Industry mourns Garmin founder Gary Burrell
In a career spanning half a century, Burrell mentored thousands of employees.
Obituaries
The marine industry mourns the loss of people whose inventiveness and business expertise have been the foundation of its success and helped it grow and prosper.
Jan Boone, president of Bluewater Yacht Sales, dies
Boone had a long legacy of success at Hatteras Yachts, Jarrett Bay and Bluewater Yacht Sales.
Industry remembers ‘pioneer’ Donald Reed
He was one of the early founders of the NMMA’s certification program.
Industry mourns Westrec founder and CEO
In 1987, Michael Sachs developed the concept of storing boats the same way as people store their personal goods.
Jacobs’ murder-suicide leaves friends and industry reeling
An executive at one of his companies said employees are dealing with a “big loss.”
Darrell J. Lowrance dies
The founder of the Lowrance electronics brand was known for many industry firsts.
Joe Curran, Iconic Marine COO, dies
Marine industry veteran of 32 years was the driving force behind new Donzi and Fountain models.
Gordon Houser dies
“The industry’s first marketing guru” brought Hollywood stars, Universal Studios and a sense of excitement into boating.
Boating education pioneer Dick Allsopp dies
The lifelong boater was a national leader in on-water boat training
Industry veteran Bill Finney dies
Finney, most recently with Regal Marine, had a long, successful career with Regal, Luhrs and Grand Banks.
Lee Kimmell was former CEO of American Marine Holdings
Kimmell, who oversaw the parent of Donzi and Pro-Line, died Oct. 18.
Dave Christensen, founder of Christensen Shipyards, dies
The company built yachts for Tiger Woods, country singer Jimmy Dean and others.
Rod Malone dies
The founder of the Texas dealership Sail & Ski was fond of saying, “If the horse bucks you off, get back on, always.”
John Dory Boat Works founder passes away
David Finkelstein, once called an “admirably authentic American individualist,” designed and built an iconic line of fishing boats.
John Rowse was founder of Boston’s Community Boat Building
Rowse died earlier this year at age 74.
Marvin Perkins, former president of Perko, dies
Marvin Stanley Perkins of Signal Mountain, Tenn., passed away on Friday, May 18, at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Wanda Marie, and four generations of family.
Jeff Napier, first president of NMMA, dies at age 78
Jeff Napier, the first president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, died at his home in Italy after suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He was 78.
Veteran boating writer Jonathan Lee passes away
Well-known Canadian boating writer Jonathan Lee died after having a severe stroke. He was 37.
Bonnie J. O’Boyle, former editor-in-chief of Power & Motoryacht, passes away
Bonnie J. O’Boyle, former editor-in-chief of Power & Motoryacht magazine, died March 18 at her home in Bristol, Penn.
Industry mourns passing of NMMA president Jeff Napier
Jeff Napier, the first president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, died at his home in Italy after suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. He was 78.
Remembering an Industry Icon
Charlie Strang was a marine-propulsion icon. To those who knew and worked with him, he was brilliant. A genius.