Sébastien Laurent Gayraud
June 06, 1988 - May 26, 2023
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Sébastien Laurent Gayraud
June 06, 1988 - May 26, 2023
Obituary
Sébastien Laurent Gayraud
(translation en français ci-dessous)
If Sébastien were writing this himself, he doubtlessly would have started with a quote from a philosopher, a joke, an expression in French, or maybe sharing a drawing or a page from the book which he was writing. Helas, it lies with those of us who loved him, but were left behind, to reminisce and remember him.
Sébastien was born on June 6, 1988 in Bellingham,Washington and left this life there unexpectedly almost exactly 35 years later. He left behind his “papa” Jean-Marcel, his “maman” Trish, his sister Laura, close friends, and his cat that so comforted him.
Sébastien lived in Bellingham for most of his life and enjoyed his youth with his friends, and studying biology and playing tennis at Sehome High School. He earned his Master’s degree in Education and his teaching certificate from Western Washington University.
He was very attached to his French heritage and France. His first language was French, and he had an incredible interest in languages, and cultures. He visited his French hometown in the Tour d’Aigues regularly to visit his grandmother, aunt and family friends. He eventually spent two years working in France in both French and international schools. At the time of his passing he was living in downtown Bellingham where he enjoyed taxi-driving, playing Super Smash Bro., Magic the Gathering, pool with his good friends.
Sébastien had so much love to share. You know what we mean if you are one of his friends, acquaintances, or even one of the complete strangers with whom Sébastien constantly struck up a conversation. He was always there for his friends, coworkers, companions, parents and sister when they needed him.
Words to describe Sébastien who so loved words? He was gregarious, loquacious, compassionate, imaginative, humoristic, creative, erudite–but he also had his share of being discouraged and experiencing pain. Thank you to all of you who helped him through those times.
We will be holding a celebration of life sometime this summer (2023), and will let you know when and where at a later date. Sébastien will find his final resting place with his family in France in a memorial garden we are building. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a final farewell gift to Sébastien, you can donate to a fund for a mature olive tree at https://gofund.me/7832cd0d
I hope all of you who loved Sébastien can find a moment to share a happy memory of him, either on this site or elsewhere. It will comfort us. He left us too soon.
Si Sébastien l’écrivait lui-même, il aurait sans doute commencé par une citation d’un philosophe, une blague, une expression en français, ou peut-être par un dessin ou une page du livre qu’il était en train d’écrire. Hélas il nous a quitté, et il est a nous, qui l’aimaient, d’écrire nos souvenirs et remembrances de lui.
Sébastien est né le 6 juin 1988 à Bellingham, et a quitté cette vie de façon inattendue presque exactement 35 ans plus tard. Il laisse derrière lui son “papa” Jean-Marcel, sa “maman” Trish, sa sœur Laura, des amis proches, et son chat qui l’a tant réconforté.
Sébastien a vécu à Bellingham, Washington, pendant la majeure partie de sa vie et a profité de sa jeunesse avec ses amis, aimant ses études de la biologie, et de jouer sur l’équipe de tennis à Sehome High School. Il a obtenu sa maîtrise en éducation et son certificat d’enseignement de l’université de Western Washington University. Au moment de son décès, il vivait au centre-ville de Bellingham ou il aimait conduire son taxi, joyer au Super Smash Bro., Magic the Gathering, et jouer au billard avec ses amis.
Il était très attaché à son héritage français et à la France. Sa première langue était le français et il avait un intérêt incroyable pour les langues et les cultures. Il est allé à sa ville familiale française de La Tour d’Aigues pour visiter régulièrement sa grand-mère et sa tante, ainsi que des amis de la famille. Il a en plus passé deux ans à travailler en France dans les écoles françaises et internationales.
Sébastien avait tellement d’amour à partager. Vous savez ce que nous voulons dire si vous êtes l’un de ses amis, connaissances, ou même l’un de ces parfaits inconnus avec qui Sébastien engageait constamment la conversation. Il était toujours là pour ses amis, collègues, compagnons, parents et sa sœur quand ils avaient besoin de lui.
Des mots pour décrire Sébastien qui aimait tant les mots ? Il était grégaire, loquace, compatissant, imaginatif, créatif, érudit et plein d’humour. Mais il avait aussi sa part de découragement et de douleur. Merci à tous ceux qui l’ont aidé à traverser ces moments.
