Last Horizon

     

"Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea . . ."
-- Alfred, Lord Tennyson



P/LT/C William "Bill" Wright


William Henry Wright, Jr. of Scotia, N.Y. passed away peacefully at home on 7/17/2024. He was born October 1, 1942 to Mary Dusanek Wright and William Henry Wright in Schenectady, N.Y. A quiet man, Bill made a mark on everyone who knew him. He was first to offer a hand to help, his strength to support and his wisdom to guide. The world is a better place for the presence he left and the example he set.

Bill was raised Catholic and attended St. Columbus High School, Villanova University and Sienna College. His first job was stocking goods at his Father’s grocery store in Scotia, N.Y. After graduating as a Geologist he moved to California with his first wife Nancy Austin where they both worked for The US Geologic Survey. Years later they moved to Northern Virginia and started sailing “Anodyne” on the Chesapeake Bay. After Nancy’s death Bill became a passionate sailor - even dodging pirates on multiple occasions.

In 1990 Bill married Carol Wesley and became a proud stepdad to William Ashley Gum and John Wesley Gum and an old dog Champ in Herndon. He continued to sail - in the bay - across oceans and explored every continent on Earth. The boys shared his love for the outdoors and his respect for nature. Bill raised bees, had gardens, planted trees. He skied, enjoyed deep sea diving, hiked mountains, brewed beer and made good wine. He took pleasure in long and active volunteering for Herndon Historical Association.

Bill is survived by his wife Carol and his sons Ash and Wes. He will be missed by their wives Kate and Maureen - grandsons Christopher and Kai and granddaughter Mary - brother Edward and sisters Jackie and Marilyn and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, friends and fellow Methodists from Great Falls United Methodist Church.

There will be a Celebration of Life for him on Saturday, August 17 11:00 AM at Great Falls United Methodist Church. Following the service there will be a gathering at their home - 744 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA 20170.


Mary Hart


Mary Hart passed away peacefully at home Saturday morning February 3, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 19 years, Alan Hart, her son Daniel Meader and two grandsons Ceaser and Gage. Funeral services will be private.

P/C Fred Zugay, JN


A loving husband, son, uncle and patriot who dedicated his life to our country’s National Defense has left us on 31 October 2023. Greeting him on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge were his German Shepherd Dogs Rameses, Heidi, Phoenix and Trinity. His parents Helen (Malinowski) and Theodore Zugay welcomed their son into the world on August 4, 1958 in Norristown, PA. Fred grew up in Norristown, and was a 1976 graduate of Norristown Area High School. While in junior and senior high school he participated on the golf team. Fred went on to Lock Haven University and graduated with a B.S in Computer Science.

Fred worked as a Federal Government contractor for over 38 years and supported many intelligence agencies. His career started with General Electric Aerospace Division which was sold to Martin Marietta and then Lockheed. After Lockheed Martin, he worked for The SI, Vencore, Perspecta, Peraton and was employed by Arcfield as a Systems Engineer at the time of his passing.

He was a true gentleman whose Christian faith was expressed by his good deeds and constant love for all those close to him. Fred was exceedingly generous (especially to his niece and nephews), and a loving and devoted husband. He enjoyed traveling, boating, and playing slots. Fred was a Past Commander, JN of the Northern Virgina Sail and Power Squadron and a Freemason belonging to Norristown Lodge #620. He loved German Shepherd Dogs and collecting watches. In his younger years he enjoyed a good game of golf. Fred possessed the rare gift of charity, generosity and humility and always made those in his presence feel special. He was an extraordinary and devoted husband to Cindy (Mifflin) Zugay. Together for 47 years (high school sweethearts), married for 40 years he was unfailingly supportive to his wife Cindy, and shared many passions with her. Their enduring partnership was a testament to their shared values and mutual respect. They were inseparable until the end. Fred was a great romantic, and would buy flowers and jewelry for his wife. A constant loving man he will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

Fred’s life was characterized by a strong work ethic and a deep sense of patriotism. He enjoyed national and international travel to California and Florida several times, Alaska six times, Hawaii eight times, Paris France, England, Scotland and Wales as well as many Caribbean Islands.

He is predeceased by his parents Helen and Ted Zugay, his brother Teddy Zugay, and niece Mikayla Stanaitis. Surviving are his wife Cindy, sister and brother-in-law Penny (Mifflin) & Steve Stanaitis, niece Ariana Stanaitis, and nephews Hunter Stanaitis and Jason Zugay.

In lieu of donations the family asks that you do something kind for someone in need.


