Obituary of Jeffrey Mack Gasaway

Jeffrey (Jeff), passed away peacefully in his home, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  Jeffrey was special needs from infancy, and despite his disabilities, he did everything he set his mind to, and enjoyed so many things in life.  He loved his family, and his “bonus family”, the Buck family. Jeff lived in a Certified Family Home for the past 16 years under the Buck’s unwavering care. Jeffrey always had great advocates and people looking after him throughout his life, and our family is grateful for all the compassion and care they provided to Jeffrey over the years. 

 

Jeff had many hobbies and things he liked to do. From a young age, Jeff loved to roller skate with his siblings, jumping on the trampoline, and going bowling Sundays after Church with his family. He also was a very fast sprinter and he competed in Track meets through his late teens and into his twenties. He competed in the Special Olympics for a few years, and often brought home the blue ribbons and medals from his track events. Jeff’s other hobbies included his Aquarium of tropical fish and intently raising all types of fish in his many aquariums over the years. He constantly had a fish encyclopedia with him and was forever reading up to learn more about them. One of his favorite places to go was the Pet/Fish store and pick out different breeds of fish that caught his attention. One of the highlights of Jeff’s was swimming with the Dolphins in Mexico, on a trip with his family.

 

Jeff was also a fan of hot air balloons. He loved to watch them and was fortunate enough to have some very special people to take Jeff along to chase the balloons down as they were landing and help the balloon crews as they were all landing. Jeff took a few balloon rides over the Boise Valley over the years. These were thrilling events and memorable times for him. No matter where we see a hot air balloon, we will always think of Jeff. 

 

One of Jeffs favorite places to visit was St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born. He had a very big extended family, and always enjoyed visits, family reunions, and loved going on the airplane for those visits. 

 

As Jeff grew older, he wanted to be independent and live away from home, like his siblings.  He first lived in a few different group homes in Boise, then moved into an apartment with care providers and a few roommates.  Eventually, in 2007, he found his ‘forever home’ with the Buck family.  Ted and Linda Buck, Lindsay Buck-Rojas, Carly Buck, and all their extended family members, took such good care of Jeff.  They were a true blessing.  Their patience, caring, empathy and always positive approach with Jeff, even during tough times, was truly amazing.  Their entire family took Jeff in and included him in all facets of their day-to-day life.  Our family is forever grateful for the care and love they provided for Jeffrey.

 

Jeffrey is survived by his parents, Donald and Ellen Gasaway of Meridian, Idaho;  brothers and sister:  Tim Gasaway (Pine, Colorado), Teresa Gasaway-Copeland (Alan Copeland), of Boise, Idaho, and Mike Gasaway (Veronica Gasaway), of Boise, Idaho;  nephews and nieces: Bradley (Mercedes) Gasaway, of Colorado, Sarah (Dan) Kargo of Port Charlotte, Florida,  Zoe Gasaway Saporta (Josh Saporta), Meridian Idaho, Jake (Lloghyn) Gasaway, Boise, Idaho, and Jaxon Gasaway, Boise, Idaho;  great niece, Lexie Gasaway; and great nephews: Bodi McKenzie and Dakota Kargo. He also had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who cared very much for him.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ella and Dave Godfrey and Mack and Mildred Gasaway, all of St. Louis, Missouri.  A service will be held at the City Hope Church, 8650 Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83704, on Saturday, October 28, 2023.  In leu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics.   

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