C. Vernon "Vern" Gaw

Falmouth/Bedford, MA - With gratitude for a life well lived, we sadly announce the death of our beloved husband and father, C. Vernon “ Vern” Gaw. Vern passed away August 21st at his home on Cape Cod in the care of his family and hospice after a long illness.

Born on July 12, 1942, Vern and his two sisters were raised in the center of Sterling, MA by their parents Clarence and Ruhamah Gaw. His interest and aptitude for all things mechanical and electrical were apparent at an early age. He absorbed the basics of construction and woodworking from his Grandfather Vernon Harris, mechanics and electronics from his Dad. He learned to drive a tractor at age 10 on his Grandpa Tommy’s farm, which contributed to his lifelong passion for all types of motor vehicles. His first car was Tommy’s 1931 Chevy which, in his later years, he restored and passed on to his nephew Tom. Surrounded by an extended family that traced their lineage back to the town’s founders, he fondly recalled large family gatherings; Boy Scouts; activities at the First Church in Sterling; and hanging out at Lake Waushacum with friends.

After earning a BSEE from UMass Amherst, he returned to settle in Sterling with his new wife Vicki, where he literally designed and built their home. They were happily settling in their new home with a young son and daughter when I-190 came through their property. In addition to successfully raising environmental concerns that improved the highway design, Vern worked tirelessly to get their home relocated to a site on a nearby property. The100 acre property contained a house that he later sold to his boyhood friend Paul Hirst, and a rustic campground with a pond that he re-opened as Sterling Springs Farm Camping. For the next 28 years, with the help of his wife, he welcomed Boy Scouts, Native American powwows and other organized groups at the weekend campground and hosted many, sometimes raucous, family gatherings.

Once settled back in town, Vern was recruited to teach Sunday school at First Church. Over the ensuing years, long after his children were involved, he supported the church’s youth programs, co-advising the junior and senior youth groups, and serving as the Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 1, the church sponsored troop. He maintained lifelong contact with many of his kids through Facebook and visits. He was proud of the adults they had become, rejoiced in their successes and was saddened by their troubles. He served the church in many other capacities including singing in the choir, working on the upkeep, renovations and additions to the church building and parsonage, and serving as a deacon.

Vern loved Cape Cod. He used his many skills to rehab several homes in Bourne and Falmouth where the family and friends gathered to enjoy biking, swimming, and boating. He maintained a collection of used bikes so all could enjoy the many bikeways. One of his recent projects was restoring a 1964 Boston Whaler.

Upon retiring, Vern devoted his time and talents to many civic activities. He became the caretaker of the Sterling Historical Society house and property as well as serving on their board. He served on the Sterling Historical Commission and was instrumental in securing town approval and funding of the restoration of the 1835 Town Hall. He was an active member of the Sterling Chocksett Club, and Sterling Grange, assisting with upkeep of their historic building. Vern was a senior member of the IEEE and an active member of the Worcester County Chapter during his working years. After retiring, he became the chapter vice chair then chair representing them at the International Congresses in Amsterdam and Sydney, Australia.

When grandchildren arrived, Vern happily took on an active role in their lives. “Papa” enjoyed having them visit to play in the pond at the farm and explore the cape. He attended their activities, and found great pleasure in their company as young adults.

In 2018, Vern and Vicki moved to Carleton Willard Village, a continuing care retirement community in Bedford, MA while maintaining their home on the Cape. There they found a new group of friends, and maintenance free living in the same town as their daughter and family. Vern soon became involved in the woodworking shop and built the blue bird houses that are scattered about the village. Vern maintained many lifelong friendships as well as treasuring the new friends he’d just made.

Vern is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Victoria; his children Kenneth H. Gaw and Catherine VG Van Praagh; his grandchildren Abigail and Alfie Van Praagh; his sister Diane Gaw; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Vern was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Ranny and Roger Sabourin; his niece Cynthia Sabourin; and his son-in-law Andrew VanPraagh.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Church in Sterling on September 20, 2026 at 2pm. The service will be broadcast on the church’s YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdh-2siypQ48YKqLpxh8qCQ 

Following the service all are invited to join the family for an informal celebration of Vern’s life at The 228, 228 Leominster Road, Sterling, MA

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of these organizations Vern supported. The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (www.apcc.org), the ACLU (www.ACLU.org) or the Sierra Club (www.sierraclub.org).