Gayden W. Morrill
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Gayden W. Morrill

  • February 10, 1939 - July 4, 2012
  • Williamsburg, Virginia
  • In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted in Mr. Morrill's memory by the:
  • Mayor Gayden W. Morrill Charitable Foundation of Newburyport
    c/o Mr. James Kory Wilson at Fidelity Investments, 1900 K Street Northwest, #110
    Washington, DC 20006
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“We are so sorry to hear about our dear friend, Gayden. His friendship was always greatly appreciated. His life was a blessing to us. Our thoughts...Read More » ”
1 of 31 | Posted by: Don and Lucy Griffin - CO

“Nan ~ Words fail me. I just got the news today at work and have passed to others that knew and worked with Gayden, as well. Please know that my...Read More » ”
2 of 31 | Posted by: Kim Cornwell - Manassas, VA

“Nancy and family , I am so sorry to hear of Gayden's passing. I think of the Morrill's every morning as I leave my home. My thoughts are with you...Read More » ”
3 of 31 | Posted by: George Ellison Jr - Newburyport, MA

“For us Gayton was a "Southern Gentleman". He always hugged and kissed on the cheek Jackie everytime he saw her. He was so kind and gentle. We just...Read More » ”
4 of 31 | Posted by: Jackie Dickinson and Thomas Amiss - VA

“I will always remember Gayden as one of the most generous and warm people I have known. He was very kind to his "little" cousin. I was honored to be...Read More » ”
5 of 31 | Posted by: Margaret Noel - Portland, OR

“To the all the Morrill family. I will always remember the 4th of July that the (boys) Gayden, Robert and Jim spent here at Morrill Place and Gayden...Read More » ”
6 of 31 | Posted by: Rose Ann Hunter - Newburyport, MA

“Jim I was deeply saddened to learn of your Father's death and I would like to express to you my sincere sympathies to you and your family at this...Read More » ”
7 of 31 | Posted by: Trina M. Smith - Falls Church, VA

“Jim I was deeply saddened to learn of your Father's death and I would like to express to you my sincere sympathies to you and your family at this...Read More » ”
8 of 31 | Posted by: Trina M. Smith - Falls Church, VA

“They say that when a man passes he’s not really gone as long as there are people on this earth who remember him. If that’s true, and I believe...Read More » ”
9 of 31 | Posted by: Bill Burke - Williamsburg, VA

“My father Everett, my brother Richard, and I met Gayden, Robert and James at the memorial service for their father, Frank Forrest in Newburyport in...Read More » ”
10 of 31 | Posted by: Jeffrey Morrill - Amesbury, MA

“We were saddened to hear of Gayden's illness and sudden decline. We pray God's comfort, strength and blessing upon you all in this loss. We remember...Read More » ”
11 of 31 | Posted by: Dan Verner - Manassas, VA

“Nancy, Rob, Jim, and Family; To say we are saddened by Gayden's passing is a profound understatement. We fondly remember him as the consummate...Read More » ”
12 of 31 | Posted by: Jon and Judy Stansfield

“Gayden was a truly loved man and dedicated to life and all that it has to offer. Through his work with the James City Lions Club, the organization is...Read More » ”
13 of 31 | Posted by: Bob & Rie Gordon - Williamsburg, VA

“My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Morrill family for the loss of wonderful friend, a devoted husband and a great...Read More » ”
14 of 31 | Posted by: Marcia Conway - Manassas, VA

“The family of the late Elizabeth Hamilton Hurd Spink, beloved niece of Gayden Wells Morrill, devoted cousin of Frank Forrest Morrill and his son...Read More » ”
15 of 31 | Posted by: William Spink - New York City, NY

“Jim and Family So very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. This all happen so very fast. I prayer for comfort and peace for you and your...Read More » ”
16 of 31 | Posted by: Carla Cassidy - Kensington, MD

“I remember a fellow Lion Club member and fellow Federal Employee. Rest in Peace Gayden. Rex Moyer ”
17 of 31 | Posted by: Rex Moyer - Latrobe, PA - Friend

“Rob and Family: Please accept our deepest sympathy from the Arlington County Sheriff's Office. Gayden Morrill sounds like a very special man. ...Read More » ”
18 of 31 | Posted by: Beth Arthur - Arlington, VA

“To my dearest Morrill Family We loved Gayden. He was a wonderful friend with great spirit and a fun, loving , caring attitude. We miss him and our...Read More » ”
19 of 31 | Posted by: Jim and Alyson Lawyer - Mineral, VA

