Gavin James Shaunty

It is with the deepest love and sadness that we announce the passing of Gavin James Shaunty on March 26, 2025 as he entered the bliss of heaven at the early age of 19. Gavin was born on April 22, 2005 (Earth Day as he was always proud to share) in Zephyrhills, Florida and was immediately placed in the angelic hands of his Aunt Jane Bolton, who tenderly cared for him until God found his path to his forever home with his very loving family. Gavin immediately became the youngest son of three boys and moved to Texas for the duration of his life. Growing up, Gavin had so many passions and interests showing a strong love of trains, dinosaurs and all things nature. He carried these same passions with him throughout his life and enjoyed sharing them with family and friends. Gavin was blessed with his older brothers, a loving family and his precious close friends over the years. He was proud of his friendships and family and they brought him the most joy in his life, especially his two emotional support loving cats – Sydney and Sammy who have been at his side daily for over 13 years.
We are so proud of Gavin for his valiant efforts with school throughout his life. He carried such fond memories of Primrose Preschool and Hassler Elementary in Spring, followed by Salem Lutheran Middle School in Tomball and Montgomery High School where he graduated with a Plant Science Designation on his diploma once again showing his love of nature. The friends he made at these schools were lifetime friends showing his extreme loyalty to those who he cared about. Gavin's dream was to one day become a park ranger so that he could protect nature on the earth that he so loved or to use his amazing artistic talents to possibly become an art teacher one day. He started that venture at Lone Star College where he achieved high marks his first semester and was on a path to work towards something purposeful. In true Gavin fashion, he took art classes along with his academics and joined the Paleontology Club at the school. In his spare time, Gavin was a true "giver". He spent his youth and teen years being a student/camper and then later a volunteer for God's children at summer camps at his favorite heaven on earth places, Serenity Equine (4 years) and Great Adventure Camp (GAC – 10 years). God gave him the best friends and caregivers who became like family to him at these places and made him feel secure, important and loved. And God gifted Gavin back for his service by providing him with a peaceful landing place to work in this last year of his life at Three Dudes Farms. The farm was Gavin's outlet, the animals were his flock of besties, and the flowers that Gavin watched grow and bring light to others were his pride and joy. The farm was his haven where he felt safe and closer to God's creations. Gavin's other place of joy was being in the mountains, immersed with the wildlife. He recently expressed his wishes to live in the mountains forever. To honor that, in lieu of a funeral service, his family will gather together this summer at Gavin's final resting place near our precious cabin in Angel Fire, New Mexico - his "happy place".
The word we heard most throughout Gavin's life to describe him was "kind". What a gift to be known as a kind human. His gentle nature, kind heart and love for living things is how he will always be remembered.
Gavin is survived by his loving parents, Matt and Jen Shaunty, his siblings, Jordan (& Sahran) and Jackson; and grandparents Henry and Cheryle Durbin and Tim and Claudette Shaunty; and his former foster family and dear friends – Aunt Jane Bolton (& Bentley) and Dallas "Sissy" Faherty (& Dan), and his other loving aunts, uncles and cousins who will cherish his memory forever. Finally, are Gavin's close friends who were hand-picked and so important throughout his life. Gavin is preceded in death by his Papa Joe Wackerman and his Uncle Jeff Wackerman who are with him now to comfort him until we can be together again. Gavin's kindness and zest for life will be deeply missed but will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know him.
You may leave written memories to Gavin's family at www.shmfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, options for donations to honor Gavin and his life passions include:
The Trees Remember https://thetreesremember.com/memorial-trees/
Clearwater Marine Aquarium https://give.clearwateraquarium.org/
To learn more about the places and people who were so meaningful to Gavin, please visit:
Three Dudes Farms https://threedudesfarm.com/ (Local Montgomery County, College Station and some Houston-area residents can support the farm via flower delivery subscriptions. Thank you to our favorite farmer, Brett Chisholm, for gifting Gavin his dream job.)
Great Adventure Camp (GAC) https://gacisfun.com (There is a Nancy Paul Scholarship fund with donation links on the website – thank you to Mary Ellen Taylor and Jay Barrera for your years of love and support for Gavin.)
Serenity Equine https://www.serenityequineservices.com (Thank you to Kendall Serrato for sharing your horses and Christian love and influence with Gavin.)