GAVIN LIPIS

1953 - 2025

GAVIN LIPIS

Dec. 17, 1953 – Apr. 24, 2025

Gavin Lipis, 71, of Brawley, CA passed away on April 24, 2025, in the early hours surrounded by his wife and two sons.

Gavin was born in Riverside, CA, on December 17, 1953, and grew up in Colton until moving with his family to Brawley, CA in 1961 after his father took a job driving a cattle truck for Dick Walker. The family lived in rural Brawley for a few years, where he got his start by raising pigeons and chickens at the early age of 10 years old. Soon the family settled in the country near Westmorland, CA, and he attended Westmorland Elementary and Junior High School, where he made many lifelong friends.

The country life was perfect for a rough and tumble kid, who took full advantage of country life. He and his friends would be gone all day on their motorcycles exploring around the Salton Sea. A lifelong hobby began of raising and caring for his animals. While attending Westmorland Elementary School, he was a member of the Westmorland 4-H Club and had sheep and market beef projects while in 4-H. His animal expertise consisted of rabbits, ducks, pheasants, pigeons, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, and even an old milk cow he milked mornings and evenings. But where he most excelled was with chickens' "Roosters." Capital R double-OO-ster-ROOSTERS! They brought much enjoyment and troubles he overcame.

He helped his granddaughter Abigail with her 4-H and FFA projects. He never turned down a phone call from Brawley FFA leader Mrs. Taylor when help was needed and assisted in obtaining rabbits and chickens for fair projects.

After high school, Gavin followed in his father's footsteps, driving a truck for Bolsa Tile, hauling gravel as well as hauling and bucking hay. Gavin was employed by the Imperial Irrigation District as a Zanjero from 1977 until he retired after 32 years of service. During his time there, he made many friends who became lifelong friends.

Gavin was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Lipis; mother, Betty Clement Lipis; brother, Eldon Lipis; and brother-in-law, Steven Dougherty.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gail (Dougherty); his sons, Robert (Rosanna, nee Zuniga) and Scott Lipis; and his beloved grandchildren, Abigail Jane Lipis and Jackson Eldon Lipis. He is also survived by his sister, Shauna (Joe) Callens, and nephew and great-nieces, Joshua Goswick, Madison Goswick, and Baylee Goswick.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Riverview Cemetery, 4700 Hovley Road, Brawley, CA at 10 a.m. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will take place at the Stockmen's Club, 275 Marjorie Ave., Brawley, CA 92227, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.