Longtime member Ralph Deeds age 82 passed away March 1, 2018 after a brief illness. He was a graduate of Cornell and the Harvard Business School and had a distinguished 34 year career at General Motors.
Ralph joined CSYC in 1972 and was an active member of the Cal 20 Fleet. In 1986, a new sport boat out of Santa Cruz, the Express 27, caught Ralph’s attention. Maybe it was the sleek profile or a desire to keep his three children sailing on an exciting design, so Ralph bought one and founded the Express 27 Detroit Fleet which is still active to this day. He tirelessly introduced Crescent sailors and others to the thrill of sailing an E27. He raced his boat Lorax in many club and DRYA weekend events along with being a regular Monday and Thursday night participant.
Jerry Lohmeyer remembers Ralph getting caught in several T-storms last year, but he and his crew prevailed, always returning to port none the worse for wear. He won multiple NOOD regattas and several North Channel races, most recently in 2016, usually with one or more of his children on board. For a while, Ralph jointly owned a Cal 36 in Mexico with his brother Dana.
Ralph was also a talented amateur photographer. He often turned over the helm of Lorax just so he could photograph the other boats participating in a regatta. You could count on Ralph taking photographs at Crescent events for the Breeze. Ralph also served as a Board of Director and was passionate about the club’s future direction.
To say Ralph never lacked an opinion about Crescent or politics in general, is a huge understatement. He also frequently contributed to the Crescent Sailing Association, which supports the club’s junior program and adult sailing training.
Ralph is survived by his wife Tucker of 48 years, his three children Eric (Joma), Sarah (John), and Paul (Mausmi); and five grandchildren. His family spent many happy days sailing out of Crescent. All of his kids participated in the Junior program (Sarah later was an instructor) and became accomplished sailors. He was very proud and supportive of his children and grandkids. Ralph was both a pillar and legend of Crescent and will be missed by many.
A great number of sailors and friends gathered for a memorial celebrating Ralph’s life Saturday, June 16 at Crescent.
Ralph will be missed but his memory lives on with all of us …
[source CSYC April Breeze]
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