Matthew S. Gurl

NEWPORT, R.I. - Matthew Shane Gurl, 43, died unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, in Middletown.

He was born Aug. 9, 1966, in Camp Lejeune, N.C., the son of John T. Gurl of Kensington and the late Barbara Lachance Gurl. He was raised in Hampton, N.H.

Mr. Gurl's passion for sailing and adventure was strong, and early on he became an avid "student of the world." In 1989, he sailed into Newport and called it his home from that time on.

For the last six years he pursued a variety of business opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures in the Newport area.

In addition to his father, he is survived by one sister and her husband, Kimberley and Eric Swanson of Scarborough, Maine; one brother and his wife, Shaun Gurl and Anthea Perkinson of Pelham, N.Y.; one niece, Emma Rose Swanson; four nephews, Andrew Swanson, Aidan Gurl, Liam Gurl and Dylan Gurl; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

WE REMEMBER: He is also survived by his beloved golden retriever, Zelda.

He was educated in Hampton schools and spent some of his high school years at Tabor Academy and Maine Central Institute before attending college at the University of New Hampshire and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Mr. Gurl sailed professionally up and down the East Coast, the Caribbean, Europe, South Africa and South America.

He was proud to have been a member of the New York Yacht Club's Young America team that challenged in the America's Cup races off New Zealand.

In 2003 he suffered a knee injury during an overnight race off New York which caused the end of his sailing career.

He was a charismatic, generous and engaging person who was blessed with many friends near and far. He was never found far from the ocean unless it was to ski, hike, travel - or even sky dive. He lived and experienced more in his 43 years than many do in a lifetime.

In addition to his family he will be greatly missed by his sailing friends in Newport with whom he shared so much time. To you he would say, "Cheers - no worries."

SERVICES: A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. in St. Michael Church, at the corner of Front and Lincoln streets, Exeter, N.H.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Save the Children Foundation for the earthquake victims of Haiti at SaveTheChildren.org.

Arrangements are by the Stockbridge Funeral Home, Exeter.

To sign an online guest book visit www.stockbridgefh.com.