Gary W Thompson
Obituary

Commodore Gary W. Thompson passed away Tuesday, September 29 after a brief illness in Palm Springs. He was 83. Most know him as a vibrant storyteller and debonaire character who had endless stories across his lifetime. More importantly, he was a dear friend to many and always there for family, friends and strangers in need. He leaves a legacy of good humor, fast wit and persistent laughter to all who knew him.

Gary was born to Kenneth Arthur Thompson and Evelyn Pearl Thomson née Hinds of Haverhill Massachusetts February 10, 1943. He attended Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Bates University in Lewiston, Maine, Class of 1966.

Perhaps best known as the vivacious proprietor of the Inn Street Barber Shop in Newburyport, MA from the 1970s to 1996, he sold the shop to join the financial services Consulting Group, ICLA, Inc. where he was a Senior Consultant based in Dublin, Ireland for over 10 years.

A Freemason, Gary was a Worshipful Master with St. John’s Lodge of Newburyport, MA and a member for over 55 years. He was also a decades-long member of the American Yacht Club serving as Commodore from 1970-1971.

Gary retired to Palm Springs in 2009 but frequently spent his summers back east, staying at his favorite guesthouse, the Chailey Estate in Newburyport, MA.

Among many close friends, he leaves behind his sister, Gail E. Atkins of Haverhill, MA, his nephew William Atkins of Haverhill, MA and his beloved niece Laurie Atkins of Merrimac, MA. A life celebration is planned to be held in Newburyport, MA in the spring of 2027.