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Catholic High School Louisiana State University

Richard Gwin Obituary

Gwin, Richard "Here I am Lord, It is I, Lord, I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart." A loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend, Richard Gwin departed his life here on earth Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at 9:10 a.m. to journey to his heavenly home. After a courageous 2‰ year battle against cancer, Richard peacefully passed away at the age of 50, at his home surrounded by his family. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 26 years, Donna Bonfanti Gwin; mother, Jean Chapman; daughter and son-in-law, Chantel and Reggie McFadden; favorite son, Brandon Gwin; brothers, Fred Gwin and wife Debbie, Scott Gwin and wife Kathy; and his two loyal companions, Mokey and Bailey. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred A. Gwin. Richard was a 1972 graduate of Catholic High School in Baton Rouge and was a well-respected employee of ExxonMobil for 27 years. He had a passion and true talent for coaching and being a part of his children's athletic teams. He greatly enjoyed LSU sports and one of his favorite memories was going to watch LSU play in the 2004 Sugar Bowl with his son, Brandon, "Eat 'em up Tigers!" Our family cherishes the vacations to Disneyworld, Daddy's "World Famous Hamburgers," crawfish boils and barbecues and all of the laughter we shared throughout the years. His warm smile, sincere friendship and heart of gold will be sadly missed, but will be remembered by all the people whose lives he touched. His courage, faith and will to survive will definitely never be forgotten. He struggled mightily but never gave up the fight and for this, we will always respect and love him. The family wishes to offer sincere thanks to the doctors at M.D. Anderson's hospital for their continuous care and encouragement, and a very special thanks to Dr. Carl Luikart for not only his professional care, but most of all for his genuine and loyal friendship. We also wish to thank Sister Dulce of St. Agnes Church, the Rev. Tom Ranzino of St. George Church and all of Richard's friends at Exxon for holding his hand through his fight and for all of their countless prayers. In lieu of flowers, Richard had requested that donations be made to St. George Catholic church or school. Pallbearers will be Stonnie Feucht, Allan Sanchez, Keith Copponex, David Hernandez, Warren Kron and Dr. Carl Luikart. Visiting was at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Religious service was at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Saturday, conducted by the Rev. Tom Ranzino.

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Published by The Advocate from Dec. 10 to Dec. 11, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gwin

40 Entries

Carol Coleman

December 27, 2004

Thanks for the kindness and support that you gave me. For that you will always be remembered and greatly missed.

Bradley Butler

December 17, 2004

As I sit here, trying to put my thoughts to words, I'm reminded of a lot of good times that were a part of my life at Exxon with Richard. Richard and I go all the way back to the beginning, October 31st, 1977. Everyone stood up and told a little bit about ourselves. Richard and I both admitted that we were getting married soon.

Richard always had a sense of fair play that not only he had as a wage earner, but continued on when he become a supervisior. You could always go to him with something out there and he listen earnestly and give you his opinion, not as someone from management, but as a friend.

His laughter and his humor will always be remembered, especially "Na-uh Podner".

My heart felt best to you during this time of sorrow. May the Lord bring Peace and Comforting to you and your love ones.

"Tootie" Butler

Sue Hodges

December 17, 2004

I thank God for taking Richard, 'cause at least I know I'll see him again, someday! He was truly a special man. I'm blessed for having known him. Love and prayers to all of you. He will be missed terribly.

Lisa Primeaux

December 15, 2004

There are times in our lives when the world seems to instantly shift. This is one of those times. Richard has always been an absolute pleasure to work with and be around. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know him. Richard will never be forgotten as he has truly enriched many people's lives with his warm smiles and strong faith. He has been an inspiration for all he has touched, and he has certainly left many warm memories with his friends at Exxon. I will cherish them all!

Gregg Stephens

December 15, 2004

Mrs. Gwin.

I am part of the extended ExxonMobil Family from Baytown. It was enjoyable to work and meet with Richard through the years on different Dock related issues. He always had a positive attitude. He will be greatly missed. Please accept my deepest regrets in your time of sorrow.

