John Gavin Townsend lived each day without boundaries. We grieve his passing on June 23, 2024, at the young age of 45, but we invite the world to celebrate his momentous life.

Raised in Nokesville, Virginia, John graduated from Brentsville District High School in 1997 and continued to live in the community. Although he was passionate about many things, he was most passionate about his bride, Susie, and the family that they would raise together. John met Susan Pereira Townsend in elementary school, fell for her in middle school, and knew by high school that she was his true love. In his own words, “I locked in when life got serious” and he focused on building his family at a young age. They would go on to raise six wonderful children over 25 love-filled years of marriage. At a time when life could have gone many ways, John often referred to Susie as “the best decision” he ever made because she gave him so much.

John pursued every opportunity and also held many titles—husband, father, son, brother, uncle, in-law, entrepreneur, coach, and friend. John was known around town for helping the local community and doing the right thing. He was an honest, giving man who loved babies, entertaining stories, loud music, good parties, and new adventures; he was larger than life. In 2004, he and Susie wove this spirit into the founding of Prince William Plumbing. They recently celebrated 19 years of success.

John is survived by Susie (his wife); his six children—Alex, Nathan, Abigail, Theodore, Luke, and Caroline Townsend of Nokesville; his mother Jane Helsel and stepfather Gary of Nokesville; his father Richard Townsend and stepmother Candace of Brentsville; his brother Mark Townsend (Maureen) and family of Manassas; his brother Joseph Townsend (Laura) and family of Nokesville; his brother Charles Townsend (Tiffany) and family of Nokesville; his Pereira in-laws of Nokesville; his extended family; and many loyal best friends.

John Townsend was a beloved force of nature. Curious and kind, he was a man of numerous ideas and each interaction with him was unique and personal. John expressed his love in meaningful ways and made cascades of lasting memories for the people in his life. While he lived by many mottos, a few (appropriate) favorites included: “Do it once, Do it right” and “Get up on your feet…you’re not gonna get it done sitting down.” A mischievous lover of bending the rules, he would simply say, “sometimes you have to test the limits” – and he did.

To honor John’s life and memories, a heartfelt celebration will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 6:00pm to dusk at the family home. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate John's life and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to A Living Tribute at https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-in-honor, where trees will be planted in national forests in John’s memory. Donation confirmation cards and donation email confirmations may be sent to j.atownsend001@gmail.com.

Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of John Gavin Townsend hosted by Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center.