John T. Gavin

John Thomas Gavin, 94, of Windham passed away at his home on Monday, February 6, 2017. He was born on July 30, 1922 in Bowdoinham, Maine to John and Isabel Gavin. He was married to Gertrude Cooper on April 4, 1944. John served in the Army during WWII in the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, part of the 9th Amphibious Task Force assault on the Japanese held Aleutian Island of Kiska. His role was field medic attached to the 28th Field Hospital. He was later stationed at Camp Carson in Colorado Springs. He received the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Service Medal. John worked for the American Can Company for 40 years in Maine, as well as in Massachusetts and on Park Avenue in New York City. Due to his extroverted personality and great sense of humor, he was a valuable asset as a liaison between the company and its customers - especially the sardine packers, who became good friends. When he retired, all his customers threw him a big party at a Bangor hotel. Service to the community was very important to him and a quality in which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. John was a charter member and past president of the Windham Lions Club, and remained a member until his death. In the fall of 1967, as an incoming club president, John suggested the idea of a Rescue Unit for the town. The club started raising funds through various projects to purchase a new “bread-type” truck that they outfitted with cabinets. The Town let them house the truck in the old North Windham Fire House (now Rustler’s) and on May 25, 1968, the Unit became part of the Windham Fire Department. Eighteen of the Lion’s members, including John, formed part of the permanent Rescue team which were dispatched through the Sheriff’s Office. In 1990 he received the Lions International prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award, given to members who by years of community service and dedication exemplify the spirit of Lions International’s highest public service standards. He embodied the Lions’ motto, “We Serve.” John was instrumental in establishing the VFW building in Windham and was an active member. He was a Shriner at one time and belonged to the Lake Region Shrine Club of Kora Temple. He was an avid gardener and over the years raised sheep, cows, pigs, and chickens. He found immense pleasure in watching chickens from the time he was a kid. He enjoyed traveling and over the years visited Great Britain, Ireland, and Canada, as well as many road trips all over the U.S. He especially liked Walt Disney World. He is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Gertrude; daughter, Cynthia and her husband Scott Cassidy; and grandchildren Becky and Liam, all of Windham. He is predeceased by his son, J. Thomas Gavin and half sister, Ruth Conrad. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Dolby Funeral Chapels, Windham. Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Windham VFW, 795 Roosevelt Trl, Windham, ME 04062. A special thank you to Gigi Flanigan for her help and friendship over this past year. Also, a heartfelt thanks to Jenny, Amanda, Judy, LeAnn, Kristie, Nick, and Liz from VNA for their care and support.

John T. Gavin

April 4, 1944 - February 6, 2017

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