Sinclair Gearing Passing Away

     Sinclair Gearing of Davidsonville (previously of Annapolis) died peacefully on March 7th. 
     Born in Colón, Panama to Admiral Hilyer Gearing and his wife Nancy (née Gannon) on September 30, 1930, Sinclair's childhood entailed moving to accommodate his father's career. At age 15, Sinclair embarked on a string of youthful adventures that included learning to fly and spending a year in Mexico to learn Spanish. He was a graduate of St. John's College ('54) and Yale Law School ('60) having attained the rank of Sergeant in the Marine Corps between the two. Following graduation from Yale, Sinclair continued his public service, this time as an attorney with the DOJ's Antitrust Division where he earned a reputation for being determined and innovative. He was proud to serve Bobby Kennedy when called upon during the Civil Rights era to investigate voter registration rights in the south. Sinclair, who lived by his deep moral convictions, was a generous and reliable friend who was always there to help. He was a colorful character with a great sense of humor. A true raconteur, he had a love of language and enjoyed telling amusing stories. He was inventive, a thinker to the very end, fond of argument (especially when provoking others to think), and a man of wide ranging interests. He was a mechanic and tinkerer, a naturalist, and an avid athlete who became one of the best 85-year-old volleyball players in the nation.           Sinclair was predeceased by his first wife, Joan (née Eisner) and his sister, Hilyer Shufeldt. He is survived by his second wife, Janette (née Barnett); his daughter Sinclair Clunas, her husband Alex, and their two children, Daniel and Luisa; his two step-children, Ian Ross and Alison Claybon, and her two children, Lila and Wesley. Also surviving are four nephews: Carroll, Mark, Alfred, and Stuart Sugg and their families. Sinclair donated his body to science so there will not be a funeral service. 
     A gathering of remembrance will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Chesapeake or to the Johnnies Scholarship Fund, St. John's College, Annapolis, will be appreciated.