J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Burgwyn, Nathaniel

Friday, March 03, 2006

Nathaniel Thomas Ridley Burgwyn, a fifty-year resident of Richmond, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2006. Born October 12, 1925, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Nat was the son of Emily Roper and George Pollok Burgwyn, Jr., of Jackson, North Carolina. After his father�s death in 1930, his mother moved back to her hometown of Petersburg, Virginia, where Nat graduated from Petersburg High School in 1943. During World War II, he served in the 393rd Bombardment Squadron of the 509th Composite Group, U.S. Army Air Corps as a radar observer and gunner with the crew of the B-29, �Full House.� Stationed on Tinian Island in the South Pacific, he and his crew flew missions over Japan and played supporting roles in the atomic bomb missions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was discharged from the Air Corps in 1946, with the rank of Sergeant. After the war, Nat attended the University of Virginia, and graduated in1950 with a BA in history. In February of the same year, he married Margot Couzens Yaw of Detroit, Michigan. After a brief employment with Roper and Company in Petersburg, Nat worked for Texaco in Parkersburg, West Virginia. For most of his twenty-five-year career in the savings and loan business, Nat was employed by Richmond Federal Savings & Loan, where he was a senior vice president. After his retirement in 1984, Nat founded �Nat T. R. Burgwyn, Builder,� and built homes in Hanover County. An avid sportsman and celebrated fly fisherman and fly-tyer, Nat was a member of numerous sporting clubs and conservation organizations. He played leadership roles in many of these organizations, including The Federation of Fly Fishers, the Virginia Anglers Club, Trout Unlimited, the Coastal Conservation Association, and the Cohoke Club. He was a co-founder and past president of Fly Fishers of Virginia, as well as the Virginia Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Junglecock, an organization dedicated to introducing youngsters to fly fishing and conservation. Nat was predeceased by his sister, Emily Burgwyn Sneed; brothers George Pollok Burgwyn, III, and Bartlett Roper Burgwyn; and a twin brother, Dr. Collinson P. E. Burgwyn. A generous family man and provider, Nat is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Margot Yaw Burgwyn; their son George Pollock Burgwyn, IV, and his wife Eileen; their daughter Molly Burgwyn Shaver and her husband Charles; their daughter Emily Roper Burgwyn and her partner Carla Garber; and their son, John Fanning Burgwyn, and his wife Ellen. Nat is survived by three grandsons, Thomas Joseph Grubbs Jr., Nathaniel T. R. Burgwyn, II, and William Clayton Andrew Burgwyn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Barrow Burgwyn of Jackson, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at the J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home in Chester, Virginia, on Route 10 from 7:00-8:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 7. A graveside service will be held at the Church of the Savior in Jackson, North Carolina, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8. The family is grateful for the compassionate care Nat received at Cedarfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Nathaniel Thomas Ridley Burgwyn to the Church of the Savior, Jackson, North Carolina, 27845. condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

It was a joyful good-bye to our treasured Nat with so many years (55) of fun and laughs and love, but now we are sad realizing that he has left a big hole and we have to be satisfied with the memories. As Nicky says, "He is happy now with Jesus in Heaven!" and we can't be sad about that! With so much love and sympathy to Margot and her great family! Betty

Posted by: Betty Kirk at March 10, 2006 10:05 AM

There are no magic words to say that will take away the pain and hardship the loss of your loved one had brought into your lives but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May your shared memories comfort you in this hard time.

The Staff of the TCU Student Center

Posted by: Shawn Wagner at March 9, 2006 09:27 AM

Dear Emily and Family: I just wanted to let you know that my wife and I have you all in our thoughts....and especially in our prayers. (We are friends of Emily's from TCU.) Victor Boschini

Posted by: Victor Boschini at March 8, 2006 06:40 PM

I knew Mr. Burgwyn only through the shared memories of his daughter, Emily, a dear friend and encouragement during my own father's terminal illness and subsequent death a few years ago. I pray those memories will comfort the extended Burgwyn family; provide opportunity for sharing,laughing, and hugging; and comfort you in the days to come. I am very sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Karen Baker at March 8, 2006 11:53 AM

my heartfelt condolences to the family of my friend nat aka The Hummer. he shared with generations his job of life with his dedication to youth thru his fly fishing and conservation efforts. his contribution to the brotherhood of the jungle cock were immense and i often counted on Nat for council. i have a billy bass pin that i will always treasure and one of his special mug coffees

Nat was truly a bridge builder. he is greatly missed.

