Gavin Arthur Symes

SYMES, Gavin Arthur Of Newburyport, April 27, age 39. Most beloved husband of Denise Symes and adored father of Grace and Henry. Gavin attended Middlebury College from 1988-1992 where he met his wife, Denise. He graduated magna cum laude with a double degree in Russian and Political Science. During his time at Middlebury, Gavin spent a semester at Middlebury's Pushkin Institute in Moscow to study Russian Language. A life-long student, Gavin returned to school to receive his Juris Doctorate from The University of Michigan, graduating in 1998. In 2003, Gavin entered Boston College's Ph.D. program for Political Philosophy, receiving his Master's Degree in 2007 and was researching his dissertation on "Aristotle and Plato on the Political Responsibility of the Philosopher" in pursuit of his Ph.D. Gavin worked in several different fields over the years. After graduating from Middlebury, he lived and worked in Moscow for two years as a consultant for a health care contract and in real estate. Following receipt of his law degree, Gavin practiced law at Hale and Dorr in Boston for a year and a half. In 2000, Gavin and Denise purchased Hanks' Bakery in Stoneham, MA and ran it for three years. After taking a year off to work on his political philosophy studies full-time, Gavin became Vice President of his family's real estate development business, Symes Associates, in 2005. Gavin continued to work there until his death. In addition to Denise, Henry and Grace, Gavin leaves behind his grandmother Julia Symes, parents Al and Barbara Symes, three brothers, Landers, Brandt and Weylin and their wives, Jennifer, Carolynn and Emily, and a sister, Aricia and her husband Mike, as well as thirteen nieces and nephews and countless friends. Gavin's great passion in life was his family. For Gavin, there was no greater joy than spending time with Denise and Henry and Grace, walking down to the waterfront in Newburyport, playing soccer with the kids in front of the house or spending a lazy morning reading stories all curled up in bed. His parents, brothers and sister left an indelible mark on him. They helped to build his character, his outlook on life and his sense of humor, all of which were unique. He truly was remarkable. He left us far too early and will be missed beyond words. He will live on in all of us who loved him so much. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, May 1st, from 2pm-6pm at the home of his parents Al and Barbara, 27 Phillips Avenue in Rockport. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Newburyport Public Library Children's Room in Memory of Gavin Symes at 94 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Twomey - LeBlanc and Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, NEWBURYPORT, MA 01950. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com