NATHANIEL FAIRBANKS WINSCHEL, age 21, died unexpectedly on January 7, 2018. Nathaniel was a 2014 graduate of Winchester Thurston and was a student at the University of Vermont. A wonderfully bright, charismatic and caring young man, Nathaniel's sense of humor, winning charm and very presence filled a room. He was passionate about his political beliefs and his concerns for the environment. With many interests, including drawing, botany and Spanish language, he had an incredible memory and the ability to connect and make anyone laugh. Nathaniel had great love for his family and his many loyal friends. He is survived by his mother, Kate Stainton, his grandmother, Molly Stainton and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will all miss him dearly. Nathaniel was preceded in death by his father, Charles Winschel.
I have never seen such a friendly connection between a human being and the universe. In the simplest way, you made clear for me the meaning of art, love, beauty, purity, passion. Youre the only person I knew who could be in between phones for like... 2 years, casually. And its for the same reason you were always so present.
Nate was a student of life. He was a true renaissance man: a thirst for knowledge, a great athlete, a love for art, socially intelligent, and a comedian.
He woke me up at 5am one morning on the beach, so we could share the Delaware sunrise experience together. Nate looked at this orange sunrise as if seeing the sky for the first time. He constantly saw the world in this way, the way great visionaries and poets see everything "for the first time. One weekend in highschool, a group of us went out to dinner. Nate didnt have much, but he had just gotten paid and he used his entire paycheck on picking up our whole bill for no particular occasion other than to thank us for our company.
Those are a few of my stories, and we all have our own. Nate has touched all of us in some way, and the positive energy he brought to everyday life is still spreading throughout the world. Those ways in which hes changed us, in which hes affected our character, we carry with us every day. Nate lives on within all of us. He lives on within the positivity we put back out into the world that he taught us how to do.
Jet Life to the next life, brother. 3/13/1996 -Manoli Epitropoulos
Nate was an exceptional young man who touched our lives and became more than a "best friend" to Jake, but like a family member to us all. He is loved and will be missed.
Phil Sonnenklar
I only met Nate recently but I recognized immediately a very kind soul and a big heart. My best wishes to him and to his family <3
Maddie Shultes
I still remember when Liam introduced me you were one of the nicest dudes in his hall. I’m glad we got to spend time together. Rest In Peace Nate you will be missed.
Carlos Ramirez
God always has a way of putting things into perspective. Your biggest issues become so small when people close to you who are so young & bright are dying. Life is fleeting... you really have to make these days your best days. Love you Nate Winschel you will be dearly missed.
Shala Shamar
Lots of love Nate, thank you for making school and work at the DC amazing <3
Nate, I still can't believe this has happened to you buddy. I'm gonna miss you so much. You were such a genuine and good person. I'll cherish our memories together forever. Your life wasn't easy but you kept on pushing, fighting, and smiling through it all, and I respect the hell out of you for that. You touched everyone you knew and make everyone's days brighter. I could go on forever, but I want you to rest easy up there big guy. Gonna miss my other half of the great wall so much!
Jasper Acer
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling right now and this doesn’t seem like even the slightest bit enough. I remember the first day of college and the moment when you walked into CALS 001 clear as day. I immediately had a massive crush on you that only continued throughout college. I’m in disbelief that I talked to you a couple of days ago and now I won’t have that privilege again. This can’t be real. You’ve made such an impact on my life and I’ll hold on to and remember it for the rest of my life. I will forever cherish our long walks home from the Davis Center every Thursday and every other little moment that we had. I love you so so much Nate and I will always hold our friendship very close to my heart. Rest in peace Nate. I miss you incredibly.
Camilla Broccolo
Saying goodbye to my cousin, the closest thing I’ve ever had to a sibling and my oldest friend. It is impossible to imagine our little family without you. I am full of admiration for you for enduring the unfathomable hardship you have faced, and growing into the incredibly kind, smart and funny person who I was so proud to know. I love you so much Nate, and you will be so dearly missed.
Julia Derby
I fondly remember Nathaniel as a student in my Kindergarten class at WT. I remember him as bright, curious, thoughtful, and sweet. I'm so very sorry for his loss - he is gone too soon.
Erin Herward Thurston
I am shocked and heartbroken to hear of Nathaniel's passing. I am so terribly sorry. Nate was always such a delight. I loved knowing him through Sophia and through you. i remember how much I enjoyed watching him during the lower and middle school Evening of the Arts and winter performances. I don't know if he did, but he sure seemed to enjoy himself. I can only begin to imagine the pain you are going through. Please know that you have my love.
Kelly Eckert
Patty and I are shocked and heartbroken over the loss of Nathaniel. He was such a sweet, funny and interesting guy. Our hearts go out to Kate and all those friends and family members whose lives Nathaniel touched.
Alison Wolfson