Posted by: bosley wright at March 7, 2006 12:40 PM

What a grand and loving man. My heartfelt condolences to his family. I knew Nat when Richmond Fed & Security Fed merged. He realized my love of fishing and always had a great story to tell. Nat was such a kind person and loved by so many, no room for politics....God Bless him. May your sorrow now turn to laughter soon from all the wonderful memories he must have left behind.

Posted by: Nan Taylor-Cleveland at March 7, 2006 08:36 AM

Only joyious memories come to me from knowing Nat. We shared many wonderful times teaching children a way to use and conserve the natural beauty of this great land. He can never be forgotten by those who knew him.

Posted by: Jim Bittner at March 7, 2006 08:11 AM

I wish I could be there to pay my respects to a remarkable man with a remarkable family. He sacrificed much in order to serve our country in the second World War, fathered four extraordinary children and taught countless other children more than fly fishing. He made me laugh a lot. I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with each family member as they say goodbye.

Posted by: Carla Garber at March 6, 2006 10:49 PM

We are so sorry for your loss. Sad times like these do bring laughter though in the memories. We have memories of Nags Head... Paw Paw's fast trip down and back with a brief stop for a bourbon and some peanuts! We have been friends with Eileen and George for many years, our children grew up together. Please know you are all in our thoughts.

Posted by: Ron and Becky Gheen at March 6, 2006 08:21 PM

My deepest condolences to the Burgwyn family. Although I did not meet him, his daughter Emily is a testimony to his character. I know he will be greatly missed by his loved ones, and wish on behalf of my family express our sympathies. He and his loved one will be remembered in our prayers. May God Bless you all!

Posted by: Murielle Wright at March 6, 2006 01:59 PM

My deepest sympathies to the Burgwyn family. Your loss is a heavy blow. Nat was an unforgettable character who shared his joy of life with those around him. I learned more than fly-tying secrets from him during the Jungle Cock weekends at Otter Valley. I was just thinking of him the other day when I saw that his daffodils were poking out about 3 inches. His personality so matched these harbingers of spring. He will be deeply missed.

Posted by: Judy Lingg` at March 5, 2006 08:58 PM

Posted by: Judy Lingg at March 5, 2006 08:55 PM

On behalf of all of Nat's friends from the upstate New York (Cortland) area our sincere condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of Nat Burgwyn. His contributions and dedication to the sport of Fly Fishing will always be remembered.

Posted by: Stan Zattosky at March 5, 2006 03:08 PM

I am saddened to hear of Nat's passing--though I knew it was comming. I know Nat through his afiliation with BOJC in Maryland, and through various flyfishing events. Nat haad such a great personality, a beautiful smile, and quick wit. And what a talented fly tier!! My grandsons and I each have one of his "Billy Bass" and "Sally Sunfish" pins. I once helped in one of his special deliveries of a box of flower bulbs to Judy Lingg at his beloved Otter Valley Fisheries lodge on Owens Creek. Nat was so thoughtful and generous. We all miss him. Our prayers will be with Nat and you as you go through this most difficult time.

Posted by: Billy Noland at March 5, 2006 12:53 PM

I am saddened by the news of Nat's passing and wish the Burgwyn family my sincere condolences. I will remember Nat for the many fond experiences we shared at the MD BOJC. Nat instructed me on the art of fly fishing when I was a young boy some 30 years ago. One of my fondest memories is a day I shared with Nat twenty seven years ago on Maryland's Owens Creek "Fishing with the Masters". I'll never forget him. God Bless You Nat. Go Hokies!

Posted by: John Zimmer - MD Chapter BOJC at March 5, 2006 12:15 PM

My deepest condolences to the Burgwyn family. I had the pleasue of being at the Maryland Chapter of the Brotherhood of Jungkecock for many years with Nat. He was a true sportsman and loved to share his fishing experiences with the youth that attended camp. He will be truly missed. He will be kept in our prayers for years to come.

Posted by: Ed Little Md Chapter BOJC at March 5, 2006 09:50 AM