Brenda Roshto

December 15, 2004

To Richard's Family,

I worked with him at ExxonMobil for almost 5 five years. He was a pleasure to be around and always lit up the room when he walked in. He was a great guy who often bragged about his entire family. Those who had the opportunity to know him will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. His fun and loving spirit will be with you all forever!

Donald Foster

December 15, 2004

May our Lord and Savior Jesus give you strength and comfort in the loss of your husband. He will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers.

April Leonpacher

December 14, 2004

Mrs. Donna, Chantel and Brandon,

I cherish the times I got to spend with your wonderful family. I only hope to provide the same kind of atmosphere for my own family that your love and devotion to each other created every day. I know God will carry you through this trying time. May the peace of Christ be with you always.

Love,

April

Shawnda Kleinpeter

December 14, 2004

Gwin Family,

Your family is in our prayers during this difficult time. Richard is finally at peace and safely home.

Love,

Shawnda and "Coach" Devin Kleinpeter

Ellen McCullough

December 14, 2004

Donna, Chantel, and Brandon,

God Bless you all.

Take Comfort in your memories and take strength from God to get you through this sad time in your lives. My heart aches for all of you.

Joey and Linda Hebert

December 14, 2004

We wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Richard served as an inspiration and support to us, especially during the recent loss of Joey's mother. Richard's attitude and sense of humor provide us with many happy memories. He will be dearly missed.

Marsha Braud

December 14, 2004

The Gwin Family,

I've known Richard at Exxon for many years and he was always someone you could count on to help in any way he could. He was also very funny and will be sorely missed.

I will keep your family in my prayers. Marsha Braud

Ron Dunham

December 14, 2004

The Gwin Family:

Working with Richard at the Exxon Dock over the years is a time that I will never forget. Richard's smile and attitude always made everyone welcome. You are all in my prayers.

Robert Douglas

December 14, 2004

To the Gwin family, you have our heartfelt sympathy and prayers in this , your time of bereavement. Please know that Richard's life indeed had a purpose and he touched many lives on his earthly journey. May God bless each of you and keep you in His ever-loving care.

Jeffrey Zettlemoyer

December 14, 2004

I will miss his smile, and laugh. Things always seemed better when he was there. I cannot imagine your loss. So please accept my condolences, and my prayers. God Bless.

Kristen Balhoff

December 13, 2004

Dear Chantel,

My prayers are with you and your family during this time. One of my fondest childhood memories was having your dad coach and be our loudest cheerleader as we grew up. He was a wonderful person and I will always remember him.

Love and prayers,

Kristen Balhoff

Murray McCullough

December 13, 2004

Donna and Children,

Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences. I have many fond memories of Richard from years back and, though we haven't seen much of one another over the past 10 or so years, he will be greatly missed. My heart is heavy at his passing.

But, the two of you had a wonderful marriage and life together and for that you can truly be thankful and I know you will always cherish all the happy memories.

Sincerely,

Murray

Jodi McCullough

December 13, 2004

Gwin Family,

My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in the Lord.

Love

Jodi McCullough

Dave Dartez

December 13, 2004

My prayers and sympathies go to your family at this time of loss. Richard was a pleasure to work with, and will truly be missed. His courage was very inspiring to many.

Mark Stevens

December 13, 2004

It was a pleasure to know and work with Richard. God is in control and Richard knew that. I pray that God will give you all the Peace that comes with knowing that He is always there and His plan is perfect.

Jim Duplantis

December 13, 2004

Mrs. Gwin and Family,

I was saddened to learn of Richard's passing. We are all like family here at ExxonMobil. We shall miss him. May GOD Bless you all.

Joel Bankston

December 13, 2004

While I didn't know Richard personally, I've kept up with his progress throught the ExxonMobil pray line. I've been friends with Scott for many years. I know Richard is with the Lord. I hope this thought comforts your family. Jesus has provided us such a salvation. Blessed be the Lord.

Chris Dugas

December 13, 2004

My cousin Richard...a good friend as well as family member. One of the funniest people I've ever met. About 2 years ago, Richard and I went on some material runs outside the plant. By the time we got back, my stomach was hurting so bad because he made me laugh my head off.

