March 2012 -- personnel changes causing a reoganization of association operations

[Bill]

It is with a heavy heart that I must report that Gene Roberts, the now former treasurer, recently slipped into severe dementia. From a review of the files, it appears the slide began some time ago and we are now trying to clear up the financial and other records that were under his supervision.

Although some activities are being set back a bit (e.g., the next newsletter and the weatherstripping matter), we expect to have things back on starboard tack very soon. [The next Hoppe Regatta, for example, will occur this summer, as scheduled :cool:]

Members' understanding in this matter is appreciated. Gene gave many years of outstanding service to the association and he is sorely missed. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Gene personally agree that he was always the gentlemen, and he was always ready to help.

[Tony G]

That is very sad to hear. This association is so rich because of its people. Everything that goes on "behind the scenes" is indicative of the caliber of people running it and supporting it. It can't be said enough, to all of you, I appreciate what you do. Thank you for what you do.

[Commander 147]

Bill, like Tony I to am saddened to hear about Gene. At 59 years old myself I am all to well aware of how fleeting life is and I am sad to hear Gene's life has taken a turn for the worse.

Our group is not a very large group but we are a dedicated group. And I for one do not know how our association is operated over on the left coast. I know only what I see and hear on this forum. But if there is a way I can help with some of the heavy lifting please let me know. In this day and age it may not be nescessary for me to live on the left coast to carry on some of the duties of the association so I offer my time to help.

[Rico]

I am truly sorry to hear about Gene's condition. My thoughts are with his close family & friends. I had the plasure of meeting Gene a few times, and remember having a nice chat with him during the Hoppe Regatta awards ceremonies in 2010 & 2011. (I remember chatting at length with him during 2010, in particular, as we sat across from each other at the table...). It was a pleasure to hear him share his adventures in the Bay, and the old stories about racing Ariels.
I am sure the Association will miss his dedication to the effort...

[ebb]

is one of the good guys. I know Gene best for yearly visits he and Bill made to the project.
And felt blessed that a big wig from the mysterious hierarchy of the PearsonAriel Association
had climbed the shakey ladder into the cockpit and given his approvals.

Seriously hope he is being cared for with kindness and imagination.
That Gene, now looking out at the world he has lost control of, is not too unhappy.

It's a terrible thing to loose control. Terrible to be loosing hold of the people we are.
Nothing worse than loosing it and knowing, looking into that door of no return, it's bleak and undignified.
Hope for Gene fresh air, sparkling water, sunlight and stars - and smiles too - bon voyage ! ! !

[mbd]

It can't said more profoundly than that Ebb - Gene took me for my first Ariel sail on "Lady J". Thanks again Gene.

http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/attachment.php?attachmentid=2430&stc=1&d=1122510316

http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/attachment.php?attachmentid=2432&stc=1&d=1122510516

[Full and By]

Sorry to hear the news, boys. Sounds like he made a huge contribution to the effort here, a worthy one.

"We have all been warmed by fires we did not build, and drunk from wells we did not dig"

I appreciate what you all have put together here, thank you

[carl291]

Bill, Will the membership renewals be going out soon? Thanks Carl

[c_amos]

Thanks to Gene, and to you Bill and all the others who's service is such a credit to these fine little ships we all love.

Standing by if I may be of any service.

[Bill]

Bill, Will the membership renewals be going out soon? Thanks Carl

We wish. It will be a couple of months.

[vanguard64]

My first and only contact with Gene was 2 yrs ago as a rookie member when I sent him a check for the class burgee. After 3 months passed and I still had not received the burgee I started to worry that my order had never reached its destination. Soon after, I received the burgee with a handwritten note from Gene apologizing profusely for having taken so long. The note reflected a very good and kind man.
My thoughts are with him and his family during this very difficult time.

Marcelo
Adastra A-407