Kenneth Gavins

Kenneth Gavins

December 15, 1925 - September 14, 2023

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Obituary

MONONA - Kenneth Gavins, age 97, of Monona, Wis., passed away on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Dec. 15, 1925, in Doncaster, England, the son of Edwin and Violet (Barber) Gavins.  Ken was a veteran of the Royal Navy serving on the HMS Sheffield.  Ken immigrated to Toronto, Canada in the 1950s.  This is where he met the love of his life, Sybil Prankard, whom he married on Oct. 27, 1956. Together they made their home in Cleveland, Ohio.  He worked hard to provide for his family as a Tool & Die Maker, retiring in 1992. After retirement, Ken and Sybil moved to Sarasota, Fla., enjoying 27 years in the Florida sunshine. They were members of the Christian Metaphysical Fellowship and were registered healers.  They moved to Monona, Wis., to be near family in 2019.


Ken was an accomplished roller skater until age 91. He handbuilt his first pair of rollerskates in England.  As a young man he became the Eastern Canadian Speed Skating Champion.   He continued to share his passion of skating with others by creating a speed skating club in

Toronto. In Florida, Ken and Sybil spent many years skate dancing at various rinks in their area.


In the 1970s Ken became a Freemason and Worshipful Master of Gaston G. Allen Lodge No. 629, soliciting and participating in the design of their Ships Wheel Logo, which is still used today by the Clifton Allen Masonic Lodge No. 664 of Lakewood Ohio, after the two lodges merged.  He was a past District Deputy Grand Master for the State of Ohio, and a member of Scottish Rite and the Shriners.  


Ken is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sybil; son, Paul (Laura) Gavins; grandchildren, Alaena Gavins, William Gavins and Luke Gavins; niece, Barabara Young; and sister-in-law, Sharon Pritchard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Violet; brothers, Jeff, Ron and Pete Gavins; sister, Kay Millward; and sister-in-law, Selina Hopkins.


In lieu of flowers, consider sending a donation in Ken’s name to the Dane County Humane Society.


A celebration of life will be held at a later date.


Poem by Sybil Gavins


He's Not Far Away


Don’t weep for me the day I die, or as I in my coffin lie.

Be happy for me, smile and say

He’s gone though he’s not far away

In my new spirit life I’ll be, watching over my family

Loving them, leading them where I might

Helping them to see the light

Be happy for me, smile and say

He’s gone through he’s not far away

Now as I wipe away your tears, Please do this for me my dears

Be happy for me, smile and say

He’s gone though he’s not far away


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


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GH
Gunderson Funeral Home
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Danielle Wood
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It has been an honor to get to know Ken since he and Sybil came to Wisconsin - our gatherings were much richer for them being there. What an amazing and full life! He will be missed...but in the words of Sybil, he's not far away. Our thoughts are with all of you. Danielle, Bert, and Ariel.
LW
Ling Wu
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We have not know Ken for very long and we truly wish we had. But Ken was one of those rare people who made us feel we had know each other for a life time even though we were still strangers to him at our first meeting. We will forever remember his beautiful smile, his humor, his warmth and so much more. Ken, wherever you are, keep dancing. Our conversations about your love of dancing on roller skates are ringing in our ears right now. We will miss you so very much. Love Sibyl's poem. It is Ken to a T. -- Ling and Randy
SP
Sharon Pritchard
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My brother-in-law Ken was a gentle, caring and funny man. His sense of humor was sharp and entertaining right till the end. I used to quiz him as to why he had never lost his Yorkshire accent despite having lived in the US for so many years. He always replied "You don't give away anything good!" He was an amazing handyman and could repair, make and design anything he turned his hand to. Skating was his passion and at the ripe old age of 91, he hung up his skates after a lifetime speed and skate dancing but we always enjoy watching the videos of him and Sybil skating in Florida with their dear friend and coach, Terry Spence. I thank you Ken for loving my sister Sybil for so many years, for being a fantastic brother-in-law and for cooking the most delicious roast beef dinners with the best Yorkshire Puddings ever. God bless you Ken. Sharon You cannot see me but you'll feel me in the breeze. You cannot hear me, but my voice is in the trees. You cannot touch me, but my hand is holding yours. You cannot be with me - Yet... but death is just a pause.....

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