Bottom Gun BBSSubmarineSailor.com
Find a Shipmate
Reunion Info
Books/Video
Binnacle List (offsite)
History
Boat Websites
Links
Bottom Gun BBS
Search | Statistics | User listing Forums | Calendars | Quotes |
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )


At random: On August 17, 1958, the USS SKATE circumnavigated the globe in about fifty minutes. The SKATE was at a radius of about two miles from the North Pole at the time, and the distance traveled in the circumnavigation was about twelve miles.
Sunday Obits
Moderators:

Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
   Forums-> Submarine DiscussionMessage format
 
Pig
Posted 2023-05-07 12:12 PM (#103565)
Plankowner

Posts: 5024

Location: Gulfport, MS
Subject: Sunday Obits

LIBBY, Richard S., 79, left this world peacefully at his home in The Villages, Fla. from congestive heart failure on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. His story began on June 24, 1943 in Portland, the son of the late, Louville and Rita (Stanley) Libby. He was the younger brother of Ronnie and the older brother of Denny, Larry, Donna and Wayne. Dick graduated from Portland High School where he played football. After graduation he joined the United States Navy in 1961 and spent his time on a Polaris nuclear submarine where he claimed they ate better than any other branch of the service. He was always proud of having served his country and one of his favorite songs was “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. He would always stand at attention and salute the US flag whenever it played. Upon returning from active duty, he continued serving his community by joining the Portland Fire Department in 1968 and retiring in 1998 after 30 years of public service. After the passing of his beloved wife, Judy (Morse) Libby, Dick left Maine to enjoy the warm Florida climate and active lifestyle in The Villages. It was at the encouragement of his brother, Denny, that he buys a house and it was here he met Linda Lachey whom he chose to share the last 12 years of his life. Together they formed so many new friendships, joined clubs, and met so many new friends that eventually became like family. Some of his favorite activities included cruising in his “baby”, his red Corvette convertible with the top down and singing along with the Beach Boys. Dick loved the outdoors and spent many years hunting and fishing with his cousin, Delbert Joy, his nephew, Bob Morse and his best friend from Kindergarten, Bobby Berry. He was a sports fanatic. He played softball for the PFD in his younger years. He was a Patriots fan until Tom Brady was traded to Tampa Bay, and a Browns fan because Linda is from Ohio. He followed the Red Sox and the Celtics and would watch basketball and golf in the off seasons. He looked forward to his annual beach trips to Treasure Island in June to celebrate his birthday and October to share Linda’s. The Sanding Ovations, sand sculpting exhibition was also a favorite event. Truth be told, Dick was somewhat of a legend in Portland and a very charming man with a smile and a humorous story to share mostly involving his years in the PFD. He will be remembered for his large presence, his firm handshake, and years of working out and lifting weights in the gyms of Maine and Florida. He was a man of his word with a big heart that was filled with love for his family and friends. He will be missed. The family would like to give a special thank you to the exceptional staff of Compassionate Care Hospice and especially recognize Dick’s nurse, Kate Bulick for her excellent care during his seven-month hospice journey and his caring aid, Rona Randolph. Dick was predeceased by his loving wife, Judith Libby in 2003; three brothers, Wayne, Denny and Ronnie. He is survived by his fiancée, Linda Lachey of Florida; his children, Richard S. (Heidi) Libby II of Saco, Tracey (Mike) Lizotte of Saco and Michael Libby of Portland; and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Larry Libby of Portland, a sister, Donna (John) Butts of Scarborough. A graveside service celebrating Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 380 Stroudwater St., Westbrook. To view Dick’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those who wish may make contributions in Dick’s memory to Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation, 380 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101.


SUTLIFF, Robert Calvin, died April 7, 2023. He was born December 8, 1937. Cal spent a lifetime pursuing three main passions: serving his county as a Navy submariner; using his entrepreneur skills as a pioneer in the field of cable TV; earning recognition and acclaim as a national and international champion rower. After graduating as a Company Commander from the US Naval Academy, Cal served as chief engineering officer on the submarine USS Piper (SS-409) for five years. He then went on to earn an MBA degree from Harvard Business School. Cal began his professional career by operating cablevision systems for two large nationally owned companies. He served as president of state and regional TV organizations. He was a pioneer entrepreneur, owning and operating his own cable systems throughout the United States. After retirement Cal began his rowing career. He won 130 gold medals in national and international competition. He rowed in both heavyweight and lightweight categories. His favorite moments were spent in his single shell on the Potomac River. Cal will be remembered for his boundless sense of curiosity. His profound knowledge included: history, astronomy, botany, wildlife, meteorology, photography, music, art, theater and ballet - just to name a few. He was an avid fly fisherman, an enthusiastic birdwatcher, and a devoted cat whisperer. Most of all, he will be remembered for his kindness and compassion which touched both friends and strangers alike. Undoubtedly, the greatest joy in Cal's life came from his wife, Linda, whom he met as a teenager, and his beautiful daughter, Robin. A small family memorial service will be held in June. Contributions in Cal's honor would be welcomed at the cat sanctuary he loved: Tabby's Place, 1100 US Hwy-202, Ringoes, NJ 08551 or the rowing program established in Cal's name to benefit local underprivileged teenagers: Treasurer, Potomac Boat Club, 3530 Water Street NW, Washington, DC 20007. Published by The Washington Post on May 7, 2023.


