Thank you Cam.  That was a wonderful time in our lives.  Full of suspense and new adventure.  You did so much and made Gurdon so happy.  I am so glad to have those memories,  Kathy

I had no idea back in 2008 when I signed on to be Gurdon's boat captain what a whirlwind adventure it would be. I have so many fond memories of our adventures together playing with boats and exploring the possibilities of performance along with the pleasurable experiences that boating can bring to one's life. And through it all, it was great to get to know your wonderful extended family, friends and acquaintances that I met along the way.  Gurdon had a relentless passion and patience with everything he did. I enjoyed his company very much. See you soon, Cam Church

Kathy
I was in disbelief when Gurdon left, and I’m still not ready to say goodbye.   My sincere condolences to you.   I loved Gurdon's stories, the machinations, his weaving of intricate plans for improvements to the farm, and to our town, the land he loved and all the institutions he was so pleased to be part of.   He was a dreamer, he made all of our dreams come true.    


The notes and cards I have received on Gurdon's passing have been overwhelming.  From friends who knew him well to those who had only briefly met him and from those who did not know him at all but wanted to thank him for all the things he has done to benefit others.
Gurdon's quiet, determined approach will always be remembered.
Thank you dear ones for your thoughts and prayers that have helped our family at this difficult time.
Kathy

Dear Kathy,
Please now that all of us at Sakonnet Preservation Association who have had the good fortune to work with and be supported by you and Gurdon have you and your family in our thoughts.  Gurdon’s enthusiastic engagement with and support for the work of conservation and education non-profits such as ours set a meaningful example for all of us.  His depth of knowledge and expectation of integrity and responsible management were of the highest order, and he fully grasped the responsibilities of stewardship.  I send our sincere condolences to you, his loving partner in his endeavors, and to your extended family.
Abigail Brooks


It is with heavy hearts that the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society has learned of the passing of Gurdon B. Wattles. Gurdon was a strong supporter of the New Bedford Whaling Museum as well as a generous friend of AMHS. During our International Regatta years especially, he and Kathleen graciously hosted many Portugese dignitaries and AMHS members aboard his yacht Blue Heron. We cherish our fond memories of  those days. Gurdon’s warm hearted participation will be sorely missed.

With a nod to Robert Frost, Gurdon proved that good stone walls also make good neighbors; whether restored for history or created for the horses.  A thoughtful, generous and caring gentleman, our neighbor Gurdon has been a stone's throw away in Little Compton and a few pews away every Sunday at the LC Congregational Church for the past 30 years.  During this time, Gurdon has also been a good neighbor to our church, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Mystic Aquarium (plus many others) and beautifully restored the homes he owned in Rockbridge, including my grandfather's farm house.  His senior dog has obviously been encouraged to be nice to our junior puppy.  He will be sorely missed in every community his presence has touched.

Tony, Nancy & the Thompson Family

Dear Wattles Family

My deepest condolences to you on the passing of Gurdon.  He was a very special person and left such a wonderful positive legacy in this world!  I have great memories with Gurdon at the Wattles Stewardship Center here in NJ and his stories of his younger days exploring the property and finding various animals and artifacts!  I really loved speaking with him, because he was a visionary and was so real and sincere.  The man was truly an inspiration, truly someone who cared about helping the planet and others and making a difference.  I will miss his smile, stories, his passion for life and I am forever grateful for everything he did for conservation and wildlife!   -  John Parke



Dear Wattles Family,
Gurdon's unexpected death has come as a startling shock to all of you as well as his many friends and causes. He was so kind, compassionate and loving and has left his stamp on all of us.
We are grateful to have known him and enjoyed the Wattles hospitality... many condolences from the Cottrell family

Kathy, please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband. Gurden was such a wonderful human being and one of God’s masterpieces. I truly appreciated my friendship with him and shall never forget his kindness, his smile and that he had a good soul. His passing has left a huge void in the lives of many and his service to the Whaling Museum shall never be forgotten. May God heal your pain from his passing and I truly hope our paths cross again. 

