Obituary of John A. Cattell

John Andrews Cattell, of Kingston, died Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in Duxbury, Massachusetts at the age of 80, after a long illness. Born in Boston, educated in the Newton public schools and later at Governor Dummer Prepatory School, John studied at the University of Rhode Island before leaving to form his own compnay, Bayberry Gardens. As the youngest son of a world famous surgeon, he grew up in a home on Highland St, West Newton, not far from the First Congregational Church where he and his sister lead the youth choir. He spent his summers in Duxbury at his family's seaside home that looked out at Eagles Nest and Gurnet Lighthouse. He sailed at Duxbury Yacht Club and was a talented golfer before clubs were made for left handed players. John served our country in the Army and was honorably discharged in June of 1963. He delighted in dancing and enjoyed acting in local plays in his youth. John spent a lifetime helping several of his siblings with their homes. He had a great talent for designing gardens and maintained many properties in the Duxbury and Kingston area. He sailed near his home and on Cape Cod in various boats that he owned and restored in a meticulous manner. John leaves his devoted wife, Carolyn Jason Cattell, whom he married at Fort Independence, Hull, MA in 2002. Together they enjoyed a large extended family. He leaves his son Richard Andrews Cattell and wife Joanne from St. Petersburg, FL and their two sons John and Michael and grandaughter Emma; and a daughter Catherine Hadad, her husband Christopher and children Megan and Andrew from New Barn, North Carolina. John also leaves his twin sister, Jeanne Cattell Rhinelander from Gloucester, MA, his eldest brother, Dr. Richard B. Cattell and wife Judith from Manhattan, KS, a brother in law Bill Dunmore from Duxbury, MA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Agnes and Richard B. Cattell, MD, his brother William Channing Cattell and his sister, Mary Virginia Dunmore. His wife's family was a very important part of his life and his loss will be profound for Edward and Lynne Vickery, children Eryn, Brett, and grandaughters; Sharon Foster and her daughter Molly; Susan Denison and her partner Melanie; John Vickery and wife Teresa and their sons Jason and Sean; and Sheila and Charles Baker and their son Broghden. A private burial service will take place Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 AM at the family plot in Mayflower cemetery in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Immediately following the burial, family and friends are invited to the Duxbury Senior Center at 10:30 AM in celebration of John's life.