Garrett Dunlap

PLYMOUTH - Garrett Dunlap, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend passed away on July 23 in Bradenton, Fla. after a lengthy battle with addiction.
Garrett was born on June 15, 1992 to Denise and Michael Dunlap and lived the first nine years of his life in Campton. Garrett had a delightful childhood where he was fortunate to bask in the love of two sets of doting grandparents, as well as the love of his parents. He spent his toddler and preschool days with his grandparents Larry and Helga Dunlap, cousin Patrick and siblings Matthew and Sarah. Attending the Montessori School of Plymouth for preschool and kindergarten was a special time in his life. He gained a love of learning, of nature and of friends. He especially enjoyed trips to Squam Lake Natural Science Center, Wellington State Park and to his grandparents' home in Charlestown.
Competitive sports became an interest of Garrett's at a young age. Playing hockey for White Mountain Avalanche in Holderness at the age of seven sparked his lifelong love for hockey. He played two years of Pop Warner football in Plymouth before moving to Meredith where he played soccer through eighth grade. His father, Mike, coached many of his Cal Ripken baseball teams. Garrett continued to enjoy playing baseball through junior high and most of high school. Garrett played hockey throughout high school, and was an integral member the original Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough 'Mailers' team. He served as their captain during his senior year. Inter-Lakes High School adopted a football program when Garrett was a freshman. The team grew and developed with time and perseverance and accomplished a thrilling 6-0 State Championship victory during Garrett's senior year.
Garrett graduated from Inter-Lakes High School in 2010. He attended Castleton State College and Plymouth State College. The past few years he spent working at various jobs and trying to determine his life's path. His struggle with addiction caused him immense pain and remorse. He was forever appreciative of the support of his family and friends. He felt terribly about causing anyone any pain and was constantly apologizing. In recent conversations, Garrett conveyed that it was not important to him to make a great deal of money; he wanted to help and make a difference in the lives of others. His life journey abruptly ended as the demons of addiction were more powerful than his own beautiful heart and spirit. We can only hope that his suffering and strife will have some way of fulfilling his desire to help others.
Family and friends were the focus of Garrett's life. Garrett was the light of his parents and grandparents lives from the day he was born. His gregarious, delightful spirit was appreciated and enjoyed by many. Garrett was able to connect with a wide variety of people and was a sincere pleasure to spend time with. He was considered a 'second son' by many of his friends' families. He was a loyal and devoted person; the kind of person one dreams about having a son, brother, grandson, and friend. A huge void will remain forever in the hearts of his family and friends.
As much as our hearts are aching and broken, we are so grateful for having had Garrett in our lives. The wonderful memories that each of us has will, in time, bring us many more smiles than tears.
Garrett is survived by his parents Michael Dunlap of Campton, Denise and Chris (step father) Read of Sandwich; his brother, Matthew, of Winter Park, Fla., and sister, Sarah of Sandwich, ; his grandmother, Helga Dunlap, (Larry Dunlap 2007), cousin Patrick Dunlap, aunt Patricia Dunlap all of Plymouth; his grandparents Paul and Joanne Savoie, Uncle and Aunt Jonathon and Kathleen Ouellette and cousins Celia, Libby and Elias Ouellette, all of Bowdoinham, Maine.
A Celebration of Life will take place Friday, July 29 at 3 p.m. at Prospect Hall, Plymouth State University.
Donations in Garrett's memory can be made to 'Inter-Lakes Athletics' at SAU 2/Inter-Lakes School District, Humiston Building, 103 Maine St. Suite 2, Meredith, NH 03253.