Obituary: John Edward Nequist (Maerz), 86, Of Wilton

Information and Photo Courtesy Bouton Funeral Home

WILTON, CT — John Edward Nequist (Maerz), 86, of Wilton, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Oct. 31, 2023.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Dec. 2, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bouton Funeral Home. 31 West Church Street, Georgetown, CT.

Born on April 24, 1937, in Seattle, WA to Ruby (Jacobson) Maerz (Nequist) from California, and John Leonard Nequist from Sweden. He was raised by Ruby and loving step-dad Ralph Maerz.

John grew up in the Pacific Northwest, after High School (Class of 1955 Anchorage, AK), John received his Wings of Gold and Commission from the Navy after graduating from Pensacola Class of 1956. John served as lieutenant commander and a naval helicopter pilot, where he gained many accolades and developed procedures for landing helicopters on aircraft carriers. John continued his passion for flying throughout his life-long career as a pilot with the Forest Service as a forestry fire pilot and as captain for American Airlines.

Family, friends, and outdoor recreation were his other passions.

He loved neighborhood parties at the beach, sailing, and skating on frozen Lake Pierrepont Pond. He enjoyed teaching his three children and grandchildren how to sail, navigate, and cruise to destinations like Nantucket, Thimble Islands, Block Island, and around Long Island Sound on his beloved boat, Juanita. His wit, navigation skills, and tactician sailing passion expanded to Tuesday and Thursday night races at the Halloween Yacht Club and others. With his expanded crew sailing his new sailing vessel, SeaDancer, to multiple victories!

If you ever sailed with him you can still remember Captain John’s cadence: "Prepare to come about, helm’s a lee, duck!" Or "Prepare to jibe, jibe-o, duck!" John’s tips and tricks included "THREE POINTS AT ALL TIMES:" Two hands, one foot, two feet and one hand so we would not go overboard.

John made sure that his children developed lifelong skills, from skiing to building ramps to jumping dirt bikes off of them, and how to properly do a dry take-off while water-skiing.
You could often find John cruising through town in the beautiful El Dorado Cadillac convertible "Big Blue," with his grandkids in the passenger seat, they felt like they were flying! John was an excellent teacher, who loved everything he did with passion.

John loved the family events and weddings of his children and grandchildren. He would be the first up on the dance floor and be known for twirling his wife, daughters and granddaughters as he took on the role of a professional dancer who led the ballroom dance with a disco twist type of dancing that was an endearing great time for all. He was so proud of his family, wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No matter where John went, you could hear his unique laugh from across the room, which would lighten any mood and bring joy to everyone around him or make you roll your eyes. He was a true gentleman.

John was deeply loved by his family, friends, teammates, co-workers, neighbors, consultants, and anyone who had the good fortune to meet him. John will forever be remembered for his quiet charisma, eloquent presence, and his pure joy for life.

His most famous quotes make the perfect sign-off: "perfect is good enough!" and "I have had ample sufficiency, anymore would be a superfluous redundancy."

Fair winds and following seas Dad/Grandad, you’ll truly be missed.

John is survived by his loving wife Sarah Brandt (Wang) Nequist, and children Kim Marie (Nequist) Wiede and husband Chris, Yvonne Lee (Nequist) O’Keefe (McDonald), Gregory John Nequist and wife Heidi, and grandchildren: Jessica Lee Wiede, Michael Arno Wiede, Kathleen Lord (McDonald) Thompson and husband Matthew, William John McDonald IV and wife Caroline, Liam Denison O’Keefe, Cori Lee McManis, Danielle Nicole (Nequist) Cantler and husband Carroll, Benjamin Charles Nequist, Nathan Gregory Nequist, and Abigail Lynn Nequist, also 6 great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Charlotte, Adalyn, Porter, Molly, and Amelia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to one of the following:
The Wilton Library where John could often be found meandering the internet or finding his next adventure; or The Police Benevolent Fund of the Wilton Police Department to help those who have helped us; or donate a tree or plant to Arlington National Cemetery.

For a complete listing of Arlington's memorial trees or learn how to donate a living gift, please visit: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil or call toll-free: (877) 907-8585