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John Gahagan Obituary
Sean GAHAGAN John Joseph GAHAGAN, VI August 29, 1990 ~ July 17, 2008 Sean was taken from us in the early morning of July 17th, 2008. We will miss him beyond belief. He was life, he was love, he was the bubbly es sence of any gathering. He had many unique qualities, especially a flair and talent for music and the arts. He was a thrift shop fashionista, a pump kin carver extraordinaire and an ac complished baker. His sunglass col lection was renowned throughout Kamiak High School. He graduated from Kamiak this past June. Those who remain and love him so much are his parents, John and Mary Jane; his sister, Genevieve; his aunts and uncles, Dan and Chris Tutak, Christine Tutak, Margaret and Scott Victor, Kevin and Tina Gahagan; his cousins, Jeff Tutak and Bessie Nesseler, Gabe Tutak, Jessica and Mike McFarlane, Kyle Victor, Ian Gahagan, Bridget Gahagan, Stephanie Tutak, Rosemarie Tutak and many extended family members and dear friends. We will celebrate the gift of his life to us on Tuesday, July 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Viewing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. BOTH services will be held at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 6511 - 176th St. SW, Lynn wood, WA. A reception will be held immediately after the funeral. If you wish to make a donation in Sean's honor, family and friends ask that you give to Doctor's Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030. www.doctorswithoutborders.org Please sign the online guestbook at www.legacy.com Hoffner Fisher & HarveyTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gahagan
Sponsored by Mom, Dad and Genevieve.
Ali Michael
December 5, 2024
I love you Sean and you changed my life
Clayton K
August 1, 2013
I suppose it's been five years since Sean's passing, but the memories of growing up with him still seem like yesterday. Having the privilege of knowing Sean from elementary school through high school, I am grateful to have known him for the time I did. He was truly kind to everyone--a champion to the lonely and left out. I recall his words of encouragement to me when I was struggling in a middle school theatre class (which, of course, he excelled in), and remember this as one of the many acts of kindness I witnessed him show. May he rest in peace for all of the good he brought to people's lives.
July 17, 2011
It has been three years since we lost sean, the time hasn't done anything to make those who loved him forget him nor will it ever. We all still miss him dearly.
-k.w.
Jessica Rivinius
November 14, 2009
To the Gahagan Family -
I have always remembered Sean as a person who was full of laughter and kindness, and of course bright red hair and lots of freckles. When I met him, I was new to Columbia Elementary School, and he was the first to reach out and be my friend - he helped me get through those first shaky days of being the new kid in class. Even after I moved away, he was someone I've looked back at with great fondness. I didn't know him for long, but I've never forgotten his kindness to me. I am shocked and saddened to find out that he passed away, and my heart goes out to you, and all of his friends.
God Bless,
Sean in Ireland, Summer of 2006
November 1, 2008
Erik Steele
September 7, 2008
Hello I am as everyone who has met Sean sincerely sorry for the tragic loss of him...I did not know him much but I definitely saw him around. When I heard about his death it hit me hard how even someone so young can be taken away so fast...and it made me appreciate just how precious life is. Even though he is not with us right now, Sean's death opened my eyes to what truely matters...he was also a Nirvana fan which is completely awesome. My deepest sympathy's to you. R.I.P.
Christine Roberts
August 28, 2008
Dear Gahagan Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Sean. I was his Art Teacher in Middle School and will always remember the humor and joy that he brought to class. The news of your loss just reached us this week and I believe I can speak for all of CMS in that we wish your family peace. Please know that he touched many lives here and that we will remember the red haired always smiling young man and hope that he has found peace in God's arms.
God Bless
Mike Deller
August 26, 2008
John and Mary Jane:
My heart goes out to you for your loss of Sean. Mary Jane, your comments in today's Herald were brave and will help others who don't know where to turn. Cathy and I offer our deepest condolences.
Annette Richards
August 24, 2008
Dear Gahagan Family,
My name is Annette Richards. I am a good friend and co-worker of your brother Kevin and neighbor to Dave Boushey.
