For Gavin Leo Gering

February 20, 1992- July 30, 2026

Born beneath a winter sky,

you came into this world as Gavin Leo Gering-

a son, a father, a husband, a grandson, cousin, and friend. Each name a thread

woven through the lives that loved you.

On your grandparents' property, you and Johnantha, Krystle, Jessica, Kyla, July, and Kaydi

filled the open land with childhood- running, laughing, making memories that time can never carry away.

You found quiet beside the water, a fishing line cast toward the horizon, waiting for the world to grow still.

Yet beneath that stillness, you carried hurt no one could fully see and pain too heavy for words.

Your mother made mistakes, as every mother does,

but beneath them lived a love that never stopped reaching for you. She loved you through the distance,

through the choices and the sorrow, and she loves you still.

You were loved, Gavin,

even when you did not love the way your life had become.

Your struggles were not all you were; they cannot erase your laughter, your courage, or the good you gave.

Autumn Gale, your precious daughter, and Myranda Lucero, your wife-the great loves of your life- will carry your memory forward, not only in grief, but in stories, smiles, and love.

You believed in God. and now we trust that He has gathered you beyond reach of earthly pain,

where every wound is understood and every restless part of you has finally found peace.

A Cossack in spirit, fierce, free, and loyal,

you left this earth riding your motorcycle, doing what you loved, with the road opening before you, and the wind rushing past. Though July 30 took you from our sight,

it could not take you from our hearts.

When the water shines at sunrise,

when a fishing line touches the current,

when a motorcycle thunders down an open road,

we will feel you near.

Ride free now, Gavin.

Cast your line in peaceful waters.

Lay down the hurt you carried so long.

You were loved then.

You are loved now.

And you will be loved forever.