McELREATH, Jack William, died after a decline accelerated during the pandemic on April 27, 2023. He maintained his wit and personality throughout his final days, and his close family gathered round him to say goodbye near the end. He made clear he was ready to go a few days prior when he lucidly discussed arrangements for his ashes, and his departure was one of acceptance and assurance. Jack was born October 30, 1936, in Atlanta. Youngest of four siblings, he was branded "Snake" by a father who loved him but also terrorized his family when on alcoholic benders. His Daddy was an accomplished mechanic at the cotton mills in Cabbagetown, where his mother also worked to support the family. His Mother's unconditional love went a long way towards helping the children grow up right; she was the sweetest, best woman any of them ever knew. Not much for book learning, Jack gravitated to sports. He admitted the only reason he finished high school was his desire to keep playing football and basketball and running track. A three-season letterman, he was recognized as one of the best players on the football team in his senior year. A photo from that year shows a sinewy lady-killer with a crew cut and piercing blue eyes. After some short-term work doing things as hard as meat cutting, he learned he might soon be called up for Army service under the draft. He chose the Navy as an enlistee instead and served four years, mostly aboard a submarine stationed out of Charleston. He was an excellent dancer and met fellow shagger, Shirley Muckelvaney, in that time. They danced and dated, never seriously, for over a year. Then Jack's sub was called on to help spot Soviet ships headed for Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After two tense weeks at sea, Jack came back to Charleston and proposed. They were married weeks later in what some in both families assumed was a shotgun wedding. But Michael, Jack's only child who was born five years later, would later say half-seriously that he gave thanks to Castro and Khrushchev for bringing his parents' courtship to fruition. After the Navy, Jack worked over 30 years at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. He was an accomplished welder and eventually retired as a Foreman. During his career he honed his skills, earned an Associate of Mechanical Engineering degree from Trident Tech, and had the chance to do emergency repairs on ships not only in Charleston but also in Virginia, California, and Dubai. Though foreign travel was never something he felt inclined towards, there is a great photo of him on camelback from that work trip. Jack was an innovator who made improvements in ways welding repairs were made. Once a foreman encouraged Jack to write up a new method he had developed, but Jack passed. The foreman wrote it up instead and quickly received a promotion. Though the marriage to Shirley lasted only 18 years, it was in some ways a great success. They threw great parties for dozens of friends and family out of their garage in Northwood Estates. Jack covered the ceiling in mirrored tiles and the makeshift dance floor with red, white, and blue linoleum. Among their set, Jack and Shirley were recognized as excellent shaggers. Jack was affable, kind, and easygoing, and his generosity came back to him many times over. The highlight of Jack and Shirley's marriage was the arrival of Michael in 1967, when Jack was 31. He couldn't wait to tell his own father about the arrival of the only male grandchild with his last name. Michael's childhood was filled with the love of two parents who thought he walked on water, and they made sacrifices to give him every chance at success. They sent him to private schools and were proud that he went to college on a full scholarship, graduating with honors. They were glad to see him find meaningful work that he loves as an educator. After the end of the marriage, Jack was super-fortunate in two ways: first, he re-kindled his earlier love of golf and played as often as possible. In retirement, he often would play four or more rounds per week. His circle of golf buddies knew him well and envied his low scores. Once at a party, Jack spotted a distinguished gentleman using a putter as a cane. Jack sidled up and said, "Excuse me sir, but what is your handicap?" The other stroke of good luck was introduction by a mutual friend to his longest and dearest companion, Virginia Dangerfield. The daughter of a Methodist minister, Ginger had grown up in itty-bitty towns all over rural SC. She had been married twice already, but Jack was hands-down the love of her life. He was loving and patient and giving in a way she'd always assumed a husband should be, and they pledged their devotion to each other even as they continued living in sin. There was no doubt in either family about how good the two of them were for each other; when soulmates find each other, it's obvious. They were together over 24 years, and Ginger is another grandma to Michael's sons. Jack maintained his strong ties with his siblings and their children, most of whom remained in and around Atlanta. He was especially close to sister, Florence, a dozen years older; and brother, Ralph, four years older. Jack lived with Florence and her husband, Red, as a teenager, and Red was the stable, sober, and loving mentor that Jack's Daddy had sometimes failed to be. Florence's four children called him "Uncle Jack", though the oldest was only 9 years his junior. Jack deeply loved brother, Ralph, his childhood sweetheart (and then wife of nearly 60 years), Margie, and their girls, Darlene and Kathy. He vacationed and spent holidays and extended visits with them and their families for many years, and four more grandchildren grew to love Uncle Jack. Jack and Ginger were careful not to expose themselves to crowds during the first year of the Covid pandemic, but all that time sitting at home took a serious toll. With less movement and social interaction, Jack declined rapidly. When cognitive decline became obvious, Michael insisted Jack should stop driving. Michael told Jack he would get the best price he could on his car and asked for the keys. With a characteristic cock of the head and a wry smile, Jack's reply was, "Just like that?" Just like that. The end was hard, and too fast. Jack moved into assisted living and then memory care about a year ago. Ginger visited many hours every day and Michael came down from his home in NC to see Jack about once a month. He was supported by his sister-in-law, Lurene, and neighbor, Jesus Ferrer, in this time, and Shirley and her husband, Jim, visited more than once to help out. Jack accepted that his good journey, filled with love and good fortune, was nearly through. For Michael and his wife, Becky, Jack has been a constant, unfailing source of love and support. No greater gift could he have given than the unconditional love he has shown to his son for 55 years, his wife, and their two sons, Caleb and Archer. That love has been unwavering and certain, no matter what surprises may have come. Jack has loved his grandsons as they become their fullest versions of themselves, demonstrating the love every parent should. And, feeling so loved, the people in Jack's life return their love to him. Jack is survived by Michael, Becky, Caleb, and Archer; Ginger and her daughter, Ginny Harden, and her husband and daughter, Hank and Cheney; by Ralph's widow, