It is with heavy hearts and grateful memories that we announce the peaceful passing of Capt. Nathaniel “Nat” Ewer on October 18, 2026, on Singer Island. Born on May 7, 1943 in Beach Haven, NJ, Nat lived a life full of curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for his family and the ocean.
On February 3, 1962, Nat married the love of his life, Carol “Cis” Ewer, beginning a remarkable love story that would span 64 years. Their marriage was defined not simply in the long number of years they shared, but in the unwavering devotion, deep friendship, and quiet certainty with which they chose one another every day. Together, they built a life rich in family, adventure, and memories between Beach Haven, Singer Island, and the Florida Keys, creating a bond that time only seemed to strengthen. Nat considered his family his greatest accomplishment, and the love he and Cis shared became one of his most enduring legacies. Their marriage was a living example of what it means to find your person and build a lifetime beside them - a love story that will forever be woven into the hearts of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and one that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to bear witness.
A trailblazer in the live-bait industry and sportfishing community, Nat made his living on the water, guided by an instinctive understanding of the ocean and all it had to offer. He generously and joyfully shared that knowledge with many young captains and anglers, including his sons and grandchildren, to help shape and mold a long legacy of watermen. His creativity found expression in marine art, detailed boat and plane models, custom firearms and carvings inspired by marine life and sportfishing. He taught countless fellow creatives, passing along his woodworking skills, tools, and artistry with the same willingness to help that guided so much of his life. Many had the honor of sitting in his shop and creating something custom and meaningful at his work bench that holds meaning, celebrates a milestone, or honors a memory.
Nat was a one-of-a-kind storyteller who found genuine happiness in the simple pleasure of good company. Whether sharing a story, exchanging a laugh, or simply sitting together, he had a way of making the time spent with him feel special. Humble, caring, and resourceful, he could connect with people from all walks of life, making everyone feel welcome and at ease in his presence. He had a soft spot for strays, both people and animals, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Through the way he lived his life, Nat taught those around him the value of hard work, kindness, curiosity, a firm handshake and never losing a childlike sense of wonder about the world. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “Pop Pop” was nothing short of a hero. There was no one stronger, tougher, or more capable in their eyes.
He thoroughly enjoyed the Bee Gees, morning coffee and donuts, gunsmithing, raising turtles, McDonald’s Happy Meals, taking in stray cats and time spent at favorite local spots including Sailfish Marina, Hobo’s Kitchen, Lake Catherine, the Jupiter Inlet, Fisherman’s Center, Grand Slam, Phil Foster Park and so many others. These familiar pleasures, along with his humor and stories, will remain cherished reminders of him.
Nathaniel is survived by his wife, Carol Ewer; his sons, Donald Ewer (Betsy), Thomas Ewer (Lori), Timothy Ewer (Stephen), and Michael Kettering (Robin); his sisters, Mary Pettinos and Ellen Sturges; his grandchildren, Chelsea Brotman, Michael Ewer, Drew Ewer, and Traci Volstad; and his Great Grand Children Jacob, Lucy, Reef, Luke, Sunny, Birdie, Jack, Drew, Nash, and Warren. Nat was preceded in death by his beloved brother, David Ewer.
Nat’s legacy lives on in his large and deeply loved family, the skills and knowledge he shared in his garage, the stories of the life he built on the ocean, and the many people who found kindness and belonging in his company. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his enduring love for Cis, and his ability to find wonder and joy in everyday life. If you have the honor of possessing one of the hundreds of hooks, pieces of jewelry, trophies, fighting chairs or any custom works of his art, may these treasured pieces serve as a lasting reminder of the time shared, the stories told, and the memories made with an extraordinary man. Each one carries a piece of Nat’s ingenuity, passion, and spirit - a tangible connection to a life that touched so many. Though we will miss him dearly here on earth, his love and legacy will remain with us always, as we find comfort in knowing that he now rests in the presence of our Lord.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the West Palm Beach Fishing Club in support of its youth fishing programs. These programs include the club’s Kid Fishing day, Rods and Reels for Kids, and other youth fishing initiatives of the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation. In honor of Nat’s lifelong love of the water and his passion for sharing his knowledge with others, these contributions will help inspire the next generation of young anglers and give local children the opportunity to experience the joy, adventure, and lifelong memories that can be found on the water.
Donations can be made here: https://westpalmbeachfishingclub.org/donate/
Further details of a celebration of Nat’s life will be shared on this website as they become available.
1 comment
Love you Pop Pop