FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) - The community of Findlay gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Gavin Creel.
The Tony Award-winning Broadway actor passed away in September of last year from a rare form of cancer. Over the weekend, various organizations partnered to honor his life with performances of "Hello, Dolly!" by Findlay High School and MCPA Youtheatre's "The Wizard of Oz."
Findlay gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Gavin Creel.
On Sunday, many shared their experiences working with and being a friend of Gavin. Throughout his life, Gavin was able to capture the attention and hearts of many, not only because of his incredible talent but because of who he was.
"Gavin was my first voice student ever, and little did I know that we would someday become great friends. I would call him whenever I needed to talk to someone, and he always made me feel better, and I told him that. I really miss those times with him. But that was, that was the connection that he and I had. We could go six months, a year and not communicate because he was so busy, and then as soon as we talked, we would pick it right back up again, like we never left," said Kevin Manley, Gavin's first voice teacher and longtime friend.
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, along with Findlay City Schools, also established a fund in memory of Gavin that will support art spaces at Findlay City Schools.
"I think the Gavin Creel Memorial Fund will be able to be used in multiple ways. The main way would be able to create safe spaces, creative areas, and just provide an outlet for students that have the same types of feelings that Gavin had when he was going through Findlay City Schools and Findlay High School. Always thinking that there has to be this core group of people, and he needs to find his people. And in his case, he did through the arts department," said Andrea Barger, coordinator of development & alumni relations with Findlay City Schools.
If you would like to donate to the Gavin Creel Memorial Fund, you can visit the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation's website here.
