Obituary of Connor David Frank Gavel

Gavel, Connor David Frank - age 16, boy by day, superhero by night, passed away unexpectedly on Friday January 4, 2019 at his home in Dartmouth with his mom, Shauna, dad, Tim and younger brother, Ellis at his side.

Connor was a blessing to all who knew and loved him. The way Connor looked at you with his bright blue eyes, infectious smile and curled lip would melt your heart and warm your soul. Being with Connor, whether holding his hand, tapping his chest or rubbing his head was as therapeutic for us as it was for him.

Even with Connor’s limited physical abilities and health challenges, he was always a willing participant in everything from attending his dad’s ballgames, floating in the pool, birthday parties, family barbeques, Christmas at Nanny and Papa’s, backyard shenanigans to racing in his wheelchair.

But, at the end of the day, Connor’s favourite and most comforting place was at home with his family in his superhero room, with all the movies, lights, an abundance of fuzzy blankets, themed pillows and plush dog “Rex”. He was a great secret keeper. Connor was always up for a visit from his family or any of his devoted followers.

The unlimited pictures of Connor are living proof of all the lives he touched - and he managed to perfect the selfie!

Connor was a student at Mount Edward Elementary, though his real role was as a teacher. Connor taught us all about true communication, patience, kindness, love and friendship. Our world is so much better for having known Connor.

Even with his short and limited visits to the IWK throughout his life, the healthcare team as a whole played an integral part in his health and growth. To them we are eternally grateful.

Connor is survived by his devoted parents, Shauna and Tim; adoring younger brother, Ellis; maternal grandparents, Joan Jessome & Winston West; paternal grandparents, Jeannie Hill & David Gavel; great aunts, great uncles, aunts and uncles from coast to coast and their families. With heartfelt gratitude to Connor’s most intimate followers: Joan “Nanny”, Winston “Papa”, Willena “Aunt Aunt Aunt”, godmother, Terra; Sharon “Best Man Barry”; and special friends, godfather, Michael LeBlanc (and the Dancing Girls); Janet Johnston “ Mrs. J.”;  Rob Keough “The Heavy Lifter”.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie.

A Celebration of Connor’s Life will be held Saturday, January 12 from 1-4pm at the home of his grandparents, 60 Piggott Avenue, Fall River. Words of remembrance will be shared at 2pm.

Donations in Connor’s memory may be made to the IWK Children’s Hospital.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Connor may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com

‘GOONIES NEVER SAY DIE’