I wanted to express my sympathy to you. I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your dear son Sean. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him. Please know your son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.
shaney collins
August 16, 2008
sean was one of the most awesome people i will ever meet and it makes me really sad that i was never able to go up to washington to see him :(
...i was always jealous of sean's hair...most of the time that i spent looking for hair dye when i was younger i was trying to match it...after i heard about what happened, little things would kind of set me off, ex: i saw i guy wearing brown converse and remembered sean's that had nirvana bleached into the side...i miss him sooo much. i regret not doing everything possible to go up and visit him while he was still here...it's hard knowing that one of the most sweetest, most beautiful, most unique people on earth is not with us any more...all of you will be in my prayers
<3 shaney
cathy neece
August 14, 2008
MJ, John and GG,
Our family is so saddened to hear of Sean's passing. We are praying everyday for the repose of Sean's soul and peace for each of you. When your sorrow becomes more than you can bear call on our Lord Jesus Christ and rest in his sacred heart.
With love and prayers,
Mike, Cathy, Katie, Clare and Maggie Neece
Margo Howell
August 13, 2008
John and MJ, I'm so very sorry to hear about Sean's passing. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Dylan McCoy
August 5, 2008
We had a blast in math class, and when you came over to play guitar :) You will be deeply missed.
Jade Post
August 4, 2008
I've known Sean since like elementary school when we lived in Colleyville... And in middle school we became really good friends and I think I might have even dated him for a couple days in the 7th or 8th grade haha. Sadly, we lost touch when he moved away, but talked over myspace every once in a while. Sean was an awesome dude and I'm really sad to know that he's gone and I'm not gonna get to talk to him again. And to his family, I'm terribly sorry for your loss... Always missed, never forgotten.... <3
Chris Schade
August 4, 2008
I met Sean my freshman year in P.E. with Jeremy and a couple of other kids. Sean stood out to me because of his unique sense of humor and his great taste in music. My favorite memory is when he came to school wearing a shirt saying, "Courtney did it" on the anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death. Dont know why but that always stuck with me. Miss you alot Sean, watch over us
Vivian Vallar
August 4, 2008
i first met sean in highschool in freshman english and what immeditly drew me to him was his wonderful amazing, astounding hair as well as his amazing outlook on life and what he had to say. we became super close throughout those days until he moved away, but still kept in touch.
he was the first person who taught me to lighten up, be who i really wanted to be, be more outgoing and more fun. and for that i am so thankful. he touched my life.
i will forever remeber him, i will forever cherish all the pictures i have of me and him forever.
my thoughts and prayers will continualy go out to you and your family.
Caroline Delanoy
July 31, 2008
Dear MJ, John and GG,
I don't have words to express how sad I am about this tragic loss, and feel so heart broken about your loss. I will always remember your son has a lovely and nice boy who was really good in French. I sadly cannot be close to you right now but my thoughts are there at every moment. Be strong together as you always are and I think of you very much. Avec beaucoup de tendresse.
Kyla Petcoff
July 28, 2008
I am very sorry about your loss. Sean was a very special person in my life even though we didn't get to hangout much this past year. You raised an amazing son and he will live on in all of us.
Amanda Neroutsos
July 28, 2008
John, MJ & Genevieve,
I don't have words to express how sad we are about this tragic loss, the hole left in your family. I'm glad you have family & friends around you. I'm sure there are more than you realize, thinking of you & praying for your family.
We didn't know Sean as a teen, but we heard stories of a loved nephew, and we have fond memories of the red haired little tank of a toddler.
You will remain in our prayers.
In deepest sympathy,
Amanda & Keith Neroutsos
Stephanie Dudak
July 28, 2008
I barely knew Sean, but every time I saw him in the halls, he always gave me a smile. It's so tragic I'll never see his bright smile and wonderful outlook again. I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. He was a great man, even if I only knew him on an aquaintance level. He will be sorely missed.
Tracy Glidewell
July 27, 2008
MJ, John and GG,
We are heartsick over the loss of your Sean. Travis and Mark have many happy memories of time spent with him at school, Scouts or just hanging out. Mark in particular remembers the canoe trip to Canada where Sean quoted The Family Guy for eight days! We feel blessed to have known him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With time may peace replace your sorrow.
Jan Maxson
July 26, 2008
Dear Mary Jane and John
I cannot begin to tell you how sad I feel to hear that Sean has passed. I don't know if you remember me but we met in the LM family support group. John, I always enjoyed your relaying of what was happening in your family's journey. I am so sad to hear where it has led. I learned of Sean's passing when our family was away in western Washington and read about it the morning of the funeral. I wish I had known in time to be there. I felt a closeness to you on several levels. The first was that we as parents shared the anguish of kids struggling. The second was that my Will so admired Sean. We called Will in Couer D'Alene this morning to share the news with him. He was so shocked and sad. He told me the first person he was looking forward to seeing when he came back was Sean. He reminded me that Sean had encouraged him to read Plato and Will was always so impressed with Sean's kindness. Sean was the one person at LM who always made Will feel welcome and like he had a friend in Sean.
