Members and friends who passed away in 2017:
Jim McHutchison – Member since 2015
May 8, 1941 – December 31, 2017
Jimmy McHuchison passed away on Dec. 31, 2017, after surviving a 4+ yr battle with mesothelioma, against all odds! Jimmy was an avid sailor with many miles under his keel, and held a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner 100 ton license. He has been a PYC members since 2015, a longtime member of the Cruising Club of America, and past member of the Ocean Cruising Club. Our sincere condolences go to his partner, Pepper, his children and grandchildren. (Obituary, Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home).
Ingvars J. Vittands, 83 – Member since 1993
1934 – November 2o, 2017
Ingvars Vittands died on Nov. 20, 2017 at the age of 83. Born in Riga, Latvia, his family emigrated to the US in 1950. He eventually settled in NH where he had a 38 yr. career as an orthopedic surgeon. Ingvars, along with his wife Donna, has been a PYC member since 1993. His love of boats and sailing was well-known by friends and family. Our condolences go to Donna and all of his family. (Obituary, Fosters.com)
Michael D Dingman, 86 – Member since 1975
September 29, 1931 – October 3, 2017
Michael Dingman passed away on October 3 at his him home in Lyford Cay, The Bahamas. Michael had been a member of PYC since 1975, and has lived in the Bahamas since 1995. Our condolences to his wife Betsy and their family. (Obituary, Nassau Guardian).
Wayne E. Murray, 76 – Member since 1991
December 17 1940 – September 27, 2017
Wayne Murray passed away on Wednesday, September 27, after a battle with cancer that he fought with courage and grace. Wayne and his partner, Past Commodore Jackie Adams, have been active supporters of Portsmouth Yacht Club, cruising from Maine to the Bahamas on “Last Time” and later “Exit Strategy”. Wayne lived life with gusto, with a love for the sea and endless aquatic adventures. He loved skiing, traveling, art, gardening, dogs and reading. Our condolences to Jackie, his children Brian and Brigid, and their families. (Obituary – Seacoast Online)
Evelyn (Evie) Wingo, 94 – Member since 1977
April 4, 1922 – April 15, 2017
Evelyn (Evie) Wingo, 94, died Saturday, April 15, 2017, in her residence at Wentworth Senior Living in Portsmouth. A PYC Life Member, Evie and her late husband Art had been members since 1977. Evie was a “people” person – she enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know them. Our condolences to her children, Cathy, Gary, David and Paul, and their families.
P/C Jeffrey H. Marple,76 – Former member
January 1, 1941 – January 20, 2017
Former member and Past Commodore Jeff Marple passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017. Jeff and his wife Sylvia have been New Castle residents since 1966. He was an avid fisherman and loved to chase tuna at Jeffrey’s Ledge, troll for bluefish or find Stripers chasing bait. Our condolences to Sylvia and their family.
Members and friends who passed away in 2016:
Barbara P.Wright, 75 – Member since 1978
February 1, 1941 – December 30, 2016
PYC Life Member Barbara Wright passed away on Friday, December 30, 2016. Barbie and her husband, P/C Art Wright, have been PYC members since 1978. She was also the sister of P/C Fred Pettigrew. Barbie was sweet, kind, gentle and always had a smile for others. She very much enjoyed sitting at the club reading while Art worked on club projects. Our condolences to Art and their family.
Agnes Palmer, 79 – Member since 1968
July 30, 1937 – November 9, 2016
Agnes Palmer, 79, died November 9, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Agnes, along with husband Bert, was a long time New Castle resident and PYC member since 1968. Agnes was an avid tennis player, enjoyed skiing, gardening and sailing on Black Coral. Our condolences to her husband Bert, her daughter PYC member Amy Gworek and her husband, Jonathon, sons Sam Palmer and his wife Jennifer Feller, John Palmer, and their families.
P/C William F. Fleming, 82 – Member since 1976
June 10, 1934 – August 31, 2016
Past Commodore and Life Member Bill Fleming passed away on August 31, 2016. Bill and his wife Lolly have been members of the PYC since 1976, and for many years enjoyed sailing their Pearson 30 Viewpoint. Bill has served as Commodore as well as Club Secretary. Our condolences to Lolly and their family.
John R. Kemen, 69 – Member since 2006
December 27, 1946 – July 26, 2016
John Kemen passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2016. John and his wife Patti have been members of the PYC since 2006, and John served on the Board of Directors from 2010-2014. John enjoyed spending time on his boat Brothers II, which he shared with his brother-in-law, PYC member Dan Gabriel. Our condolences to Patti and their family.
Whitney Elliot Saidla,74 – Member since 1978
January 7, 1942 – June 23, 2016
Whit Saidla passed away on June 23, 2016. Whit was a member of the PYC since 1978. Sailing meant the world to Whit, having raced numerous times to Bermuda and spending many months sailing Pyewacket in the Caribbean with his family. Whether it be traveling to his favorite spots in France, applying his scientific mind in the kitchen or the laboratory, or pursuing his passion for sailing, Whit lived his life to the fullest!
P/C James Alfred Labrie, 80 – Member since 2016 and former member
July 26, 1935 – April 30, 2016
Past Commodore Jim Labrie passed away on April 30, 2016 in Portsmouth. Jim and his wife Ellen had recently rejoined PYC after an absence. Our condolences to Ellen and their family.
P/C Edward Nelson Wright, 74 – Member since 1990
March 26, 1942 – April 21, 2016
Past Commodore and Life member Ed Wright, Jr passed away on April 21, 2016 at his home in Vero Beach, Florida. Ed and his wife Judy joined PYC in 1990. They moved to Florida in retirement. Our condolences to Judy and their family.
Kenneth P. Roberts, 88 – Member since 1988
September 16, 1927 – January 24, 2016
PYC life member Ken Roberts passed away Jan. 24, 2016. Ken and his wife Norma joined PYC in 1988. Ken served as Club Secretary, Photographer, and a member of the Board of Directors. He was also a lifelong member of the Power Squadron, Past President of the Propeller Club, and Past Commodore of Pepperrell Cove Yacht Club. Our condolences to Norma and their family.