Nathan John "Gator" Mawdsley

2017 - 2024

Nathan "Gator" John Mawdsley, a big man in the little frame of a 7-year old, passed away from injuries in an ATV accident on April 7, 2024 in Spokane, WA. Gator was born on February 11, 2017 in Spokane, WA and soon was home in Northport, WA with his parent, Robert Marshall and Anita Sue (Miller) Mawdsley.
Once Gator found his feet, before the age of two, he was in motion and at full speed. He was inquisitive and once he knew where he wanted to go "watch out" because he had a fierce determination and a passion that was never in neutral. He discovered very early, that to express himself, he needed to articulate his thoughts and began speaking his thoughts with amazing clarity. With his brothers in tow, Gator led the pack, he had plans and was never deterred by their lack of interest, he would just do it himself. He was "Papa's Shadow" and followed him everywhere! Gator loved to learn and work on equipment in the shop. He was also a gifted young operator who could drive and smoothly operate anything from the farm tractor, 4-wheeler, motorcycle to the boat and snowmobiles. With his uncanny understanding of mechanics and machine operations, it was no wonder that he wanted nothing to do with school, he thought everything he needed in life was learned with Papa in the shop. He inspired regular parental classroom visits and pep talks that school was his job and was worthy of his attention. Afterschool time was spent in athletics as he was small-in-size and wild cat fast. He enjoyed wrestling, basketball and baseball.
Gator and his family spent days on the river, fishing, swimming, playing on the beaches and basking in the summer sun. He preferred full exposure to the sun and so the need for clothing was a common encouragement from his parents. He fished for hours on end and often with an empty hook and tangled line, that mattered not to Gator, his line was in the water! Gator had an emotional intellect that allowed him to know if people were in need of his world class "Gator Hugs". They were sincere and he wrapped all his being into every squeeze. He generated smiles every day with his silly ways, vibrant energy and "let's do that" attitude.
Gator was preceded in death by his nephew, T.J. Sprucebank.
He is survived by his parents: Rob and Anita Mawdsley at the home; sisters, Kyrstan Sprucebank (Tim) of Chesapeake, VA, Kristal Wendt of Northport, WA; brothers, Cameron Mawdsley, Mason Mawdsley, Jason Warren, all at the home, Logan Mawdsley of Clovis, NM, Ryan Wendt of Spokane, WA; grandparents: John and Iris Miller of Rice, WA, Barb and John Crise of Chewelah, WA; nieces Elsie and Madison Sprucebank; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of extended family.
The memorial service for Nathan "Gator" J. Mawdsley will begin at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Northport School in Northport, WA. A time of family visitation was held at the Danekas Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to the Northport athletic programs). Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.