Recognising those who serve ...

Obituary - William F. Gavin USMC (Ret)

Longtime Soldotna resident William F. Gavin, 61, died Sunday, 1 June 2008, at his home.

Mr. Gavin was born 1 November 1946, to William and Viola Gavin in St. Louis, Mo., where he attended high school and college.

Mr Gavin joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1967.   He moved to Alaska in 1970, living in Anchorage for a few years, working for the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation as a teen program coordinator until making his final home in Soldotna.

Mr. Gavin guided hunting and fishing trips on the Kenai Peninsula for 20 years until retiring in 1995.  His passion was hunting and fishing.

The family wrote, "Bill courageously and proudly served his country in the USMC as a rifleman in Vietnam.  He was severely wounded in 1967 nd was honorably discharged that same year.  He received many medals, including several Purple Hearts.  He was first and always a Marine."

"Bill loved his 20 years as a fishing guide on the Kenai River in boat No. 081.  His camp was a gathering spot where many friends, tourists and old-time Alaskans swapped fishing and hunting tales and exploits.  He loved to show off his 'wall of fame,' which was filled with pictures of fishing and hunting expeditions.  Bill will be missed, but not forgotten, by those who knew and loved him.  Semper Fidelis."

Mr Gavin is survived by his wife, Fay E. Gavin of Soldotna; Fay's two daughters and six granddaughters; many best friends, fishing and hunting companions and Marine brothers from around the world.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of William to:

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV), 231 E. Swanson Ave. No. 32-B. Wasilla 99654. 

http://www.legacy.com/adn/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=111069828