As Will said, "Of all the people he met, Sean was the last one he would ever think this would happen to."
You and John both shared so much of Sean's intelligence and uniqueness at our meetings. He was such a remarkable person. I felt the notice in the paper was chiselled to a perfect point. It spoke with such warmth and love of such a exceptional person. We were so glad to know about all of the wonderful accomplishments that Sean had. He was one in a billion. But I think the best quality he possessed was that he had a heart big enough to let everyone in. Will, like many others, felt like he had a friend in Sean.
I can't imagine what you are going through. The last several nights since I heard the news, I have awakened in the middle of the night and sat in agony with the pain that I feel for you losing your son. I can't imagine what the hurt is like.
Sean was such a bright light in the world. Anyone could see that. I can't think of anything to say to make any difference.
I told Will that he should write to you and let you know what a special person Sean was. He said, "everybody knew that." Yes, they do, but you also need to know that he will never be forgotten by Will or me.
Jayne Gardner
July 26, 2008
Mary Jane,
I heard about Sean's passing. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through. I am here for you by phone if talking would help. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Dr. Jayne Gardner 817 416 9400
900 E. Southlake Blvd
Southlake, Texas 76092
Jeff Plucker
July 26, 2008
I am deeply sorry. Sean was a great, understanding friend who helped me through alot of troubled times. He was special, to everyone that knew him. I know his warm presence will always be felt.
Bridget Gahagan
July 26, 2008
Dear GG, John, and MJ,
It is hard to find the words to say how hard this entire situation must be for your family. Sean was an amazing person, and we all knew it. Genevieve, losing a brother is one of the worst things I could imagine happening and I pray that you get through this easily. John and MJ, losing a son must be heartbreaking, and again, I hope this situation will get better for you. Sean will be in my heart forever, he was a fantastic cousin and it was great knowing him. He touched the lives of everyone he met. The impact he left on this world from his crazy sense of humor, goofy nature, intelligence, and style will always be remembered.
Gail Davis
July 26, 2008
Dear Mary Jane,
I saw the write up in the Dallas Morning New obituaries. I have such a heavy heart. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know you are in my thougths and prayers. I miss seeing you and your family at Good Shepherd. I hope you feel the warmth of God's loving arms.
Kevin Gahagan
July 26, 2008
Dear John, MJ and GG,
Sean was the most wonderful nephew and cousin. We are reminded of his intelligence, compassionate nature and his great sense of humor. It was an honor to know him. We will always think of him and the laughs we shared. We send our heartfelt prayers and love. We love you forever dear Sean. Kevin, Tina, Ian and Bridget
Mary Jane Gahagan
July 26, 2008
Dearest Sean Sean,
Yesterday's post didn't make it, perhaps it was too long. I loved you more than anything. The pain I feel is bottomless. I remember one of the first words you learned was "pretty" only you said "ptee".
I will do my best to live compassion and love and I will see you some day.
Love, mum
Mary Jane Gahagan
July 26, 2008
"The horror of the moment" the King said, "I shall never, never forget." "You will, though said the Queen, "if you don't make a memorandum of it." Lewis Carroll - Through the Looking Glass.
He had a copy on his desk.
mum
Ashley Merrell
July 25, 2008
MJ, John, and GG-
I am so glad I could make it up to Lynnwood for Sean's services. I wouldn't miss it for the world. My heart sinks and aches every moment I think about what has happened. I loved Sean infinitely, and I miss him terribly. You are in my prayers and thoughts everyday.
All you need is love.
Rose Grady
July 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. This is for all of your cousins from the Joseph Grady family in Baltimore.
Lacie McKeown
July 24, 2008
dear family,
i was a close friend of your sons in middle school in colleyville. we had lost touch untill i found out from a friend that he had passed. He was an amazing and wonderful person who inspired me to be a musician, i forever thank him for that. I am so sorry to hear about sean and i will keep you all in my prayers. much love. _lacie
Blake Lewis
July 24, 2008
I wouldn't trade any of our times for the world. The all nighters. The sneaking out. The shenanigans. I tried to protect you the best I could through it all. I didn't do a good enough job, please forgive me love.
I miss you so much, and I'm glad that even the vacation of my life exploded so that I got to see you at least once before you left us for good.
Please, tell me what its like where you are, i'm listening more closely now than ever.
