"It was a pleasure to sing beside Gareth in the chorus and to watch his enthusiam as he performed. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace, friend. "
In loving memory of
Gareth George "Kiwi" Chapman
October 12, 1989 - July 5, 2017
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 most of 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.
Tributes
"Always enjoyed bring around Gareth, we both loved working with children. He was an amazing human being. Loved his smiles! May he forever be in all our hearts! Deepest condolences to Austin, Gareth' s parents, family and friends.
Wade Boyles and Mother, Sarah Boyles"
"Our deepest sympathy to you all with the tragic passing of Gareth , I had only met Gareth once on his trip to New Zealand but feel I have known him a life time he was such a bubbly caring humorous young man with a delightful smile. Our love is with you all not only today but the days to follow . Much love always xx"
"Gareth was one of the most loving pure of heart person I have ever met. He came into my life as a young kiwi and soon won our hearts and became a little brother. He would drop everything to help you like when we lost our house and had to move our stuff quick. I so enjoyed his acting talent. My biggest memory is giving him a piano painting and him thanking me over and over and still bringing it up years later. He will be so missed. The world is a darker place without his smiling face. Love and prayers to his family and to his loving partner Austin."
"You will always have a special place in our hearts we will miss the good times we had every other Tues the kids adored you and you always brightened the room when you walked in to the family my sincere condolences you will be missed rest up Mr. GARETH LOVE always Ms. Tasha & Ms. Margo Pre-school 1 (cclc staff) "
"My sincere condolences to the Chapman, Grosholz and Charles family. Ken Dunn, Fred Hunter Funeral Home ~ Davie "
"Gareth was one in a million. I knew him and Lyn since they moved here and had the pleasure of having them as my neighbors. Gareth touched everybody in such a wonderful way. He and Lyn had such a special relationship and everyone is so devastated. We were all blessed by his brief time on this Earth and Patrick and I are so lucky to have had him in our lives. We loved him, as did everyone whose lives he touched. "