Gavin Lustre

Gavin Grannis Lustre, 64, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Burlington on Thursday, March 29th, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Warren W. and Mrs. Mary Anne Grannis Lustre; brother, Peter Lustre; and nephew, Jonathan Lustre. He leaves behind his wife, Kathy Lyday, Professor of English at Elon University; his children, Ian Lustre (Pittsburg, CA) and Rowan Gwynyth Lustre (Robert Findley) (Murfreesboro, TN); sister, Anne Melinda Barker (Gary) (Cookeville, TN); niece, Annie Caitlin Griffin; nephew, Jeremy Barker; great niece, Khloe Lustre; great nephew, Elijah Matthew Griffin; and very special friends, Anne Bolin and Greg Babcock.

Originally from Cookeville TN, Gavin was a remarkable man and led a very full life. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Science with majors in biology, psychology and theatre and a Master's of Education from Tennessee Technological University. Because of his love of the theatre, he was very active in the university and community theatres in Tennessee as an actor, technical specialist, and director. For several years he worked for the state of Tennessee in various human resource positions. After moving to California, he was a working actor in television and film before moving to Burlington, NC. Gavin was an artist, a reader of everything, had a wicked sense of humor, and loved comic books, films, and listening to and singing music of all kinds. As an award-winning author, Gavin published three books of poetry and two historical novels. He loved to travel, especially in England and Scotland, having spent a good deal of time in both countries as a resident, tourist, and researcher. He treasured his children and his family, valued his friends, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

The family wishes to thank Sean Overman (EMT) and the Burlington City paramedics who worked tirelessly to save Gavin's life; thanks go as well to the police officers who performed their duties with compassion and sensitivity.

Gavin loved cats, so in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in his name to the Sparkle Cat Rescue in Burlington, NC: http://www.sparklecatrescue.org/

A celebration of his life will be held at Lowe Funeral Home on Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 4-6 pm.

Condolences may be sent to the Lowe Funeral Home condolences page.

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