This morning we learned that a sailing friend from last season had passed away yesterday afternoon. We first met Gary and his wife Lorri in Oceanside, when we were checking out marinas by car. We were impressed by their friendliness, their beautiful boat, s/v Endless Summer II, and their dog Buster. We didn't meet up again until Chacala, where we spent a couple of nights anchored, and then sailed onward together to Punta Mita. Gary was a retired firefighter and had been a para-rescue jumper in the military - the very picture of strength, bravery, and ability. He also was one of the friendliest cruisers in the pack, and a gifted storyteller and writer. We were always happy to come into an anchorage and see Endless Summer II.
Toward the end of a very successful first season in Mexico, Gary learned that he had leukemia, and headed home to California for treatment. He, Lorri, and the doctors fought it with everything they had, but the disease prevailed, and the world lost another wonderful human being. Fair winds, Gary, we'll always remember you fondly.
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