Kathy,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Gurdon. We are in shock with you. He was the most kindest and generous of souls. I will never forget working for you two doing valet parking for one of your Valentine's parties when I was in high school. To trust a teenager with his friend's cars, what a brave man. I keep you and your family in my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time and the days that follow. Sending you so much love and strength.
With Love,
Lily & Cameron Clark

Wishing the entire Wattles Family our sincere condolences, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Dear Kathy and Family Members.

I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gurdon. Three things stand out for me when I think about Gurdon.  He always had a sparkle in his eye and a quiet smile. (I think you captured that perfectly with the photo you chose.)  He enjoyed spending the morning with Sam on Grandparents' Day at Pine Point.  Finally, it was clear that he had a deep intellect and a probing mind that he used to support those things for which he was passionate.  In this, I think about organizations like the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Rhode Island Audubon Society, and our school, all of which benefited from his vision and his generosity of spirit.  I hope the coming days and weeks bring with them a flood of memories of the many happy days you all shared together.

Dear Kathy,
 We are so sorry to learn of Gurdon's passing. Our hearts go out to you, your family and all those who held him dear. We will remember Gordon for his warm smile and welcoming manner whenever we visited at Dancing Oaks. We are close by if we can help you in any way. 
 With love, Lucille & Greg

Dear Kathy and family,

My deepest sympathies to all of you. I have so many great memories of the time I spent with Gurdon and Kathy of the farm. Gurdon touched many lives and I'm greatful that I got a chance to make memories with him. 

Dear Kathy ,
           Bernie and I were so sad to read this news ,you are in our thoughts .We both have such fond memories of Gurdon he will be missed .
            I hope to see you soon , If there is anything I can do to help let me know .                                                    Love, Martha 

Dear Kathy,

So sorry to hear about Gurdon's passing.  He was a kind, gentle soul who always had a smile on his face.  Remembering both of you at our Star Kids events and knowing that you were always the cutest couple there!  May he rest in peace.  Prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.

Lisa Whittier

Dear Kathy and family,
We are so deeply saddened by Gurdon’s passing. We will treasure our times with him, especially the sailing adventures.  He was a true gentleman and cared so much for his family and his community.  He will be sorely missed. We will hold him, and you and your family, in our hearts and prayers. 
Love,  Kris & Pat   


Dear Kathy, 
             So saddened by your loss. I remember attending a harvest dinner at you home and Gurdon was such a kind and gracious host. He will be missed by many.   
                My deepest sympathy,  Karen Carneal
             

Dear Kathy,
We are saddened to hear of your beloved
Gurdon's passing. He was always so kind and interesting to chat with at coffee hour. His generosity and giving spirit as a benevolent man will not be forgotten. Wishing you comfort in knowing he was loved by many and respected as a giving soul. May you find all that you need to support you through this time . Peace to your heart.
Deb and Kevin

I am so sorry Kathy,

Gurdon was always welcoming, and interesting to talk to at Church.    I know there are many organizations in the area that are going to miss him.

God bless
Russell

Dear Kathy,
Chris and I are so sad to hear the news of Gurdon’s death. We have fond memories of time and conversations together. We stand in admiration of his (and yours) many contributions to our community. We are holding you in our thoughts.
Fondly, 
Susan and Chris

Dearest Kathy, 

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I did not know Gurdon well but 
I know how much you and he have meant to our Star Kids organization and we will hold you both in our hearts.

Jane

A truly kind, generous and lovely man. We are all diminished by his passing. May the winds be favorable.

Ken & Roe Moldow

We are so sorry for your loss our loss. He was an amazing human being who changed the world for the better. We are so grateful that he helped our family through the New Bedford Star Kid program. He also allowed our daughter’s to ride at his Dancing Oak Farm. We will miss him but we will also hold him in our hearts forever. We will honor his memory with service to those in need. May God bless his beloved wife Kathy, family, friends and all who knew him. Rest In Peace Gurdon Wattles. Angels come to us to bring us comfort. 
Lots of love,
Rance & Deidre
Azalea & Chloe
and the Gillespie Family

So sorry to hear of Gurdon’s recent passing. It was always a joy interacting with Gurdon through Star Kids activities. A kind, gentle, generous, gracious man who was always smiling - especially with Kathy by his side. Rest In Peace, Kathleen 

OBITUARY

Gurdon Bayne Wattles

April 6, 1935 – September 27, 2020

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