Discover the Life of Gavin Christman

“Unable are the loved to die for love is immortality” – Emily Dickinson

Dan and Rachel Christman, Gavin’s parents, are originally from just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  They were high school sweethearts having dated all through high school before attending Penn State University together, graduating in 1993.  After living in State College, PA for a few years they moved to Orlando, Florida in 1996 seeking sunshine and adventure.  Dan built a career at an engineering and design firm where he now leads a business sector specializing in theme parks, zoos, aquariums and similar exciting projects.  Rachel pursued a career in counseling before becoming a student advisor at a local community college.  The couple enjoyed many adventures before turning their attention to their primary dream - to have children and become a family.

Children did not come easy for the Christmans.  They tried for a number of years before giving birth to their first born Conor Daniel in 2007.  The doctor on duty informed the Christmans that they would need to be careful to avoid getting pregnant again soon after Conor’s birth.  The couple laughed, realizing this doctor was not aware of their challenges getting pregnant.  Sure enough, the family was blessed with another pregnancy a short time later.  Gavin David was born in late 2008.

Life was a dream for the young family as they watched with boys grow up together.  Conor and Gavin, while possessing quite different personalities, were thick as thieves as their mother would say.  They played and laughed together, enjoyed time with friends, family, traveling, sports, scouts, gaming, and leisure, school and church.

In September 2022 Gavin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.  The Christmans were rocked to their core, but determined to honor Gavin’s legacy by perpetuating his kindness.  The family invites you to learn about Gavin, to share your own stories, photos, and memories. 

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