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Joy Gapuzan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joy Gapuzan
Matt Johnson
June 30, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you deal with your loss. I worked briefly with Joy and he impressed me so much in his ability and great attitude. I only wish I had more time with him, to enjoy and learn from him. But I know he is watching over all of us in death as he did in life from Heaven and that is a great thought. God chooses his company well.
Long Drive North
Ric Soliben
June 23, 2010
I was one of Joy’s Riding buddies. Joy, Rich, Ricky all rode HD’s. JP and myself rode sportbikes but we all just fit riding together. I could write about one of many memories about Daytona Bikeweek or Just riding around Savannah but my best memory of Joy would be Iraq 2005. I was Joy’s gunner and SPC Fortier, Marc was the driver. Joy was our TC (Truck Commander). This was mine and Fortiers first deployment to Iraq. I wasnt scared but I didn’t know what to expect when we crossed the border from Kuwait into Iraq. I remember standing in the ring mount looking down into the truck and seeing Joy with a cigar in his mouth and the handset of the radio pressed between his helmet and his ear. I think he stayed that the entire 3 day drive north.
I’ll miss riding with my friend. Joy will be greatly missed he was an amazing person, A great leader, mentor and friend.
Ric Soliben
Brian Hunt
June 19, 2010
I went to highschool with Joy. We were both art students so we shared a lot of classes together and had a great friendship. He joined the Army about the same time that I joined the Marine Corps, and we stayed in touch. He was a very, very talented man and a wonderful friend. My condolences to the entire family.
Renee Walker-Smith
June 19, 2010
You all are in my prayers. He was a gentleman and a very nice classmate. He will be missed.
Clarissa Walker
June 19, 2010
It was only in the past year that I reconnected with Joy on Facebook. After 20 years, I believe that God brought many of us -- Davidson Fine Arts graduates from the class of 1990 -- back together for a purpose understood only by a Sovereign God. It has been an honor to know such a courageous heart and lovingly leader. What a gift to the world you were, Joy. And, your memory will continue to bless us.
Alvin Thompson
June 17, 2010
Dear Froilan and Ofelia Gapuzan,
My name is Alvin Thompson; I met CPT Joy Gapuzan (AKA CPT Gap) in 632nd Maintenance Company on Fort Stewart Ga. I was the Platoon Sergeant of the Headquarters Platoon. He was the Base Platoon Officer. We became close friends within a few months working together. He was a runner and I was a cadence caller on most of the company runs.
We deployed together to Iraq Camp Taji On Camp Taji he was the Escort Team 1 Officer in Charge OIC. I had several Soldier on this team, one of them SSG Rivero also became a close friend/Family. This deployment just drew all us closer and closer. Now we are family and there is nothing I would not do for them. He looked after my Soldiers as if they were his own kids.
We were promoted the same time, I to SFC/E-7 and him to CPT this was not the norm but we would not have it any other way. The food was from wall to wall and everyone came for this great calibration.
We deployed the second time to Iraq FOB Marez working in the section Support Operations Maintenance Section. Him being the OIC and for a short time I work as one of his NCOs’ in the section. This tour was cut short due to my wife breaking both arms but he was who demanded I would be on the next flight and made it so.
He has always been there for me thru the tough times as well as the good times. Our friendship was one of kind. I have high school friend and childhood friends but in the short time of 8 plus years he has became family and there is nothing I would not do for him.
CPT Gapuzan was a very special to my whole family and my kids loved him. We put an attic ladder in my garage ceiling, rebuild the deck around my pool and put up anew privacy fence around my house. We continued to help each as families do. I maintained his house and personal belongings while he left the area for his third tour in Iraq. To have known him is truly a blessing and to be friend/family there are no words to describe the feeling. CPT Gapuzan will never be forgotten and I will see him again because I know when I arrive to heaven he will be there to greet me with open arms.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this sad and difficult time.
edward streeto
June 12, 2010
Sir,
I remember when you came to 632nd Maint and you were the Base Platoon Leader. The good times we had with our Platoon BBQ's at your house and the Good times we had at the Shop. I will never forget you because in my troubled days and really when i thought my military career was over you helped me get through it and you had the confidence in me that I could do great things. I will never forget that you went to bat for me in those days if you could just see what the outcome of a new 2LT vouching for a troubled Soldier. Thank you Sir for the good times and for having faith in me. You will be truly missed..Rest in Peace Sir you will NEVER be forgotten
SSG Edward C. Streeto
5th Maintenance Company
Afghanistan
June 12, 2010
I met Joy Gapuzan in 2000. We both served in the Army at the Vilseck Health Clinic in German. Joy and I snowboarded in the Alps of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He introduced me to rock climbing and repealing. He was a very talented artist and I am lucky enough to have one of his pieces hanging in my house. While he moved to Georgia and I moved to Colorado we still maintained a great friendship and visited each other every year. We were both motorcycle enthusiast and I know he enjoyed his lift to the fullest. We both planned another get together when we redeployed, him from Iraq and me from Afghanistan. I found out this morning from my wife that the world has lost a great person and I have lost a great friend. He will be truly missed. My prayers go to his family and friends.
SFC Brian Riggins
Kandahar, Afghanistan
June 10, 2010
You shall be missed my "Brother In Arms" ~ It was nice to have met you in the training back at FT Riley, KS for the transition team. My prayers go out to both you and your family for you will be dearly missed. May you rest in peace my brother~ SFC John Guerrero (Kirkuk, Iraq)
Joseph Clarke
June 9, 2010
I had the pleasure of being on the same Military Transition Team with Joy for the past year. I have never known a man that was so good at everything. He was the resident expert on construction, anything mechanical, BBQ'ing and painting.
