"Do not go where the path may lead,
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

(a quote that exemplified our son’s life)

At a photo shoot for an album cover of one of GTC's CD

Our beautiful son, Patrick Michael Gavitt was killed on July 2, 2004 at one o’clock in the afternoon while working, in a tragic automobile accident. He counseled mentally disabled adults while attending college and was transporting one of his clients for a basketball outing at the time. Patrick was 20 years old and would have been 21 on August first of that year. Patrick was going to be a junior at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Patrick was an organ and tissue donor and saved or assisted 22 other people in the United States and some people in countries as far away as Israel. (Please click on the Donate Life link below to learn more about organ donation.)

In October of last year he was awarded New York State’s Service Provider of the Year posthumously. He was nominated and selected for this award before the accident occurred. The accident had no bearing on his nomination or selection for this award. Mary-Jo, Nathaniel, our families and myself traveled to the State Capital to accept this award in his honor. Many people spoke, including colleagues, supervisors and ultimately clients and their families. He received a standing ovation and there was not a dry eye in the entire assembly.

It is hard to sum up a life in a few words. Maybe one way to illustrate this is to share that over 3,000 people came to Patrick’s calling hours, waiting in line for several hours. Patrick was a beautiful, intelligent, witty, 6’3” young man, but he was an even nicer person than he was handsome. Patrick was a kind person and shared that kindness and compassion with everyone who crossed his path. We miss him oh, so very, very much. Pat was fun to be around and his sparkle, and smile is thankfully always in our memories.

Patrick’s brother, Nathaniel not only lost a brother, but his best friend. It was always our hope as the boys grew up that they would be best friends. Our wish came true in that if either one of them had a spare moment they would be with each other. Whether it be playing basketball, golf, making music, watching a movie, or just hanging around. They were never out of each other’s company. They had a truly special bond to be envied and cherished.

Pat’s passion was his Music. Every spare minute he would be mixing music, DJing, composing, or practicing with his group GTC. The group had released two CD’s with Patrick and has since released one more. Patrick’s major was music industry with a business minor.

Patrick’s memory lives on in his high school alma mater. A memorial scholarship in his name is awarded yearly to a senior with a fine arts concentration, going on to college who is true to themselves and their beliefs. The first scholarship was awarded this year at Wells College in Aurora, New York. Finally, we miss our son oh, so very much. There is not a moment that goes by that we do not think of our beautiful son. We miss his handsome face, his intelligence, his zest for life, but most of all we miss his humor and wit. Pat was fun to be around, and that showed by the many people who went out of their way to be around him.

In leaving I would like to share that when ever we leave/left one another, whether it be in person or on the phone we say/said, “Good-bye I love you.” That morning before he went to work, we said those words to our son.

Please hold him tight.
Always and Forever,
Mom, Dad and Nathaniel

Nathaniel and Patrick (Mom made their sweaters)

Nathaniel and Patrick, Our pride and joys

Patrick 17 yrs old

Patrick's Senior picture. He was 17 when it was taken.

At his high School graduation with good friends Andrew and Ben

At Key West in April, 2004

About to tip his mother's chair over.
He always had a little prank up his sleeve.