Obituary of Gordon L Waterworth Jr.

Gordon L. Waterworth, Jr was 90 years young when he passed away peacefully on November 14th, 2019.   Gordon was described as tall, dark and handsome, with striking blue eyes and jet black hair (which was natural and did not turn grey as he aged).  More importantly, he was a kind and gentle man, generous and there for all who needed help.

Gordon survived polio as a child. Never one to complain, he went on to live life to the fullest.  As a teenager he joined the JROTC, and later the Navy.  He maintained his Private Pilot's license into his 60s and flew across country several times.  He was licensed to carry Motorboat passengers for hire.  He joined the firm of Marsh and McClennan where he worked for 35 years until his retirement as an Assistant Vice President.  He was responsible for arranging large insurance deals with companies, such as LLoyds of London, traveling frequently to San Francisco, New Orleans, New York and London, England.  

He married the love of his life, Marilyn (Morris) Waterworth in 1956 and raised their children Leandra, Kimberley and Gordon.  At the family cottage at Hope Bay, Ontario, his love of being on the water continued.  He enjoyed racing "seafleas", and taking the kids and adults out for evening boat rides.  With his soft-spoken, supportive manner he could make even the most skittish passenger comfortable and enjoy the boat ride.  Many of his grandchildren have pictures of themselves proudly "driving" the boat as Papa sat behind them, calmly and quietly providing guidance.  He was an eagle eyed spotter on the Bay, rescuing many boaters that were adrift when a motor quit and risking being blown out toward the larger Georgian Bay .  He would see trouble, vault out of his chair, jump in the boat and be headed out to help with trusty tow rope in hand.  He would bring the stranded boat and boaters back safely to their dock, wave off the "thank you" and return home.  He taught most of the kids at the bay to ride on a "surfboard" behind the boat, and then as they grew older to water-ski.  At the cottage he enjoyed, singing, dancing, playing cards, and raising a glass with good friends.

He was an active member of the American Legion, the Royal Canadian Legion in Wiarton, Ontario, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks in Royal Oak Michigan, and the Polish Yacht Club.

Gordon and Marilyn moved to Sun City Hilton Head in 1999.  Gordon joined the Sun City Veterans Club and volunteered as a driver, transporting veterans to the Charleston VA hospital for appointments.  He also volunteered on service projects and charity events like the Heritage Golf tournament.  Marilyn and Gordon developed many close friendships in Sun City and enjoyed an active lifestyle well into their 80s and he enjoyed raising a glass with his friends at the two golf clubs in Sun City.

Per Gordon's wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of his life will be planned for sometime in 2020.  Cards can be sent to Marilyn at 30 Bailey Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909.

Please go to the condolences page and tell us your favorite good memory of Gordon at www.southcarolinacremation.com