Donald N. Gavin, 91, of Little Compton passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at St. Anne's Hospital. He was the husband of Elinor (Peckham) Gavin. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in April.
Born in Providence, RI, son of the late Robert and Elsie (Nelson) Gavin, he lived in Little Compton for most of his life. A veteran of WWII, he served his country in the United States Marine Corps. During his years in education, Mr. Gavin was a teacher, coach, vice-principal and principal, completing his time in education as Superintendent/Principal of the Little Compton School System. He retired in 1987, and then went on to his second career as a farmer, establishing the Boughs and Berry Farm in Little Compton with Elinor. Mr. Gavin was a talented athlete and played tennis into his 80’s. He was a deacon at the United Congregational Church, ran the Summer Youth Group Program in Little Compton for many years with Elinor, taught tennis and directed the summer tennis tournament in Little Compton.
Including his wife, survivors include children: Donna Gavin of Jamestown, RI, Bruce Gavin and his wife Jane, and Tracy Gavin, all of Little Compton; a brother: Robert Gavin, Jr. and his wife Noreen of Tiverton; 6 grandchildren: Chelsea Koppelson and her husband Charlie, Hannah Cordes, Raymond Hutten-Czapski, Thomas Allder, Matthew Allder and his wife Kristin, and Elizabeth Allder; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was brother of the late Ernest C. Gavin and Lucille Hutch.
Known by most as “Duck”, he will be remembered for his crew cut, his hugs and laughter, his knuckle busting handshake, and for cherishing time with his family and friends.
Memorial service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Sunday, June 3, 2018 at the United Congregational Church of Little Compton at 3:30 pm.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or Scholarship Little Compton, PO 928, Little Compton, RI 02837.