P/C William I. Jones, P


Past Commander William I. Jones, P, passed away in 2022. He was Commander of Northern Virginia Sail and Power Squadron during 1985-1986.

Ann Nartsissov, P


Ann Nartsissov, former Treasurer of NVSPS (2012-2013) and wife of Past Commander George Nartsissov (2010-2011), passed away on March 18, 2022 at age 83 in Florida. George and Ann are remembered for their passion for and commitment to the Wounded Warrior Cruises sponsored by NVSPS. The cruises gave men and women of our armed forces a well-deserved day of relaxation on squadron power and sailboats. Hosting wounded warriors on their boat “L’Attitudes” inspired Ann and George to plan a how-to display for our hospitality suite at the D5 Spring Conference to encourage other squadrons to host the cruises. Ann’s caring nature was apparent in the display’s emphasis on being sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the warriors and creating a welcoming “family feel” onboard. Thanks to her efforts and those of other members, many men and women were able to forget their troubles and enjoy the delights of the Chesapeake Bay for a day. Contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to St. Mark Orthodox Church, 1517 57th Street E., Bradenton, Florida 34208, www.stmarkorthodox.org.

P/C Robert L. Fitton, AP


Past Commander Robert L. Fitton, AP, passed away on April 26, 2021 at age 89. Bob joined the Northern Virginia Power Squadron in 1994 and immediately became an active member. He served as Administrative Officer in 1998 and Executive Officer in 1999 before becoming Commander in 2000.

Commander Bob and his wife Lindalee organized and led a very successful and enjoyable squadron year both on land and aboard their 52’ Hatteras “Encore.” They made sure that fun was a big part of every squadron activity. At the District 5 spring conference, the hospitality suite theme was abandon ship bags with a funny twist. Members dressed as characters from the old TV show “Gilligan’s Island” and carried abandon ship bags appropriate for their characters. Bob played the millionaire and his abandon ship bag contained cash and a bottle of sherry. The squadron summer cruise featured nightly parties and a scavenger hunt which had everyone carving mermaids out of soap and capturing flying insects. On the final night of the cruise Bob hosted everyone onboard “Encore” with delicious refreshments served by Lindalee.

Jean Durgin


P/C Jere D. Dando, AP


Past Commander Jere D. Dando passed away on April 6, 2021 at age 85. An avid sailor, Jere joined Northern Virginia Power Squadron in 1981 and achieved senior status in 1993. He became Commander in 1996. With typical Dando enthusiasm, Jere, with his wife Nancy, led the squadron through a busy year of boating education, picnics, rendezvous and cruises. At the D5 spring conference, Jere was featured snoozing in an inflatable raft in the “NO WAKE ZONE.” Years later Jere described the entire experience as, “Fast! Great! Challenging, Rewarding, Exhilarating, Satisfying. What a ride!”

Jere supported many commanders who succeeded him and in 1998 he and Nancy donated a trophy to be awarded annually to a Past Commander for continuing service to the squadron. He earned 15 well-deserved merit marks.

Donations in Jere’s memory may be made to Sea Scout Ship 1942, c/o Treasurer, Shawn Mickey, 3805 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031. Please note on the check that it is in memory of Jere.

Jean Durgin


Thomas J. Martin, AP


Thomas J Martin, 92, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2020, after a brief illness.He was a 1949 graduate of John Carroll University in Ohio. He then joined the United States Navy where he served as an officer for 20 years. Afterwards he served as a government consultant from which he retired. Tom was an avid boatman and was a Lifetime Member of the Corinthian Yacht Club in Maryland where he served as Commodore, Treasurer/trustee and newsletter editor. He was also a Life member of the Northern Virginia Sail and Power Squadron.He was a devout catholic and longtime parishioner at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria. He was also a member of the Serra Club in which he took great pleasure. Tom traveled the world and enjoyed the many cultures in the faraway places he visited. He especially enjoyed the cruises he took where he had made many new friends.He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, and he leaves behind many relatives. Tom will be most remembered for his Santa Claus visits which he routinely made to his family every Christmas Eve.
Washington Post obituary, Aug. 13, 2020.

P/R/C Robert B. Malone, SN


Bob Malone passed away at age 98 in North Palm Beach, FL on October 12, 2020 after a hard battle to recover from a broken leg and return to his condo and his beloved goldfish. He spent a lifetime on the water, starting as a youth fishing their small skiff with his father in the waters around Hampton Roads, Virginia, even making the local news when the Coast Guard had to rescue them one night because of a broken-down motor.

