family, My heart is breaking for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs to you Shari Divyak

Susan, Mike, Jimmy, Grant,
Our love and prayers are with you now.   God bless you.
Love, Sue, Joe, Andrew, Ali and Alex Preissing

Dear Mike, Susan, Jimmy  and Grant,
We are just sorry for your loss. We will never forget Jack's smiling face.  We wll pray for all of you.
The Mannix Family

Susan, Mike, Jimmy and Grant,
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May your memories give you strength.
All our love,
Bob and Molly Graziano

Mike & Susan ,   Our hearts ache for the loss of Jack.  We have fond memories of the Aces soccer days.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  Deniz, Kathy, Taner & Alex Kiral

From one parent to another.... Peace be with you

James,

I am so sorry for your loss.  I remember when your brothers would come and watch you play basketball at South.  I always admired how they cheered you on.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.  

Love,

Molly Cruz

To all of the Gavin Family, our prayers are with you. Jack will forever live in our hearts. He truly was a special gift to all that knew him.

Susan & Mike,
  Jack was an amazing 16 year old who everyone loved.  The nicest kid ever, he always had a smile and a wave hello. I am so lucky to have known Jack and the gentle son you had.You are amazing parents and would light up when you talked about Jack. I am so sorry this has happened to your family. My prayers are for you both, Jimmy and Grant.

OBITUARY

John J. "Jack" Gavin

August 26, 1994 – March 24, 2011

Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home

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