Gavin Stevenson Rose

Gavin Stevenson Rose

The incredible life of Gavin Stevenson Rose ended Sunday, September 16, at age 56, surrounded by family at home.

Gavin's vivacity, optimism, and stubbornness refused to fade even in the weeks and days preceding his passing, leaving those by whom he is survived with bold and precious last impressions of a man who radiated energy and attitude his entire life. Gavin relished life's simple pleasures- good conversation, his double-gulp filled with diet coke, going to the movies, and talking with friends and strangers alike. Gavin would have been the ultimate "guy's guy", were it not for the undeniable and endearing weakness he had for his wife of 24 years, Jenni. While Gavin cherished life's major milestone's, he drew similar joy from the less glamorous experiences he and Jenni shared for nearly a quarter century- going out to dinner, attending numerous sporting events, and having breakfast at Bodos. With a passion for Disney World, pinball, and spontaneous road trips, Gavin was never far from his inner child and related easily to his own three children. Affectionately dubbed "Gavin the Great" by much of Charlottesville's adolescent population, Gavin truly deserved his nickname. A fixture on the sidelines of soccer fields, basketball courts, regattas and race courses throughout the state, Gavin was always the loudest fan and most constructive critic of his admiring children, Rachel, Kyle, and Shane. In them, Gavin instilled confidence, perfectionism, and independence, for which they are eternally grateful.

Gavin was the proud son of Jackson Rose and Jeanne Nash, who instilled in him lifelong passions for adventure and learning. While born in Maine, as a military brat Gavin moved often throughout his childhood and developed a propensity for socializing, making friends, and remembering names and faces. His memorable high school years were spent at Fairfax High, where Gavin played football with a passion, and enjoyed numerous other high school activities. Gavin cherished the many lasting relationships he formed with the Fairfax High School class of 1974 and delighted in rekindling those memories, and reconnecting with friends. Gavin pursued higher education at the University of Virginia, where he joined the Phi Epsilon fraternity. After a decade spent experimenting with careers in various fields, Gavin found his professional calling in the IT industry at S.W.I.F.T. The Culpeper-based company provided Gavin numerous, beloved friends and an outlet for his passions for problem-solving and technology. In 2009, Gavin earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix, of which he was very proud. On weekends he could often be found on the local soccer fields where he enjoyed another passion of his as a soccer referee. Gavin is survived by his wife, Jenni, and their three children, Rachel, Kyle, and Shane; as well as his mother, Jeanne Nash; stepfather, Paul Nash; stepmother, Suzanne Winter-Rose; siblings, Pam Kunkel, Perri Rose, Dean Rose; and their respective families.

A celebration of Gavin's life will be held at the home of dear friends, Marian and Frank Lawson on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at 637 Broad Axe Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Friends and family may stop by anytime between 4 and 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.