Nous organiserons une célébration de sa vie cet été (2023) et nous vous ferons part quand et où dans une date ultérieure. Sébastien trouvera sa dernière demeure avec sa famille en France dans un jardin commémoratif à aménager. Au lieu de fleurs, si vous souhaitez faire un dernier cadeau d’adieu à Sébastien, vous pouvez contribuer pour un olivier à https://gofund.me/7832cd0d
J’espère que vous qui avez aimé Sébastien pourrez trouver un moment pour partager un souvenir heureux de lui, que ce soit sur ce site ou ailleurs. Cela nous réconfortera. Il nous a quitté trop tôt.
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13 responses to Sébastien Laurent Gayraud
Maggie Herrington says:
June 6, 2023
I met Sebastien only a couple of times and I have such regrets that I was not nearer to Bellingham to know him better. I remember when he came down to Portland with all of you and Tony and I hoped to persuade him to attend Lewis & Clark College here in Portland so that we could get to know him better. He seemed a person well worth knowing then and from the comments left here he was also delightful as he grew into adulthood. Please accept my condolences and heartfelt sympathy . I am with you in spirit and sending you great love.
Nellie says:
June 6, 2023
Sébastien was a very special person for me, and even though I haven’t seen him much for many years, I always think of him on this day, his birthday. He was my cousin, quite a bit younger than I am, and I was very enchanted with him since he was a baby. His sensitivity and uniqueness was apparent even before he was speaking, imagining, drawing, and engaging in what I imagine were exciting made-up battles and explosions — I remember watching from a window in Fairhaven one day as he jumped and spun around in the yard all on his own, perhaps five years old. He always seemed to me to be quite discerning and having his own considered and idiosyncratic tastes, which I thought was very cool. As he grew older I admired his drawings and his thoughtful energy. My love is with you, JM, Trish, and Laura.
Micheline Bilodeau says:
June 7, 2023
Chers Jean-Marcel, Trish et Laura,
Je connaissais Sébastien depuis sa naissance et même avant ! Je me souviens lorsque vous nous avez annoncé la nouvelle que tu étais enceinte lors d’une randonnée au Mont Baker.
C’était un beau bebe parfait. J’ai eu le plaisir de le connaître 35 ans, aujourd’hui exactement. Je l’ai vue grandir et devenir un petit homme. J’ai partagé plusieurs fêtes, repas, occasions et moments importants dans sa vie. Un des souvenirs les plus récents qui m’a marqué ce fut lorsque je lui donnais des cours particuliers pour améliorer son français écrit pour passer son Bachelor de français. C’est avec plaisir que nous discutions ensemble comme Sébastien aimait bien le faire. Je garde de bons souvenirs de lui et moi dans mon jardin a jaser de tout et de rien. J’avais toujours l’impression qu’il était heureux de me voir et me démontrait toujours beaucoup de respect. C’est peu dire…
Thomas Bartl says:
June 7, 2023
My early memories of Sebastien…
I babysat him one evening so Trish and Jean-Marcel could go to a function. He might have been 2 or 3 years of age. All I thought was: “ Please Seb don’t be scared of me, and start crying for your mama and papa.” But he was good. We played a game or 2, read a story book, and the bond between us had started.
I saw him grow over the next 20 years from an introverted boy to a very talkative young man.
My weekly Friday night trips to Trek Video were always the best for meeting Sebastien. He was always up on the newest flix and the latest trivia of the world.
The last few years, Sebastien would call me to help jump start his car. At our last encounter, he met me in a fancy shirt and vest, and a leather briefcase.
I asked what it was and he responded : “Oh! I shoot pool now and I love it!” Will miss you SeeBass.
Diane Majors says:
June 8, 2023
Oh Trish – My heart is breaking for you, for Jean Marcel, for Laura. How can this be? I am so so sorry for your loss of dear Sebastien. You asked about sharing memories. What came to mind was when Sebastien came to my house to get Tibs (Mister Tibs) to be his companion cat. I had gotten out the cat carrier and unfortunately Tibs had seen it and knew something was up. When Sebastien came and he and I tried to catch him, Tibs wasn’t having any of it. He ran and hid. Sebastien and I, each armed with a towel to grab him (sharp claws!) ran around the living room as Tibs continued to dodge us. This went on for quite a while. I know we worked up a sweat. It was frustrating and hilarious! Finally, we managed to corner him and successfully gather Tibs in the towels and get him in the cat carrier. I know he was a good and loving cat for Sebastien. I will never forget that adventure. I also think of the picture you had of Sebastien in a beret looking very French. I think it was a different one than is in the gallery – I think he was older, but it is such a sweet and honest picture. Sebastien is very much missed. With love and prayers, Diane