Gavin Edward Riddle

Gavin Edward Riddle, age 60, of Gary, IN, died at home on Friday, February 13, 2026—leaving behind a garage full of stuff his family is only beginning to understand. If you’re in need of vintage car parts or a well-worn concert T-shirt, please observe an appropriate period of mourning before inquiring. Born September 22, 1965, in Gary, Indiana, Gavin was a proud son of the Region. A 1982 graduate of Calumet Baptist High School, he later studied welding at Ivy Tech Community College, mastering a trade that became both his livelihood and a deep source of pride. He was a devoted member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 374, and wore his hard hat with honor. Though his younger years included adventures in California, Nevada, and Utah, his heart was forever welded to the shores of Lake Michigan. Gavin was a true “Region Rat” and wouldn’t have had it any other way. Gavin was a natural athlete who shared a deep love of sports with his father, Gerry. Whether on the diamond, the lanes, or the cross-country course, he gave it his all—but it was on the basketball court where he truly shined. That father-son bond, built through competition and camaraderie, was one he carried with him always. Long before the torches and steel, Gavin found speed and freedom on two wheels, helping form one of Northwest Indiana’s first BMX racing teams. That love of machinery never faded. His garage was his sanctuary—part workshop, part concert hall—where rare guitars hung within reach and music was never far away. He was a collector, a tinkerer, and a man who believed a good riff could say what words sometimes could not. Though, to be fair, Gavin was rarely short on words. He possessed a relentlessly curious mind. He questioned, examined, and rebuilt ideas the way he rebuilt engines—preferring the term “controversial” to “conspiratorial.” A conversation with Gavin was never boring; he always made you think, even if you couldn’t agree. Gavin lived a big, complicated life, and he loved in ways that were just as bold. Above all, Gavin was proud of his sons, Geoffrey Riddle and Joshua (Erin) Riddle. His legacy continues through his beloved grandsons, Gabriel, Gage and Ryatt, whom he adored. He shared his sons with his former wife, Jodie (Nelson) of Nappanee. He is also remembered by his former wives, Tempie and Ruth, each of whom shared important seasons of his life. He is further survived by his mother, Wava (Voigt) Riddle of Hobart; his brothers, Jared (Mitch Frey) Riddle of Hobart, Walter Riddle of Griffith, and James (Becky) Riddle of Hobart; his sisters, Valerie (Raphael) Riddle of North Judson, Lila (Scott) Slys of Portage, and Dierdre Riddle of Hobart; and by his many nieces and nephews—Rhett, Daeges, Dakotta, Morgan, Jaylyn, Logan, and Kadence—who will forever remember their Uncle Gavin as one of a kind. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald “Gerry” Ellis Riddle, and his sister, Wava “Jay” Marie Riddle. Gavin’s heart was also claimed by two loyal companions: his beloved pit bulls, Coco Bean and Greta. Coco Bean went everywhere with him—they were inseparable. Greta, recently rescued, quickly adored her new dad, and he loved both of his girls fiercely. A visitation for Gavin E. Riddle will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Griffith Ward Chapel, 300 W. Wirth Road, Griffith, IN. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. 1st Counselor to the Bishop, Joe McKnight officiating. Gavin would want it known—because he insisted on being outspoken —that he met his end the same way he lived: stubborn, independent, and unwilling to follow all of the doctors’ instructions. For sixty years, he raised a ruckus, loved guitars and cars, admired strong women, and lived entirely on his own terms. And in true Gavin fashion, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Gavin Edward Riddle

September 22, 1965 - February 13, 2026