He thoroughly enjoyed participation in the Sea Scouts while a student at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, DC. His college baseball career at American University was interrupted by WW II while he served in the US Navy. Returning to American University after the war, he became student body President and was involved with several youth sports. Married with three young children, he joined the Potomac River Power Squadron and shortly became a Charter Member and the second Commander of the newly formed Northern Virginia Power Squadron from 1969 to 1970. He helped NVPS grow rapidly, becoming a force in District 5 (especially in Navigation Contests) and garnering national attention within USPS.

In retirement, he and his wife, Joyce, moved to Florida, and joined Palm Beach Power Squadron with a number of his fellow NVPS “expat” friends. There he reached USPS Life Member status, ultimately receiving over 55 Merit Marks. He was also a long-time member and booster of BoatUS. Bob simply loved being on the water, whether simple weekends aboard at the marina, Squadron rendezvous and annual cruises on his classic Owens Tahitian, BoNanDo, his Palm Beach pontoon boat, JoySea, or cruising the open seas to Europe, the Bahamas, or the Americas.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, sister, brother, and wife. He leaves his children, Bob, Bill (Donna), and Nancy (Sandy), along with six grandchildren and six amazing great-granddaughters. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a currently undetermined date.
By Sandy Wills, Son-in-law and shipmate, former NVSPS Member


Kathy Eldridge


Kathy Eldridge, the wife of our Past Commander, Bill Eldridge, passed away on October 10, 2020. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, three children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Bill was a charter member of Northern Virginia and served as our first Secretary, first Editor and Publisher of our newsletter and fifth Commander. He also served as District Five Commander and Rear Commander (Chair) of THE ENSIGN Committee, as well as Newsletter Editor, Squadron Education Officer and Commander of the Palm Beach Squadron. Kathy was a very big part of his successes, always at his side, helping and supporting him and the squadrons in every way she could.

The wife of another Past Squadron Commander once described herself and her husband as being "joined at the hip." That certainly applied to Kathy and Bill. I still remember how she made my parents and me feel welcome in the squadron. I am most fortunate to count them among my very best friends. Although feminists reject the "helpmate" role, Kathy delighted in it. She was an outstanding cook, seamstress and homemaker, at home and aboard their boats, and members and families looked forward to and enjoyed the dishes and other things she prepared, or helped prepare, for squadron functions. Always a "team player" she worked with and cooperated with others, for the good of the organization, never seeking the limelight or personal credit. Her husband and her children and her home were her pride and joy and a model to be emulated. In recent years, Kathy and Bill have been living with their daughter, Deni, and her husband, Jay Mitchell, in Annapolis, MD. As I write this, services have not yet been arranged. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Submitted with love and admiration, Alan Hart


 

Kim Kwok-Chu


Kim-Kwok Chu Crossed the Bar April 3, 2018. Born September 26, 1952 in Shanghai, grew up in Hong Kong, was active all his life. He came to the U.S. in 1979, immigrating to U.S. because his dad and the whole family moved here many years ago. He was the last of his family to make the move.

He went back to Hong Kong where I was, for us to get married. We both started studying in Northern Virginia Community College. He transferred to George Mason University and finished with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. We had known each other 10 years before we got married. He was my tutor for English and all science subjects. When I was 39, we had our first child Ming Yi Chu. Then 3 years later, we had another boy Long Yi. They are 17 and 20 now.

Kim knew Judo, Aikido, Jujutsu, and Kyudo (archery). Nobody could have beaten him and his martial art teacher never forgot that. Kim joined his students after class for buffets and support. He encouraged one of the young men to chase after a girl, who later became his wife. Without his push, this young man might have become a lonely middle-aged man.

Kim mastered many skills. He played Ping-pong, watching YouTube videos to perfect his skill. He learned to dance but kept it a secret how he learned. Then I found out he was practicing in the garage. He said it was almost like learning martial art moves. He taught himself how to use a complicated embroidery machine by reading the manual. Nobody taught him. He volunteered to teach a Jujutsu group in Alexandria William Ramsay Recreation Center. He taught the students jo do, Kendo and mixed in Iaido, and they cut bamboo mat poles with a real sword like a Samurai.

Through sailing, Kim achieved the knowledge to obtain his Captain’s License. He wrote several articles about weather and sailing. He served as Administrative Officer and photographer with the rank of L/C with the Northern Virginia Sail and Power Squadron.
Submitted by Ying Choi


 

Martha Jane Dodd


Martha Jane Dodd, age 91, passed away on November 1, 2017 in Fairfax, Virginia. If you were a member of NVSPS around the turn of the new century, you must have encountered the smiling face of Martha Jane .

