Daily Sitka Sentinel

Mark Calvin Gavin

Mark Calvin Gavin

Mark Calvin Gavin, a Sitka resident from 1955 to 1968, died on June 13, 2018, in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the age of 66.

 Mark’s life was celebrated during a private graveside service on June 17, at Westminster Gardens in Greensboro.

Mark was born March 21, 1952, in Manchester, New Hampshire, the son of the Rev. William H. and Margaret (Jefferies) Gavin. When he was 3 the family came to Sitka where Rev. Gavin was minister at the First Presbyterian Church and also served at Sheldon Jackson Junior College.

When Mark was 16, the family moved to Scotia, New York, where Rev. Gavin accepted a pastorate. 

Mark excelled at basketball in high school, and was a member of the Sitka High Wolves. He was bound for a professional career until a back injury when he was 18.

After high school graduation in New York, he returned to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Puget Sound in Seattle, and was an agent for New York Life.

 Mark shared 44 years of marriage with his best friend and life partner, Pamela Jean Zoller. They had met at church when he was 18, and married in July 1982.

His commanding physicality at first could be intimidating but he was a welcome sight as a first responder and steadfast law enforcement officer.

Mark lived first for Christ and then for his family and others. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit and compassion for the welfare of others. Mark loved the Lord and his life exemplified the commandments of Mark 12:30-31.

His favorite place to be was outdoors, and until his health prevented mobility he was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Jean Gavin, of Summerville, N.C.; brothers James Gavin of Ferndale, Wash., William (Janet) Gavin of Snohomish, Wash., and Hugh (Valerie) Gavin of Sandpoint, Idaho; and niece and nephews, Katherine Rexrout, and Kent, Ryan Brian, and Steven Gavin. He also leaves his beloved Yorkie, Chloe.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Community Housing Solutions (Ramp Program), P.O. Box 3341, Greensboro, NC 27402.

 

Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.