Gaskell, Donald W.
Donald W. ‘Scurry’ Gaskell of Somers, CT peacefully passed at home on January 5th, 2022 at the age of 82. He was born September 21, 1939 in Stafford, grew up in Hazardville and moved into the home he built in Somers in 1964 for him and his family.
Son of Arthur and Dorothy (Brennan) Gaskell of Enfield, CT. He was predeceased by his brother and sister in-law Richard and Edna Gaskell of Enfield. Don was known to many as an engaging storyteller, proud father & grandfather, fun loving uncle, a loyal friend to many and last but not least a caring, thoughtful and loving husband.
To those who knew Don, he was a happy, giving person who left this world a better place. His friendships spanned generations of people and he would always go the extra mile to help you out or make something better, regardless of whether he knew you.
Don was a talented and self-made craftsman who ran his own building and remodeling business for many years. He was known as a perfectionist and would only do things one way – the right way. Early in his career and ‘while he was resting’, he spent six years in the CT Air National Guard. Later in life, he made many friends as a member of both Ketch Hollow and Swift River Sportsman's Clubs.
From an early age he loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, trapping and boating were top priorities, even sometimes ahead of school. Throughout the years his ambitions grew as did his adventures. From annual hunting and fishing trips to the Allagash Wilderness/ Moosehead Lake region of Maine, to snowmobiling, alpine and water skiing, it can be said he lived life to the fullest.
Don spent the summer of 1986 driving to Alaska with his family touring Canada on the way up and the US on the way back, only to return in 1989 to hunt Alaskan Brown Bear on Admiralty Island. In 1988 he rode his bicycle 1800 miles from CT to FL and the next year toured cross country on motorcycle. Other trips include taking his boat down the intracoastal waterway from CT to FL, a 10,000 mile motorcycle ride around the perimeter of the Continental United States, a Trans-canada 4,300 snowmobile adventure where he ran out of snow in Alberta, Canada prior to reaching the Pacific Ocean, Elk hunting in Montana, Caribou hunting in Northern Quebec, fly fishing in Alaska, along with countless days pheasant hunting with his beloved Labrador retriever companions. To all who knew him, he will be missed.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Marilyn (Lague) Gaskell, his three children Todd Gaskell and wife Erin of Somers, Kelley Garrison and husband Brian of Somers, Shawn Gaskell and partner Laura Lee of Tolland. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Megan, Robin and Claire Gaskell of Somers, Ella and Reily Gaskell of Tolland and Jason Garrison of Somers, brother in-law and sister in-law Alvin and Nancy Ravizza of Berlin, along with 3 nieces, 5 nephews, several cousins and loyal lab Goober.
Visitation hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 12, 2022 at Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St. Somers. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at Somers Funeral Home. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, donations in Don's memory may be made to the CT Humane Society, 71 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. For online condolences, please visit www.somersfuneralhome.com
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