His loss has profoundly affected the entire Team and the thought of doing anything that remotely reminds us of him is simply not done.
I am a better person for the short time that I knew him, and I look forward to seeing him again one day.
MSG Joseph Clarke
Al Kut, Iraq
ROBERT REMBERT
June 8, 2010
Once In a lifetime you get to meet a bright shining star, bigger than life. I had that distinct honor when I meet Joy in Vilseck Germany. I was the Detachment NCO and he my Lab technician. From the first day Joy proved himself to be a very special person, honest, hard working, very technical with a great knowledge base, strait to the point and faithful. As time went on I got to know him better and saw a person destine for success. I like Mr. Hicklin got to know Joys art work and I am the proud owner of one his works which he gave to me as a gift while we were giving him a hail and farewell. Joy was always an adventurer I remember when he decided to go to Spain and run with the Bulls. All I could think of was him returning with a horn stuck in some unwanted area, well Joy drove all the way into Spain from Germany with gas tanks tied to the top of his hooptey (car) because there were no gas stations in some spots along the way. After a few days joy returned to Vilseck a big smile on his face and wearing the red bandana (the proof) for running with the Bulls. My proudest moment with Joy was promoting him to SGT and watching him move on to a Commissioned Officer. I’ve always been taught that things happen for a reason and only GOD knows that reason. So rest in Peace my brother. You will always have a special place in my heart.
SGM Rembert
June 7, 2010
CW2 Matt Hicklin
June 6, 2010
Joy, I love you brother. You are a true friend, a real gem. Hard to come by in these times. Original, authentic, and passionate about life and the journey that comes with it. I remember the first time I met you in Germany, not knowing who my neighbor was that I had to share a bathroom with. I kept smelling something like it was burning. This man was burning portraits of famous musicians on to plywood with a hand held propane torch in the barracks. I introduced my self and several bottles of beer and wine later I knew I had just met a real friend. From Amsterdam, Rock im Park, to Pottenstein and Kupfer Pfandel. Those 4 years I spent knowing you are still talked about when I am with friends. Joy, "G" as I called him, never sat around waiting for anything to happen. He was always the one you wanted to be around when you had time. An adventurer, not waisting time wondering "what if?". Thanks for the good times and memories that will stay with me forever "G", we have truly lost something larger than life itself.
Ricky Gonzalez
June 6, 2010
Till we meet again in heaven for a heavenly ride! Rest in peace my brother in arms. You will not be forgotten!!!
DIESEL
Kenneth Floyd
June 5, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Gapuzan family. Joy was a talented and genuine person. He will be truly missed. God bless your family during your time of loss.
V/R
CW3 Kenneth K. Floyd
Fort Rucker, AL
Holly Harper
June 4, 2010
Joy was a wonderful student that I had the honor of teaching at Davidson Fine Arts School. He was a fine young man who will not be forgotten by his DFA family. May the peace and hope that we have in Christ Jesus comfort and sustain you all.
Yoschica Ward
June 4, 2010
"There is comfort in friendship,
hope in prayer,
peace in love.
Sharing in your sorrow
with love and friendship."
Jann,
You and your family are in my prayers.
Roy Silva
June 4, 2010
You taught me how to be a better man day after day. Thank you and I will never forget you. You made the world a better place now I'm sure your going to fix up heaven.
SSG Silva
Enjoying a meal in Iraq
Alvin Thompson
June 4, 2010
Henrietta Coard
June 4, 2010
To the Gapuzan family,
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Joy is at peace.
Naty Gapuzan Beetle
June 4, 2010
To the Froilan Gapuzan Family:
God's love is with you in the thoughts, prayers, and in the hearts of us who care and share in your sorrow. May your faith comfort you during this difficult time.
In heartfelt sympathy,
Naty Gapuzan Beetle and Family
Frank meals
June 4, 2010
Sir,
You will always be remembered. Your family is in my prayers.
Elliott Sons Funeral Home
June 4, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Jennifer (Hurt) Williams
June 3, 2010
I am very sad to learn of Joy's death. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Steven & Amanda Camacho
June 3, 2010
Joy was an amazing soldier and friend. We will miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Kay and Michael Brown
June 3, 2010
Our hearts are heavy. God Bless you Joy, and all of your dear family and true friends. We will miss you. May God welcome you with open arms into Eternity. Rest in peace. Praying for each and every one of you. With love.
T Thomas
June 3, 2010
Rest In the Peace and comfort of Jesus Christ ,Captain !
Lorraine Bennett
June 3, 2010
Jenny,
Deeply sorry for your loss. Lifting you and your family up in prayer.
June 3, 2010
Jenny,
Deeply sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family
June 3, 2010
Jay, May you and your family find comfort in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Chimere J Brown
c/o 1997 ARJ
Debby Arnold
June 3, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He took joy in serving his country. He was a very brave, kind person and it was an honor to have met him. God bless you.
Melody Hutchins
June 3, 2010
My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray for God's comfort and peace over all of you during this time.
Linda Drake
June 3, 2010
Jann, You and your family are in my prayers.
Stan Anderson
June 3, 2010
Thank you for your service to our country, Captain.
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