Obituary: Adam Brent Gayhart, 34, Alfred

Alfred - Adam Brent Gayhart, age 34, went home to be with the Lord, after a lifelong struggle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, on May 20, 2017. Adam was born in North Hornell, NY on August 5, 1982 to Adelbert Jr. and Kim Lowrey Gayhart of Alfred. When he was six he was diagnosed with MD, a muscle wasting disease. During high school he took part in the annual NY State Games for the Physically Challenged, which he enjoyed very much. He also made National Honor Society. He graduated from Alfred Almond Central School in 2001. He earned his Associate’s Degree in Computer Art and Design from Alfred State in 2003. In 2006 he graduated from the Alfred Unit of Empire State College with a BA in Communications. He was asked to be a speaker at the graduation ceremony.
Adam is survived by his parents, his sister Lindsay Gayhart, and his beloved cat Maya. He was well known for his writing, his love of comic books and super heroes, his strong faith, and his upbeat attitude in the face of a debilitating disease. He was a member of the Alfred United Methodist Church and editor of the church newsletter. He also served as the Secretary of the church Administrative Council. He published two poetry books and co-wrote a novel with his friend Matthew del Campo. He also occasionally wrote articles for the Alfred Sun.
Adam earned several awards and accomplished much in his short life. In 1996 he received the Honored Youth Award from the Olean District United Methodist Men. In 2000 he was chosen for the Governor’s Youth Recognition Award and in 2006 he received the Outstanding Adult Student Award for the Empire State from the Rochester Area Colleges Continuing Education Group. The Governor’s Youth Recognition Award included a trip to Albany where Adam met Gov. Pataki and was awarded a lap top computer. In 2012 he began competing in the annual Poetry Slam sponsored by the Allegany Arts Association and the first year he won First Prize. Since then he has taken every place, Second, Third, Honorable Mention, culminating with a First Prize again this year. He was an inspiration to his family, his church family, and to many other people. His sense of humor will be sorely missed by all.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com, the family is being assisted by director Chester A. Gosper IV.
The family will be present 2-4 &7-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Bender - Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell. Funeral services will be held at the Alfred United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Stephen Crowell officiating. Burial will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery.
Friends may make memorial contributions to: Alfred United Methodist Church, or the Alfred Library (Box of Books).