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Gavin SWORD Obituary

GAVIN R. SWORD Gavin died on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in Estero, Florida. Gavin is survived by his parents, Rod and Delana Sword; his brothers, David (Lise Anne) and Ryan (Heather); his three beloved children, Christian, Savilla and Elodie; his mother-in-law, Loida; and many other family members, including Christina, Dan, Vivienne, Garner, Clara, Emmitt, Sasha, Calvin and Macy. Gavin was educated at Harvard and UCLA and was a serial and successful entrepreneur. He had an eclectic career that ranged from corporate finance to automated home shading to software solutions for addiction clinics. In all his endeavors, he impacted those around him with his dynamism, his mentorship and his sense of humor. His will be sorely missed by his former classmates and colleagues. To know Gavin was to be his friend. Throughout his life he had a remarkable ability to create and sustain long lasting and deep friendships despite the challenges of time and geography. Alan, Pat, JP, Cam, Lindsay, Kirsten and a hundred others grieve with us. Gavin was a unique spirit with a spark for life that touched everyone who knew him. He exuded love: sometimes with a prank, but more often with an act of kindness. He always had a room to stay in for a friend facing tough times; he brightened many people's days with his handwritten notes of encouragement. Gavin was happiest when he was with his children. He loved to have Christian, Savilla and Elodie around a campfire - eating smores, recounting the day's adventures and learning to recite his favorite Robert Service poems. He was so proud of the amazing individuals they are becoming. He and their mothers, Leslie and Michelle, worked together to impart in each of them a sense of wonder and joy for the world around them, and compassion for others and one another. Gavin took his own life after a long struggle with mental illness which he fought with real determination. His death is a sad reminder of the scourge of mental illness and our collective need to support those who face this monster with courage, love and empathy. Words cannot express our sorrow that Gavin is gone. We will celebrate Gavin's life in Toronto on June 18.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from May 14 to May 18, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Gavin SWORD

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18 Entries

Lars

May 3, 2023

Gavin went to the Lycée Canadien en France in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat for his last year of High School were I met him in 1990. We became great friends and had so many amazing stories together. Met his wondefull parents that were stationed in Germany on the US Canadien air base near Frankfurt. He always thank me for helping him into Harvard because I became his running coach (lol). Later in Toronto, met his amazing brothers David and Ryan during my college years. Great guys. Later I went back to France and met his girlfriend future wife Leslie on her Harvard mission Let's Go Europe which she was the editor. I only spoke to him few times afterwards when he came back with his family from Kenya. He was really a great friend, lots of happy moment that I always remember today when I look in the past. Thank you Gavin. RIP

Cyndi Frame

December 6, 2022

I am so saddened to learn of Gavin's death. He was a dear friend to my family during a special time. May he Rest In Peace.

Mark Shaw, MCpl (ret)

October 24, 2022

Condolences to the family. He will be sorely missed. Prayers

Keith Whaley

October 24, 2022

I grew up with Gavin for a time in Holberg. Same classes, hung out and generally had childhood fun with him. Much too young to die. RIP Gavin.

Shelley

October 24, 2022

Gavin was my neighbour and classmate in the mid eighties when our father's were stationed in Holberg, BC. He was smart, kind, and so much fun to hang out with. I loved having him in my class. I am not surprised that he went on to accomplish so many incredible things. My heartfelt condolences to Mr. & Mrs. Sword, David, Ryan, his wife, children, extended family and friends. Rest in Peace Gavin.

Yolanda

September 12, 2022

I submitted a message but don´t see it now, I´m sorry if it posts twice. I just ran across this obituary tonight. After seeing his Facebook page locked, I decided to google and this is not what I wanted to see. I keep hoping it´s one if his pranks, I really want it to be. He was a treasure of a friend that I met in high school, we had such a good time laughing. I have every picture and letter he sent when he was at boarding school - so many funny things he did. We kept in touch for a few years after college, and I had only found him again maybe a year and a half ago. I wanted to say hi to him tonight. I´m heartbroken, and I´m praying for peace and comfort for his family and friends. His passing will leave a hole in all our hearts.

Yolanda

September 11, 2022

Yolanda

September 11, 2022

Yolanda

September 11, 2022

I don´t want this to be true. I´m so sorry. Gavin was a dear friend from high school. We laughed so so much and I´ve told my children so many funny stories about Gavin. I had just found him within the last year or two and tonight I was hoping to message him and say hi, and ran across this obituary. I have so many letters from when he went to boarding school, and pictures he sent me of him and his friends. He was an amazing human being, truly wonderful and one of the reasons I enjoyed my high school years so much. These picture are from those days. 4th of July with his family on their sailboat in Yorktown, and dancing in our living room. He never shied away from an opportunity to bring joy. I´m heartbroken and just wanted to share that after all these years, he is still so dear to me! I keep this pictures on my phone all the time. Precious Sword family, I´m so sorry and I pray for comfort for you all. Sending love to you all.

Christina Lewis

August 14, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful man. We will love and miss you always.

Randall Mintz

July 27, 2022

I had the pleasure of knowing Gavin through work. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. He will be very much missed by all who knew him. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Gavin.

Wendy Skotarek

June 19, 2022

Sincere condolences to the entire family and friends of Gavin.

Robert Fallis

June 13, 2022

Wow, words don't express the sadness I felt today when my friend shared Gavin's Obituary with me. We knew each other through work but we relished speaking to each other to catch up on where we were in business and life but more importantly to find out what we were each currently reading and what literary suggestions we had for each other for the coming months. Always books that were to educate and inspire much like Gavin did with all those he interacted with. He was a great help with me in my business but it was his unique personal touch and curiosity that will really be missed. So sad for the family and he was a very special man and will be sorely missed.

Helen Goytizolo & Family

June 13, 2022

Gavin was a very special person in our lives and shaped who I became today. He had the greatest laugh and smile. He was the kindest person I´ve ever met. We are truly heartbroken by this devastating loss. We send our deepest condolences to his family. I will forever cherish the moments we spent together, like this past Christmas, laughing and sharing stories. May he Rest In Peace and live in our hearts forever. We love you Gavin.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Russ and Dianne

Planted Trees

Andrew

May 15, 2022

Was a true gentleman with a calm easy going demeanor and quick wit with a truly generous spirit.
Was a lot fun to be around because he made me laugh always.
I cherish the memories I have from the times I was in his company. My deep and heartfelt condolances to his many loved ones.

Rob & Michelle Pollock

May 14, 2022

Our hearts are broken by this tragic loss. We cherish all of our memories of the fun times we shared with Gavin through the many years of friendship.
Our deepest condolences to Savilla, Christian, Elodie, the family and all love who loved Gavin.
Xo Rob & Michelle

Judith Love

May 14, 2022

A great loss to all who knew and loved him.
I will miss our times together,Aunt Zooie.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Memorial Events
for Gavin SWORD

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