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Bullard High School Clovis West High School

GAVIN GLADDING Obituary

Gavin Gladding was a father, husband, brother, son, teacher, mentor, coach, and a best friend to everyone he came into contact with. Gavin embraced life. Not a moment went by that he wasn't smiling, laughing, or looking for opportunities to share his love of nature and education with his family, friends, co-workers, and students. Gavin moved to Fresno, CA in 1983, where he attended Forkner Elementary School, Tenaya Middle School, and Bullard High School. Upon graduation, Gavin followed his passion for the natural world and attended University of California, Santa Barbara, to study Environmental Science. Gavin believed in experiential learning, for his own children, for his students, and for himself. After completing his undergraduate studies, Gavin began to explore the world by joining the Peace Corps where he spent two years in The Gambia, West Africa working on a wide range of agricultural projects. Following his return from the Peace Corps in 2000, Gavin returned to the United States and began his career in education working at the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center School in Toccoa, GA. It was during his time in Georgia that Gavin met the love of his life Susan. They married in 2004. Gavin returned to Fresno, CA in 2003, to take a position at the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. It was during this time that Gavin fully realized his passion for working with children and went back to school to get his teaching credential leading to his 15 year career in education with Clovis Unified School District. Over the course of his career in education, he taught science at Alta Sierra Middle School, and AP Environmental Science at Clovis West High School. While at Clovis West, Gavin continued his own formal education earning a Masters degree in Educational Administration. For the past three years, he has been the GIS at Fort Washington Elementary School where he has continued to touch the lives of each and every child that he came into contact with. Beyond his degrees and professional accomplishments, Gavin's greatest successes were as a husband, a father, and a friend. Gavin was the husband who brought Susan coffee in bed every morning to get her day off to a great start, he was the father that taught his son to fish in the rivers that he grew up fishing with his own grandfather and dad, and the father who dressed up as Batman for the father-daughter dance. He leaves behind his wife Susan; their children, Carter age ten, and Isla age eight; his father and mother, Gary and Rita Gladding; his sister, Gabrielle Ruby and her husband Garrett, and their children, Jett age 15, and Finley age 12; and countless friends and extended family. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Gavin's life at the Peoples Church on Monday, September 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

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Published by Fresno Bee on Sep. 23, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for GAVIN GLADDING

Sponsored by Mary Lynn Higginbotham.

28 Entries

LynnDee Owens

September 11, 2023

I was shocked and saddened to hear of this tragedy. I worked with Gavin at the Parkway for several years. We spent many hours together hauling & paddling canoes. I will never forget him and am a better person for having known such a exceptional human being.

Today they dedicated a section of Friant Road to him. I am grateful that he is being remembered, officially. I thought I should also officially pay my respects.

I will always remember Gavin with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and a paddle in hands.

Kai Ajamian

January 23, 2020

I am so shocked and deeply saddened by learning of Mr. Gladding's passing from watching the news tonight. He was my 7th grade science teacher at Alta Sierra, a time that almost every girl and boy is feeling uncomfortable, depressed, confused, and scared of the changing times of a new school, friends, societal expectations, general teen awkwardness, etc. When us students walked into his class and sat down we could all take a breath finally and just relax, because we knew Mr. Gladding would make us feel at home and like family even though we were at school. He would greet us with that big white smile, and whoever was the first handful of students to come into his class would always have the privelege of being able to have a few minutes of quality time with a great teacher, role model, friend, and kind, loving soul by huddling around him and his desk and listening to a private acoustic guitar concert. He made us all feel like he really, really cared about us individually, and would answer any question we had, whether it was related to science or not with a sincerity of the heart that is rare in this world. I remember him showing us slideshows and telling us stories of his time in the Peace Corps in The Gambia, and he inspired a lot of us by those experiences he shared with us. I caught myself for some reason telling my big brother a few months ago (who is now an angel in Heaven and was a middle school teacher) how he was so awesome and reminded me of him. Who wouldn't think a 7th grade science teacher that played guitar and sang Green Day songs to his students in the middle of class time was the most awesome teacher ever? People have a handful (if they're lucky) of teachers that stand out to them decades later that they can look back on and say truly made an impact in their life
Mr. Gladding is one of those few. I know for sure that my brother is singing and Mr Gladding is accompanying playing the guitar up in Heaven right now. I know Mr. Gladding loved nature, science, and the beauty of nature. He loved helping people and making them feel better by his kindhearted words and big huge memorable smile. He is a guardian angel every second now for his kids, his wife, family, friends, and former students. I know sometimes no words help at all, but I have to think about the thousands and thousands of lives, hearts, and souls he touched and even saved while he was physically with us on this physical realm. He is gone physically, but is here forever in our hearts spiritually, and in Heaven doing more work helping God, being a guardian angel, and flying over all the people and beautiful nature he loved so much. His family will be in my prayers. Thank you Mr. Gladding. For everything you did for me, my peers, and this world. A rare gem, here on Earth, and in Heaven.

