John Chamberlain Harwood, age 67, died December 23, 2017 at Metrowest Medical Center – Leonard Morse Hospital. A rugged individualist, John was a great woodsman and sailor. His great love was cruising on the Maine Coast with his wife Sue Ellen and their Scottie dogs.
John was a loving husband, everyone’s best friend, favorite uncle and uniquely talented silver and goldsmith. His long career as a craftsman included many years at Longs Jewelers and spanned the gamut of fine jewelry to sculptures to one-of-a-kind designs in a wide variety of techniques. A long-term artist in residence at Gallery 55 in Natick, John was well loved and respected by that community. He was honored by the privilege to custom design 2 handmade brooches for former Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s private collection. He was a member of NAOS (Natick Open Studios), Marblehead Arts Association and Manchester Harbor Boat Club.
John harbored a deeply rooted spirituality, true to his own philosophy. His church was a grove of pine trees or a peaceful harbor at sunset. Growing up in the mountains, he became fluent on the ski slopes and at home in the natural world. His love for the sea, cultivated by his relationship with his late father-in-law Stanley “Bud” Collinson, led him to become a calm, adept captain.
A kind listener, John’s candid opinions were valued. His family, friends and dedicated loyal customers will miss him. He was a silversmith with a heart of gold.
Born in Boston, MA, on October 13, 1950, he was the son of the late Hugh and Betty Bowker Butts Harwood. John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sue Ellen (Collinson) Harwood of Natick; his brothers Richard Kistler Harwood and his wife Patricia of VA; Peter Bowker Harwood of CA; and his sister Ann Harwood Bowden of Hyannis, MA. Also surviving him are in-laws: Stanley and Daisy Nell Collinson of Essex, MA, Caroline and Joe Madsen of FLA and Jane Collinson of Natick; numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Celebration will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the Common Street Spiritual Center (13 Common Street, Natick, MA). A Reception is to follow.
Donations may be made in John’s memory to Maritime Gloucester, a 501C3 non-profit educational program, 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930.