I hope its beautiful.
Like Sleepwalkin'
Cathy Baker
July 24, 2008
MJ,
My heart hurts to read the news of your son, Sean. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Davis
July 24, 2008
Search Light Mom's wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Sean. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Mom's
www.slmoms.com
July 24, 2008
So sorry for your loss! No words can describe the pain your family must go through.
But, do not despair, as God is our great comforter. He will strengthen you and guide you through this valley. You will be renewed and understand His greater purpose for all of you. Because... He is Love! He will not abandon you.
My deepest sympathy,
Just another human being who's been touched ....
Debra and Sven
July 23, 2008
Dear Mary Jane and John,
We are deeply saddened to have learned of Sean's death. Please know we will keep him and your family in our prayers.
Jeanita Nelson
July 23, 2008
John, MJ and GG,
How my heart aches for the loss of your beautiful young son and brother. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.
July 23, 2008
I feel very much for your family and my prayers are with you.
Michelle Sisson
July 23, 2008
Dear MJ and John, words escape the saddness in learning about Sean's passing. A bright, handsome artist with so much to give; a huge smile and heart to match. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Angela Gwynn
July 23, 2008
Dear Mary Jane, John & Genevieve ~
You don't know me, but I came across beautiful Sean's entry in the paper today. I scan the entries everyday now, after I lost my own son Dallas, July 12 2007.
I am so deeply sorry. So sorry for the loss of your son and brother.
It is an incomprehensible loss. A loss that will take years to even comprehend. My heart and the hearts of my remaining sons, go out to you and your family.
He was a beautiful child and he will be missed in the world.
Please know that you are never alone in your grief, even as the abyss of pain feels deep and wide and so very lonely. My son's story is the same. My pain, still so new, touches your own in understanding.
I wish you love, peace and comfort.
Angela Gwynn
Katie (Kirkpatrick) Rohs
July 23, 2008
My thoughts are with you & your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Molly (Budinich) Brady
July 23, 2008
John,
I saw Sean's obituary, he sounds like a wonderful young man. My husband just lost his 20 year old son 2 months ago. No parent should ever have to go through this. I am so sorry for your loss and will pray for you and your family.
Your old school friend,
Cheryl Z. Scofield
July 23, 2008
Dear Mary Jane, John & Genevieve,
I was in total shock when I found out. Sorry that we could'nt be there in person, but we are definitely there in spirit, mind and soul. Our thoughts and prayers go out to eveyone at this very difficult time. Love Cheryl Z. & Thom Scofield.
Diane & Blake Lewis
July 23, 2008
There are no words that can comfort enough. We are just so very happy to have been a part of Sean's brief but bright life. My kitchen was a cooking haven for him and his friends. We even bought him a waffle maker to use when he was there...the 'road trips' he took with us are only part of the many memories to make us smile and miss him even more. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
Doug Buescher
July 23, 2008
To the entire family, especially Kevin, I pray for you all for strength and courage in this, the most difficult of times.
Maureen Kristofco
July 23, 2008
John and MJ...Please know how much I grieve for you. I am sorry that I was not able to make the trip west but my heart and my prayers are with you. God bless you and your family. I love you all.
Claudia/Sam (Roberts) Groner
July 23, 2008
To my very sweet and dear cousin MJ, and John, and young GG,
I am grieving this great tragic loss with you. I will miss Sean's yearly message on the family Christmas letter. Sending you daily Love, Light, and Prayers
Claudia/Sam
Patti Rogers
July 23, 2008
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gahagan and GG,
I was so sad to see Sean's picture in the paper. I was Sean's math teacher when he was in 5th grade. I remember Sean as a very bright and handsome boy. I am so terribly sorry abour your loss, and I will pray for all of you. Sean was such a fun-loving little boy when I had him, and I will always remember his sweet face I saw each day.
Thinking of you,
Angela Martin
July 23, 2008
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I used to work at the Montessori school he attended when he was little. I babysat for his little sister. I pray you can focus on his life and the joy and love you shared together. Your family will be in my prayers.
Paul Bickford
July 23, 2008
To my friends, I just read, and am only capable of sharing a small part of the sorrow you must feel. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Colleen and Tony Barracca
July 23, 2008
John, MJ and GG
We remember the joyful red-head boy from down the block and that he was always ready to share his bright smile. Tony and I have your whole family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Leon Johnson
July 22, 2008
John and Mary Jane:
We are all so sorry for your loss our prayers go out to your whole family. We ac's grieve with you.
