Gareth George "Kiwi" Chapman

Gareth George Thomas "Kiwi" Chapman, 27, of Oakland Park, Florida, formerly Davie, Florida and Ashburton, New Zealand, died suddenly on Wednesday night, July 5, 2017, from a Cerebral Aneurysm at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. Born in New Zealand on October 12, 1989, son of Lynette (Whiting) Grosholz and Gary Chapman, and cherished step son of Christopher Grosholz He was raised and educated in New Zealand and America. Gareth attended St Joseph's school in Ashburton, New Zealand during his formative years. It was there that he found his love of singing and theatre. He then attended both Methven High School, then Ashburton College, before entering as a freshman into Hollywood Hill High in Hollywood Florida. Gareth was immediately embraced by the drama department at Hollywood Hills because of his cool accent and lovable charm. His talent and creativity nurtured by his English /Drama Teacher Ms Clarke. He also excelled academically graduating in the top 10% of the school. Gareths love of chemistry evident in enthusiastic battles with the answers on Jeopardy. He was also relentless in his correctness of english grammar and spelling. I am sure mos...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

f us have been corrected on more than one occasion. After leaving high school Gareth was offered a position with Broadway Kids at their summer school program initiated by his step brother Trevor. Its a position that grew to his life long career. Gareth loved his Broadway Kids Family. It was never just a job, it was his passion. He loved Michelle and Aadil as he loved his own family. They allowed him to grow his talent and become not just staff member but an important part of their team. He was the Director of Private Lessons, a teacher, a guide a mentor and a friend. Gareth (Mr G) loved the children and they him. He taught piano, guitar and ukulele. His trusty ukulele always at hand for many an impromptu sing a long. Gareth was also part of numerous musicals, plays and choral groups, including the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Choir's and last but by no means least, his beloved dance troupe Body and Soul. Gareth had many Mums...each and every one special to his heart. I am just the very lucky one that got to share his entire life with him. I would be remiss if I did not mention his babies, Tito and Morgan, the most loved and cared about kitties in the whole of Florida. Uncle Gareth the most awesome uncle ever. Full of fun and who cares how loud we are. He shared his joy of life and music we are all so happy to have been able to catch on camera the special moments he shared with his nieces and nephews. Gareth lived his life full on, he loved the arts, he loved to cook, he loved to sew, he loved his family and his friends, he was witty and funny and crazy and loud. While many live their lives in shades of gray, Gareth's world was full of colour. He was cool and talented and loving and compassionate. I can only image the colour of his wings. Survivors include his beloved Mum, Lynette (Whiting) Grosholz and his beloved step father Christopher Grosholz, his father Gary Chapman and his wife, Emma, sister, Rachael (Robert) Boyd, loving grandmother, Heather Whiting, his loving partner of many years, Austin Charles, step-sister, Katii (Wes) Morris, step-brothers, Alex (Noelle) Corris, Trevor (Melanie) Grosholz. and Tom Jermyn. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues. Visitation on Wednesday, July 12 th from 4:00 ~ 6:00 P.M. at Fred Hunter's University Drive Home, 2401 South University Drive, Davie. There will be a time for sharing thoughts about Gareth beginning at 5:30 at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to share with us the celebration of his life.