Martha Jane loved the squadron and worked as hard as anyone for its success. She and her husband Edwin Dodd were tireless recruiters for new members. In 1996 they received the Spirit of Flower Power award for generating membership participation. As Membership Chair Martha Jane organized recruitment crews for basic boating classes for several years. She won the Spirit of Flower Power award every year from 1998 to 2001 when the squadron decided she should keep it permanently.

When Ed became Commander in 1999 Martha Jane worked tirelessly at his side to make the year memorable for all members. Their D5 spring conference hospitality suite featured a navigation test performed on Etch-a-Sketch boards. Each summer they participated in the squadron cruise aboard their 36’ sports fisherman Martha Jane which they kept at Fairfax Yacht Club. They also promoted the Cooperative Charting program by tromping around in the weeds searching for markers and interviewing marina owners for updated information. We miss you, Martha Jane.


 

P/Lt/C Manette Barbara Lazear, AP


P/Lt/C Manette Barbara Lazear, AP, age 70, passed away on July 30, 2017 in Fairfax, Virginia. Manette was a life member of NVSPS with 29 merit marks and a love of the water. She began sailing as a teen, with an Alcort Minifish, on Long Island Sound. Later in life, she moved to Northern Virginia and sailed the Minifish on the Potomac. After she married Walt Lazear in 1989 and moved to Reston, she and Walt sailed the Minifish from their lakeside home on Lake Thoreau. They also bareboat chartered for 15 years on the Chesapeake Bay, often going for long weekend sails with friends. They would not touch shore for three days, not talk about work, anchor in a creek each night, and give their friends a true break from stress. Manette loved the Bay, crab cakes, and her Reston lake.

Manette was born on August 20, 1947 in Manhassett, NY (on Long Island). She is survived by her loving husband, Walt Lazear, a brother, John Charny of Cleveland, a son Peter, a daughter Lori, numerous nieces and nephews, and five grandchildren. She graduated from the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University and worked first as a medical secretary in NY and then as a computer analyst at the MITRE Corporation in McLean, VA until retirement in 2000.


 

Henry Trochesset


Henry Joseph Trochesset, 82, died October 10, 2015. Henry was born in Mississippi and was a veteran, having served in the US Army. He was a member of St. Stephen Martyr Roman Catholic Church, and St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, a former member of the United States Power Squadron (including serving as NVSPS Commander) and an avid Sailor. He had a curiosity for knowledge about everything and was well read. He joins Patricia Trochesset, his first wife, who died in 1999. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 12 years, Lucille I Trochesset; children, Suzanne Marie Trochesset, Pamela Jeanne Trochesset (Anthony); grandchildren Yasmin, Isobel, Sabrina, Phoebe, Chantal, and Angelica; great granddaughter Celine, and sister Evelyn Kindle. He also leaves behind his second wife's children: Darlene Frances Ramsey, Doreen Ann Williams (Richard); Valerie Irene Souther (Kevin); their children Ashley, Tatum, and Devin, and a host of other family and friends.

 

Claude R. Yates III


P/C Claude Russell Yates III (Bud), JN age 90, passed away on July 14, 2015 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Claude was involved with the founding of Northern Virginia Power Squadron in 1968 and was Commander of the squadron 1973-1974. Recounting his year of command in memoirs for the 40th squadron anniversary celebration (seen here), Claude noted the significant accomplishment of winning the National USPS Commanders Cup competition. He also praised long-time members such as Gale Alls and Alan Hart for their hard work, which they continue even today.

Claude Yates was born on April 30, 1925 in Alexandria, Va. Claude is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ann Lee Bettis Yates, also survived by a brother and his wife, Mr. And Mrs. Robert E. Yates, Sr., a brother in law James H. Bettis and nine nieces and nephews and their numerous offspring. Claude graduated from the George Washington University of Washington D.C. He was a veteran of WWII serving 6 years in the U.S. Navy as an aerial gunner and flight engineer. Claude retired after 32 years of Federal Government service. Claude and Ann were active in the First Baptist Church of Orlando where a memorial service was held Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. in the Henry Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Health First Hospice.


 

Robert Hutton


Robert "Bob" Wackerman Hutton, N of Alexandria, a 44-year NVSPS member, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2014. Bob was hurt in a fall in his home last August and spent some time in a rehabilitation facility. Bob was involved with the Northern Virginia Sail & Power Squadron, the American Wine Society, and the American Association of Geographers. His careers included time with the National Security Agency and 30 years with the Library of Congress. He joined the Knights of the Vine and started his retirement career of writing wine articles for various publications. Through these articles, he was invited annually with a press pass for Vin Expo in Burgundy, France, and the London Wine Fair.