“Jim, our hearts go out to you and your family! Your Dad led a beautiful, fun, adventurous, loving life. He'll always be with you...XO ”
20 of 31 | Posted by: Caren and Sunny Chancey - VA

“Jim, May God be with you during your time of sorrow. I am praying for you and your family. Take Care, Selena Watson Your work family ”
21 of 31 | Posted by: Selena Watson - Washington, DC

“Jim, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of your dad. In sympathy, Ron ”
22 of 31 | Posted by: Ron Karstetter - Manassas, VA

“What a true Gentleman. We will miss Gayden with his everyready smile, his welcoming personality and his truly genuine personality. We will miss...Read More » ”
23 of 31 | Posted by: Greg & Ellen Winn - Williamsburg, VA

“DEAR NANCY, ROBERT, JIM AND YOUR FAMILIES, WE ARE BROKENHEARTED FOR YOU AND WE REALIZE THAT WORDS ARE LITTLE COMFORT AT THIS TIME. JUST KNOW THAT...Read More » ”
24 of 31 | Posted by: FRED AND SHARON DE METZ - CA

“Dear Nancy,Rob,Jim and families. I'm so sorry to be far away from Jane and all of you at this time. Since I saw Gayden last, in May, he and you have...Read More » ”
25 of 31 | Posted by: David Matthews Kabul, Afghanistan

“Nancy, My heart goes out to you and the Boys and their families. I was shocked when I received word of Gayden Passing. I have so many fond...Read More » ”
26 of 31 | Posted by: Selby C Jacobs - Basye, VA

“Jim and family, We're so sorry to learn of your loss. Kathy, Rick and Bobby ”
27 of 31 | Posted by: K.M. Rizzo - Warrenton, VA

“I can't believe that this wonderful man is no longer with us. He was such a warm and caring person, and one of the kindest people I have ever known....Read More » ”
28 of 31 | Posted by: Martha Nolan Cummings - Lakeland, FL

“The" Iion King"bites the dust..............a great, lovable individual who did Charlie chaplin look alike at our last holloween party dead on..... ...Read More » ”
29 of 31 | Posted by: Joe McNamara - Williamsburg, VA

“Morill family. I knew Gayden as a friend and fellow ghost guide. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this time of grief. ”
30 of 31 | Posted by: Rick Hancock - Grafton, VA

“Dear Nancy, Our neighborhood will never be the same without our dear and thoughtful Gayden. We will miss him deeply and are thankful that he is no...Read More » ”
31 of 31 | Posted by: Suanne and Sam Keeley - VA


  • Celebrating Gayden's 60th Birthday
  • I will truly miss you sweet brother-in-law
  • Remembering Papa's 100th birthday celebration:-)

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Gayden Wells Morrill, 73, passed away on July 4 following a brief illness. He was born in Newburyport, MA, on February 10, 1939, to the late Frank Forrest Morrill and Frances Octavia (Robert) Morrill.

Mr. Morrill spent his childhood in Newburyport, attending the Unitarian church and graduating from Newburyport High School in 1957. He went on to earn a B.S. in forestry from the University of Maine and a M.S. in administration from Central Michigan University.

Following a stint in the Army, he joined the CIA in Washington, DC, beginning a thirty-three year career with the U.S. government. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Morrill coached Little League, served for nine years as a Boy Scout leader, and began forty-four years of service with the Lions Club International.

Upon his retirement and relocation to Williamsburg, VA, Mr. Morrill enjoyed leading tours of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. He also lent his time, talent and interest to historic preservation, furniture refinishing and restoration, gardening, and art. He and his wife were also extensive world travelers, spending many of their retirement days abroad. Mr. Morrill and his family established and administer the Mayor Gayden W. Morrill Charitable Foundation in Newburyport, founded in memory of the grandfather for whom Mr. Morrill was named.

Mr. Morrill is survived by his wife of fifty years, Nancy Astle Morrill; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Scott Morrill and Rebecca Morrill of Aldie, VA, and James Astle Morrill and Amelia Morrill of Gainesville, VA; nine grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert Dodge Morrill of Stuart, FL, and James Agrippa Morrill of McLean, VA.

A memorial service will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, on Saturday, July 7 at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow. Interment will be held at a later date in Newburyport, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted in Mr. Morrill's memory by the Mayor Gayden W. Morrill Charitable Foundation of Newburyport, in care of Mr. James Kory Wilson at Fidelity Investments, 1900 K Street Northwest, #110, Washington, DC 20006. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.