Gavin Jakub Heffelfinger

Gavin Jakub Heffelfinger, 24, passed away peacefully after a long illness on June 19, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at the family home in Las Cruces, NM. Gavin was born and grew up in Las Cruces, NM and visited his grandparents ranch in Chimayo, NM several times a year where he has many family members. He graduated from Rio Grande Preparatory Institute in 2017 and attended LCHS, Zia Middle School, Central Elementary, and of course, Alpha School. After graduation, Gavin moved to Albuquerque to live with his cousin Santiago, where he worked for a recycle yard and later for a mobile home moving company. More recently Gavin was a custodian at Valley View Elementary School in Las Cruces, and before that a delivery driver for Dealers Electrical Supply. Gavin was born May 12, 1999. From a young age he loved everything outdoors, whether hiking the trails around southern NM and beyond, geocaching, or riding the trails and back roads, and camping with family in northern NM he was in his element when out in nature. He is survived by his parents, Tricia and Bonifacio, sisters Santana and Marisol, Grandmother Judy, all of Las Cruces. Grandparents Jimmy and Barbara of Chimayo; Aunt Reina and Uncle Dwayne, cousins DJ, Breanna, Justin, Brayden, and Tristen of Cordova, NM. Special cousins Santiago of Chimayo and Cherish of Las Cruces. Aunt April and Cousin Dylan from Ruidoso, NM. Grandfather Ed and his family in California. Uncle Chris and his family in China. Lifelong friend Arabella Holden of Washington State. Many Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins from Chimayo and Cuartelez, NM who all loved him very much. He was preceded in death by his uncles, Kevin Heffelfinger of Las Cruces and Jamie Vigil of Chimayo. Honorary Pallbearers: Santiago Vigil, Santana Heffelfinger Vigil, Cherish Vigil, Justin Sanchez, Arel Leon, Amadeo Leon, Tony Lugo, and Trina Benavidez. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on July 1st, preceded by a reading of the Holy Rosary starting at 10 am at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM. The services will be live streamed on the Getz Funeral Home Facebook page. Followed by a reception and meal with the family at the Beverly Hills Hall, 150 North Hermosa St., Las Cruces, NM. In lieu of flowers, Gavin asked that donations of time and money be made in his honor to El Caldito Soup Kitchen (elcalditolc.org). Gavin was always sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, and always tried to help whenever he could.