Spencer C. Gowrie, Jr., 90, of Branford, died Aug. 4.

He served his country in the United States Army and was at the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He graduated from Wilbraham Academy and Union College, and ran his own insurance agency until his retirement in 1986.

Spencer was an avid sailor, and enjoyed a long, healthy life on the water. He was Past Commodore of the Essex Yacht Club, Thimble Island Sailing Club, and the Card Sound Sailing Club, and a member of the Off Soundings Club. He captained the Thimble Island Ferry for many years, and all flags in the Thimble Islands are flying at half mast with his passing.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan D. Gowrie; his son S. Carter Gowrie III and his wife Deb and their children Ashley, Casey, Ali, Emilee, and Scott of Old Saybrook; his daughter Nancy Sprigg and her husband Tim and their children Ian and Spencer of Essex; and his daughter Wendy Barry and her husband Michael and their children Trevor and Tessa of Guilford.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, Branford. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT. 06405. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. See online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.