John DiDiego

January 6, 2020

I am dumbstruck - I only learned today of Gavin's death. I worked closely with Gavin at the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA. I still think of him often, for his humor, ability to connect with kids of all ages, Peace Corps stories, great meals together, paddling on the Chattooga River...so much. My heart goes out to Susan and the kids. Paddle on, brother!

Chris Rice

August 12, 2019

Gavin and I went to UCSB and were fraternity officers together in Sigma Chi. While he was the president of the fraternity I was the vice president. He was always level headed and fair and a man of character. He offered genuine and steady leadership within the fraternity environment which can be quite chaotic. I am very saddened to hear the news of his passing but proud to know that he and I shared a similar path as professional educators. Blessings to Gavin on the next stage of his spiritual journey.

John

March 21, 2019

My Deepest Sympathy, sounded like an extraordinary man, father, person. My heart goes out to this wife and children. Wow, he passed on the same date (9-16-08) as my Kim. All My best!

John Peebles III

March 19, 2019

I was Gavin's soccer coach at Forkner for the under 12 "A" team and though he was a youth at the time he was solid as a rock when leading by example on and off the field. A quiet kid who was respected by his team for the way he played the game but moreover, the way he treated his teammates with respect during a practice or game. He had a great left foot and played the halfback position next to Mark Dragoo on the field like brothers. He was one of those kids that was as seen more than heard and I appreciated how his work ethic was everyday we practiced and played on Saturdays. I always knew Gavin had the 'IT' factor and would be successful in his future endeavors. Thank you Gavin for being what the human spirit is: "always being kind and giving to those around you".

Jeff Dubsick

March 7, 2019

Gavin and I went to Forkner all the way the through UCSB together. Pretty sure only 2 or 3 of us stayed together that whole time. Last I saw him was around UCSB graduation (1997) and he was talking abiut the peace corps. I'll remember always seeing Him on UCSB campus that last time. My old friend Gavin. Wish I knew his family and kept in better touch.

Zachary Gillespie

December 6, 2018

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gavin. From what I'm reading here and in the news, he made an extremely positive impact in many peoples lives and will be missed tremendously. This may seem very random, which is actually how I came across this terrible news; I see it's been mentioned that Gavin moved to Fresno in 1983? Was it by any chance from Bexley Ohio? I'm asking because I was friends with a Gavin Gladding right around that time, (1982-83) however he moved away and we did not keep in touch, as we were only in 2nd or 3rd grade at Maryland Elementary School and I don't believe our parents were close enough to have done it for us. Regardless if this is the same Gavin Gladding or not - we're sending love your way.

September 28, 2018

sorry for your loss you have my condolences 1 peter 5:6,7

Janie & Bill Raab

September 25, 2018

Susan, Carter, Isla, Rita, Gary, Gabrielle, Garrett, Jett and Finley. Please accept our deepest condolences about the loss of Gavin. We were truly saddened to hear the news and feel that our families have grown up knowing each other and sharing pictures even though we are on different coastlines. Rita - our bond together growing up as best friends in NJ will always be strong and we share your loss of losing Gavin so young. He was truly a very special loving person to everyone he met and his spirit will be with us forever. Love from your "best friends" Janie, Bill, Chris, Jessica & Parker

Dr. Joseph Penbera

September 25, 2018

We were saddened by Gavin's passing. Our prayers are with his wife and children, Gary and Rita, and all that new, respected and love him. Joseph and Wendy Penbera

September 25, 2018

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Gavin, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in West Gambia.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

Jack Taylor

September 24, 2018

What an special man he was

Dale Shores

September 24, 2018

For your loss.May God provide tender comfort through his word the Bible during this most difficult time. 2 Cor.3-4,

Cera

September 23, 2018

Hey, Mr. Gladding. You may have only been my science teacher for half my 8th grade year at Alta Sierra, but you left more of an impression than other teachers. You made it a point to notice all of your students...and to an awkward girl in an awkward situation of being surrounded by people she doesn't know, that meant a lot. You also made learning science way more fun than it should have been - like pretending to cut your hand in a fan just to prove how tightly atoms are packed and how fast they move. You taught us things in ways that we will never forget.
You are very missed.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Gladding, keep on smiling

Colleen Gregg

September 23, 2018

We knew Gavin through Tenaya and Bullard schools where he attended with my son, Jon Pratt. We are terribly sorry that he has been taken at his prime and wish his wife, children and parents especially love and joyful memories. Colleen Gregg

Theresa Holt

September 23, 2018

Words cannnot express how sorry we are for your loss. It is obvious that he was a blessing to so many. Sending love and continued prayers to all. Theresa and Gary Holt and family

Parent & student FW elementary School

September 23, 2018

As a parent at FW elementary, i cant tell you enough how wonderful mr. Gladding was to all of the students & parents. I talked to him so many times he would come up &ask how my daughter & i were. The last thing he said to us on Friday was Have A Good Weekend! With that smile. He was a gift from god & our hearts are with his family.

