Christopher Martin Thompson

Christopher Martin "Chris" Thompson, known to many as "Mr. Gadget," 54, of Wellfleet, passed away on October 2, 2026. He was born on October 16, 1971, in Greenfield, MA, the son of the late Richard "Dick" Thompson and Anne (Hutchings) Thompson.

Chris spent his early years in Greenfield. After losing both of his parents, he moved to Wellfleet to live with his aunt, Sara Hutchings, who guided him through his high school years at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School.

For several years, Chris worked as a mechanic at Nauset Disposal, but his talents went far beyond his job. A true Jack of All Trades, Chris was a ham radio technician, a skilled welder, a scuba diver, equestrian and a devoted collector of Gravely tractors. He loved riding motorcycles and four-wheeling in the mud. If something was broken, Chris could usually figure out how to fix it, and he was always willing to lend a hand.

Chris was deeply loved and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He brought a special joy and excitement to every gathering and touched the lives of all who met him. Chris was an important part of family celebrations, especially our yearly “Capesgivings”, where his warmth, laughter, and presence will be greatly missed.

Chris is survived by his siblings, Anne E. Stetson and partner Gerd Cross of Brewster, MA; Robert W. Stetson II and wife Sandy Stetson of Tallahassee, FL; and Mary-Alice Bean of Wells, ME. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, Christopher Vanderwolk and Julie Vanderwolk of Scotch Plains, NJ; Ryan Vanderwolk and Catarina Carreiro of Nashua, NH; Brett O'Connor of Westfield, MA; Robert W. Stetson III and Rachael Stetson of Easton, MA; Jessica Borawski of Cambridge, MA; and April Borawski of Boston, MA.

He is survived by his aunts, Sara Hutchings of Orleans, MA,; Mary Hutchings Snider of Portland, OR; and Alice Hutchings Brainard and Mike Brainard of South Hadley, MA. He also leaves his cousins, Sadie Hutchings and Rich Waldo of North Truro, MA; Maria Jones and Jeffrey Jones of North Monmouth, ME; Gino Furlano and Kim Furlano of Turner, ME; Jake Snider of Portland, OR; Casey Kalina and Tyler Kalina of Portland, OR; and Damiana Gonzalez of Westfield, MA.

Chris leaves many dear friends, including Russ Apgar, his friend since high school, and Kenny Beaton, his close friend and coworker at Nauset Disposal. He was predeceased by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 25, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Eastham, MA. Arrangements are by Nickerson Funeral Home, Wellfleet, MA.

In lieu of flowers please do something today that Chris would love; whether that’s helping a friend, playing with a gadget, riding a horse, or making someone you love smile, please do so in Chris’s memory.