There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, November 1, 2014; 10:30AM at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703-549-6670) The burial/graveside service is on Saturday, November 8, 2014; 11AM at Longwood Cemetery, 945 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (610-388-7165).

ALL USPS MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.


 

Richard Davis


Major Richard Paul Davis (USAF Ret.) of Herndon, VA passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014. Beloved husband of Irina Davis; Godfather of Maria Marshakova of Toronto; brother of Harry (Donna) Davis of FL. Richard was born on February 17, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Pensacola, FL. He had a 20 year Air Force career and over 30 years focused within DOD and federal agencies in program management and business development for IT programs. Membership in the United States Power Squadron was an important part of Richard's life. In 2013-2014 he was the commander of NVSPS, District 5. Richard had a lot of friends throughout all his life, beginning from high school, military and professional career, boatclub, and home owners association. He was patriotic, optimistic, loved animals, nature and had a great sense of humor. He was loved and will be missed. To honor Richard's wishes and respect his personality the family will hold a private celebration of life service. Information and condolences at www.adamsgreen.com.    [Published in The Washington Post on June 14, 2014]

Richard will have a military funeral at 10:00 a.m. on 18 September at Arlington National Cemetery. ALL USPS MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.


 

Helen Alberts


Helen Seevers Alberts, 94 of Leesburg, passed away on April 26, 2014 at Inova Loudoun Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband William S. Alberts (former commander and long-time life member of NVSPS); her sister Ruth Imhoff; her brother Harold “Bud” Seevers and her parents Edna and Albert Seevers. She is survived by her daughters, Janet Lickey of Leesburg and Gail Stone of Spencer, WV; 5 grandchildren, Cheryl Fletcher of Manassas, William Wyatt of Oakland, CA, Christopher Stone of Wilmington, NC, Michelle Reyes of San Antonio, TX, and Frank Stone of Houston, TX; and 6 great grandchildren, Kasey Sheaffer of Sterling, Suriya and Sahil Munawar and Xoey, Lexi and Jordon Reyes of San Antonio, TX. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Helen always found time to help others through a variety of volunteer activities. For (more than 20 years), she was volunteer manager of the Blossom and Bloom Shop in Leesburg. She served as an officer of the Loudoun Restoration and Preservation Society and the Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing Center and was a member of the Loudoun Choral Society, the Loudoun Playmakers and the Northern Virginia Power Squadron. In recognition of her community service, she received the 1989 Governor’s Award for Volunteering Excellence, the 1992 Outstanding Retired Senior Volunteer Award for Volunteering Excellence, the 1992 Outstanding Retired Senior Volunteer Award, and the 1993 Charles E. Smith People Who Make a Difference Award. She was a member of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon and Assistant to the music director as well as faithful choir member and occasional organist.


 

Ron Larson


Ron Larson passed over the last Horizon on 15 December, 2013 at the Fairfax Hospital. He came down with pneumonia after heart surgery. Ron was a P/Lt/C with 25 Merit Marks, serving on the Cdr's Advisory Committee. Ron was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and promoted a harmonious relationship between both organizations. His contribution to our Squadron was super and hIs guidance will be very much missed. May he rest in peace.

 

Charles Eby


Charles Joseph Eby, Sr.,"Chuck" devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on April 10, 2009 in North Palm Beach, FL. He was born to Joseph and Justine Eby on May 29, 1929 in Detroit, MI. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Anna "Annie" Mary Budnick Eby, children, Laura Anne Cook of McLean, VA, Charles Joseph, Jr. of Kaiserslautern, Germany, William Michael of Asheville, NC and Caroline Anne of Herndon, VA, as well as a sister Joanne Eby Iott of Midland, MI and his grandchildren Jennifer, Liesel, John, Ellen, Andrew and Ted. He was preceded in death by his infant son, John Paul.

Chuck was raised in Dearborn, MI and earned degrees from the University of Michigan, Dartmouth College and Duke University where he earned a PhD in Chemistry. His career with Monsanto Corporation took him to Dayton, OH and on to the Washington, DC area where the family lived for over 40 years. Chuck served his community in many roles, such as Boy Scouts, Civic Association and US Power Squadron where for many years he served in numerous capacities, including as NVSPS Commander. As an avid sports fan, he particularly followed his beloved Detroit Tigers, U of Mich. football, and Duke basketball. Other interests included music from opera to folk, golf, motorcycling, Shakespeare, bird-watching, history and wines. Perhaps most of all he loved world travel and boating with Annie.