Good luck and well wishes to his family. God bless you all.

Chris

Barbara Duncan

December 13, 2004

To the Gwin family.....

Richard was one of those rare men who could bring a smile to your face and at the same time tell you off or explain that you weren't too smart about something. Many times he has helped resolve work problems for me and sometimes, inadvertently caused them. We would laugh together. I will miss his smile and quick comments. You are lucky to have had him as a part of your life. Keep his memory alive. He would want that.

Barbara Duncan

Angie Corvers

December 13, 2004

Gwin Family,

My deepest sympathy to all of you. Richard was a friend to all he met. He will be missed.

Juanita Bates

December 13, 2004

I did not know Richard personally but in knowing his brother Scott and his niece Ashley, my conclusion is that he must have been an awesome guy. My sincere prayers are with your family in this great loss.

Lawrence Griffin

December 13, 2004

Richard was a friend of mine that I could call on when I needed someone to talk to. He left a part of himself with everyone he had contact with, always taking the time to show you the good in everything. His laughter added joy to all.

Eula Shelmire

December 13, 2004

I pray your continued strength and healing in the Lord Christ. Richard was an inspiration to me as his love for the Lord was evident. His confession was that he was satisfied with whatever God had in store for him. Although he wanted to stay here a while longer, he knew that to be absent from the body was to be present with the Lord.

Donna Keller

December 13, 2004

You are in my prayers that God may give you strenght through these times.

Vince Giaccone

December 12, 2004

Mrs. Gwin and Family. I extend to you my sympathy and heartfelt sorrow at the passing of Richard, he was a friend to me offering help when it was needed. Know this, he loved his family, to him yall were always near and dear to him. Time will lessen the pain, his spirit will always be with you all. May God bless and watch over each of you.

Matthew Maier

December 12, 2004

Gwin Family,

There are no words right now that could possible take away the pain. Richard was a strong man and an effective leader.I benefited from knowing him. He was there when I needed help with my family. Now I will be here for his. I will continue to pray for the Gwin family.

George & Kathy Henderson

December 11, 2004

Richard was a pleasure to be around, always bringing a smile and a laugh. He will be missed. Our prayers and sympathies to the family.

Randy "Head" Phillips

December 11, 2004

Mrs. Gwin and Family,

It was my pleasure to work with and know Richard. He was an up-beat, joyful person and had a positive attitude. He was an asset in my life just for knowing him. He will be greatly missed. My family and I extend our deepest regrets in this time of sorrow.

Rebecca Politz

December 11, 2004

My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. I have so many great memories of Mr. Richard & the rest of the family. May God bless all of you & watch over you.

Larry & MaryAnn Gutweiler

December 11, 2004

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God whom I trust. Psalm 91:1&2

Richard has always been a friend of integrity with a righteous heart, first his family, then his friends and coworkers. I will miss him, his sense of humer and uplifting love of life. Our prayers are that you find rest and peace in the love of Jesus Christ.

Always in our prayers Larry and MaryAnn Gutweiler

Dyra Culotta Hughes

December 10, 2004

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

Psalm 116:15

May the Lord be with your family at this sorrowful time.

God bless you.

Leighton and Edwina Ewell

December 10, 2004

We offer our deepest sympathy to all the Gwinn family on the occasion of Richard's death. May God grant him eternal rest and may his family find comfort in Jesus's words, "He that believeth in me will never die"

In Christ,

Melanie Robinson Kadair

December 10, 2004

Having grown up just down the street from Richard, I am certain he has been the utmost of blessings to his family. The world is a better place for having had Richard's kind and gentle spirit in our midst.

Your family will stay in my prayers.

Roderick Coffee, Sr.

December 10, 2004

Mrs. Gwin,

I had the privilege of working with Richard on the docks for a pleasant and entertaining five years. He will be missed, but never forgotten! May God be with you and your family during your time of bereavement. You are in my prayers.

God Bless,

Roderick Coffee, D-Team Dock AO

Lara Bettencourtt

December 10, 2004

Chantel,

There are no words at this time that could comfort you but try to find peace through God. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Lara, Jason, and Kirstynn

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