It is with great sorrow we share the passing of Nicholas Frederick Garvin. Nick took his own life on November 17 th , 2021. He was born on June 4th, 2007, to Chris and Roberta Garvin at the Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, and moved to Meridian, Idaho when he was 4.
The Nick everyone knew was a hard-working, handsome, and muscular young man. His friends remember his smile, buffoonery, and kindness. Adults in his life also saw the gratitude he expressed to teachers and coaches, and his hard work on the mat, in the pool, and in the classroom. Nick made the world better with his kindness to others, his inclusiveness, and his sportsmanship. He routinely befriended new teammates and classmates, and put his peers at ease.
Nick was a swimmer, wrestler, thrower, and cross-country runner. As a Rocky Mountain High School freshman swimmer, he was proud to be a varsity athlete and state competitor. Nick was an entrepreneur, earning money in the neighborhood working outside. His clients praised his work ethic, professionalism, and maturity.
When not in school or with friends, Nick was usually in the garage listening to classic rock and lifting weights or fixing bikes. He also enjoyed the outdoors; camping, shooting, hunting, and playing in Idaho’s rivers. Inside, he enjoyed Nerf gun modding, assembling Legos, and his beloved bear Blueberry. His favorite look included boots, a flannel, a leather bomber jacket and a cowboy hat.
Nick’s favorite place was Alaska, where he cherished visiting Uncle Steve and Aunt Emily. In Idaho, he loved Lightning Creek and the Old Eileen Dam. In his 14 years, he was able to see Egypt’s pyramids, Paris’s monuments, Mexico’s beaches, Thailand’s islands, and Korea’s palaces. He visited 26 states to see family or to compete with his dad at shooting events. He especially enjoyed being tear-gassed in Portland during a BLM demonstration.
Nick was predeceased by paternal grandfather Grover. He is survived by parents Chris and Roberta, sister Allie, extended family, and countless friends. His first love was Bridgette Donohue; she and his eighth-grade friends made his last year his best.
Nick struggled with unexplainable feelings of sadness and loneliness in his last months, and wouldn’t let his friends and family help him feel loved or connected. Regrettably he chose to escape his pain permanently, but he is at peace now.
There will be a celebration of Nick’s life on Friday November 26th. The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints graciously agreed to host us at their stake house at 3775 E Ustick Rd. There’s no formal program; drop in between 2 and 5pm and stay as long as you like.
In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family asks that guests donate to a charity of their choice, or do an act of kindness and inclusiveness.