Gavin Becker

When we remember Gavin Becker we will remember the way he set the world around him on fire. He was an intelligent young man who never backed down from any challenge, tackling whatever he put his mind to. The path before Gavin was not always easy, yet he was someone who was willing to work hard and always treated those around him with the utmost respect. Perhaps it was his own struggles that birthed within him a heart for the lost and an insatiable desire to touch those around him in any way he could. Although life will never be the same without Gavin here, his family and friends find comfort in knowing that even in his death his selfless gesture through organ donation answered the prayers of many.

It seems only fitting that Gavin’s story begins during a time that was as colorful as he was. The 1980s saw the birth of trendy new technologies: the personal computer, Atari gaming systems, camcorders, and MTV. President Ronald Reagan declared a war on drugs, while Michael Jackson’s glove and Madonna’s fishnet stockings gave new meaning to what was “totally awesome.” Nestled within this exciting time was1988—a year that brought great joy to one young couple from Fowler, Michigan. Robert and Sally (Sillman) Becker welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on January 25, 1988. Gavin was one of four children born at Carson City Hospital to his parents, and was raised in the family home in Fowler alongside his sister, Kayla, and his brothers, Lee and Glenn. His father works as a barber while his mother works at Michigan State University.

In many ways Gavin experienced a childhood that was reflective of his generation. He seemed to have the world by its tail from the time he was born, often described as a wild child who was always up to something. Gavin not only met a challenge, but conquered it; it was no surprise that he would survive being hit by a truck. Although he was often unconventional in the way he did things, his mind was always running at 100 miles an hour. Gavin did things his way without paying much attention to what others thought - imagine the sight of a young Gavin streaking around in his favorite outfit: underwear and cowboy boots! He struggled with authority at times. He shared a special bond with his Gramma.

Throughout his journey there was nothing more important to Gavin than those around him. He deeply loved his family and friends, and was the sort of guy who would do anything for anyone. Gavin had a soft spot for babies and children, once becoming the legs and feet of a youngster stricken with cerebral palsy so that he could more easily play with other children around him. No stranger to tough times, Gavin approached others with an open heart and accepted his friends without judgment. He was naturally drawn to the broken, the misunderstood, and the lost as he always found a piece of himself in each one of them. Gavin assisted at the Recovery House in Lansing where he made so many great friends. In all honesty, people were just naturally drawn to him because of his warm smile, but once they got to know him they discovered so much more to love about him on a much deeper level.

One of the best things about Gavin is that there was never a dull moment when he was around. He was so much fun, though his definition of “fun” sometimes looked a bit different. Just ask Gavin’s sister who is claustrophobic because of all the tight places he shoved her into during their games of hide and seek! He loved to play jokes on unsuspecting friends and family—who could forget the joy ride Gavin took with his friends in the family van when he was only 12?

In addition to being fun, there were many other things that made Gavin such a unique young man. He was hard working and determined in both the things he wanted and the things he believed in. It was this drive that lit the fire beneath Gavin to save whatever money he could so that he could buy his very own car when he turned 16. He could come off as cocky when he wanted to, yet he didn’t show favoritism and never expected more of others than he expected of himself. Gavin has been described as having an extreme personality who was the best at anything he chose to do. All who knew him could count on him to be brutally honest most of the time, yet in a way that was never hurtful toward others. Gavin’s life was also enriched through his love for animals, music, and art.

A hero in death, Gavin Becker was a true blessing in the lives of so many within his reach. He struggled at times, and the last few years were particularly hard, yet his love for others never waned. Gavin was such a special person in so many ways, our lives forever changed because of his touch. We will miss him so very much.

Gavin W. Becker died on June 25, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan. Gavin’s family includes his parents, Robert and Sally Becker; sister, Kayla Becker; brothers, Lee (Andrea) Becker and Glenn Becker; his grandmothers, Joan Becker and Kay Sillman; nephew, Griffin Becker; and loving aunts, uncle and dear friends. Gavin was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Luke Becker and Barry Sillman and cousins, Brooke Becker and Nash Sillman. Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2012 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Gavin’s family will receive friends 1 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes. Rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. and a scripture service at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Memorial contributions will be made to a charity of his family’s choice. To learn more about Gavin and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/81488.