Kelly Molthen

September 23, 2018

The opportunity to work with Gavin during his years at CW brought so many blessings to my life. His smile, his demeanor, his happiness was contagious. When he rounded the corner in the main office and headed down the row we would announce GQ was in the house...only to bring out his great blush and even bigger smile. He was a gem to staff and students alike...no one was more or less important to Gavin. He had a gift of making each person feel so special. Thank you, Gavin Gladding, for touching our lives. You will never be forgotten, will always loved and remembered for exactly who you were...simply the BEST! ❤

Muggs

September 23, 2018

I am fortunate to be able to call Susan and Gavin my friends. That was long before I worked with Gavin professionally. Sometimes those two worlds would collide. These last two summers, I worked as the secretary for the Accelerated English Learners Academy and Newcomers program. After collecting multiple applications from all our elementary sites, I always have a few applications that need further information. My favorite call was to Gavin because being able to give him crap was an excuse to talk to my friend and hear him laugh. So when the second year came around, I again called Gavin and when he picked up the phone all he said was...Dang it, Muggs. Don't you know by now that I'm not sure I know what I'm doing? He assured me he would get it right next year. Summer before last, when summer school started, one of the Mountain View Newcomers shows up in the front office. Through his uncle who spoke English, the family shared with me that Mr. Gladding had made their decision to move here from Armenia the best decision. That Mr. Gladding had done great things for them and gave them hope. The uncle told me that his nephew didn't want to come to a different school because he knew Mr. Gladding wouldn't be at this school. I just know that Gavin probably spent extra time with this boy. There is no doubt in my mind that even though they couldn't communicate to each other, Gavin found a way to make him feel comfortable and safe. That's the type of person he was. You will never find a better person. He was kind and good natured and he cared. He loved his wife and kids and he was taken way too soon. This world has suffered a tragic loss. One that still doesn't seem real. To Carter and Isla...your daddy wasn't just a good guy, he was the BEST guy. The nicest guy. The friendliest guy. The funniest guy.

Saundra Plett

September 23, 2018

Gavin and I worked together at the River Parkway Trust where he touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of River Camp kids, sharing his joy and love of life and the natural world. So grateful to have known you, Gavin. So sorry you're gone.

Parent of a Clovis West student

September 22, 2018

This is such a tragic loss for everyone especially for his beautiful family. May God be with them to watch over them and to fill their hearts and minds of wonderful memories. He will be missed dearly.

Cam Robinson

September 22, 2018

I worked with Gavin briefly at FW as a sub Campus Monitor in December 2016. I was so impressed with his caring and professional demeanor as he created a positive environment for the students during the chaos of lunch time. I will always remember that he wore the best "ugly" Christmas sweater I have ever seen along with an elf hat. I am so saddened at his passing and send my condolences to his family. He was one of the good ones!!!

Adrienne Vinnard

September 22, 2018

I attended Forkner Elementary with Gavin, and I will never forget his smile. He was always smiling, always happy, and a great person to be around. We also both worked for the River Parkway after college. I am deeply saddened to hear of his death. My condolences to his family for this tragic loss.

Korrea Lewis

September 22, 2018

Hey Mr. Gladding, its Korrea here. I just wanted to say that I am very saddened by your passing and that I will miss you so much. Thank you so much for being such a great teacher in my 7th grade year at Alta Sierra. You taught me some interesting stuff about science. Science rules. ;) and I will always remember your kindness and fun personality. I havent seen you in awhile and I wish I had gotten to see you recently. Lots of love to your family and I am so blessed that I have gotten to known you and that you entered my life. We need more people like you out there. Thank you. Much love ❤ you will be greatly missed.

Jeremy Schwabenland

September 21, 2018

I knew Gavin only from elementary school. We played soccer on same team and had the same teacher at Forkner elementary. He always had a big smile. All us kids used to have a ball. When you could stay out till dark and run the streets of the neighborhood safely.
My parents moved us to Clovis and I lost touch with my childhood friends. I was very sad to hear his name on the news. Instantly memories and fun times boys being boys, riding bikes, building forts, collecting golf balls from the Fig Garden Country Club filled my head also that big smile of Gavins.
All my prayers and wishes go out to the Gladding family.

The Talamantes Family

September 21, 2018

Thank you Mr. Gladding for having been one of the great ones in our lifetime here on earth. Thank you for having recognized our children and for making their days brighter, because you were in it. I imagine you as a guardian angel now, still blessing others as you always have. God bless your family and friends through their loss.

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