Lorraine Aldrich
July 22, 2008
Dear Gahagan family,
Today was very painful and tearful for my family to read of another tragedy to such a young child. As a family who just lost our young son last month to the same thing we can truly feel your pain and anger. Please know your family is in our prayers. We are truly sorry for your loss.
When the healing process starts please consider contacting us, we would like the opportunity to start a support family in the community.
I understand it is soon but I would like to share the opportunity for healing. Our Catholic Church; Immaculate Conception will be holding a grief seminar in September if you would be interested in attending.
Kathy Owen
July 22, 2008
Dearest John, MJ and GG,
We are so sorry and saddened to hear the news of your loss of Sean. There are no words comforting enough to take away your pain and sorrow, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, now.
Mike & Kathy Owen & family
Marty Bourgeois
July 22, 2008
Dear MJ/John......"Absent from the body and present with the Lord". John has joined my son in eternity. May the good Lord embrace you and hold you tight through this time.....
He will bring you peace, serenity....It is written..Bless you and yours.................
karen defilippis
July 22, 2008
dear Mary Jane and John... my heart is so heavy for you. I truly loved Sean and so enjoyed him in my RE class. We pray for all of you as you try to make it through your grief. Your Good Shepherd family prays for you..
Kathryn Noonan
July 22, 2008
I will remember Sean's beautiful smile, wonderful intellect, and great wit from his days in my English II Honors class. I am stunned and sorry that the world has lost him. Please take care.
John Zawacki
July 22, 2008
Dear MJ ,John And Genevieve
know that are hearts are heavy with great sadness with the passing of your dear son Sean. We are so sorry that at this dificult time we can't not be there in person by your side please know that you and your family are in our thoughs and constant prayers we will be here for you in the days to come. May the wonderful memories and love for shawn and god's love sustain you all and give you the strenght that you need at this most dificult time
With all of our love
John & Angie
Kathy and Bill Marshall
July 22, 2008
MJ, John, and GG, Jena aleady signed for us, but Bill and I wanted you to know we are sending all our sympathy and prayers to you. We can't imagine a more devastating loss than the loss of a child. We are sorry we can't be with you at this very sad time. We are with you in spirit. Much Love, Kathy and Billy
Jack, Barbara, Annie & Alex Bateman
July 22, 2008
John & Mary Jane
Our family grieves with you, and we are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Patrice Kelly
July 22, 2008
Dear MJ and Family,
My heart is breaking for you. You and Sean are all in my prayers. I hope all you love and treasure about him brings some comfort to you during these difficult days.
Theresa Callahan
July 22, 2008
Dear MJ and John,
My daughter sat in French class at Kamiak for two years with your delightful, bright, and handsome son. As a parent, my heart breaks for you. Our family sends you our most loving, positive thoughts and prayers.
Charlene Kolacki
July 22, 2008
John and Family:
There are no words to take away your pain and sadness. Please know that you are held high in the prayers and thoughts of so many people.
Charlene (Dixon) Kolacki
GTE
Dave Stachelski
July 22, 2008
John, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dave Stachelski
Sherry Lewis
July 22, 2008
Dear John & MJ: I am so shocked and so sad for you and your family. Losing a child is the ultimate tradegy. Know that my thoughts are with you.
Tom Gill
July 22, 2008
John,
My sister Shari informed me of the devastating loss of your son Sean. I am so very, very sorry to hear of this. Please know that our family is thinking of you and praying for you and your family during this exceptionally sad time.
carole marti
July 22, 2008
John and Mary Jane:
This is a heart-breaking loss and only God knows why this kind of thing happens. It never makes sense why a young person is taken "before his time" but we have to believe that God has a plan. We are thinking of you and your family and are so sorry for your loss.
Carole & Monte Marti
The Marshall Jena, Kathy and Bill
July 22, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Tani Folsom
July 22, 2008
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your beautiful son. My prayers are with you and your family. I understand the pain you're feeling. I, too, am mourning my own son. Be strong together and know that many Moms and Dads out there share in your emptiness and emotions. God Bless You all.
Suzi McLaughlin
July 22, 2008
Dear MJ and John and GG--
My heart breaks for you and I'm sorry I can't be there. This is a terrible loss, and I pray for you to find a way through it and to find some comfort. Know that I'm thinking of you constantly.
Love, Suzi
Colleen Grant
July 22, 2008
Dear MJ and John,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your dear son. Please know that you are all in my prayers. Sincerely, Colleen
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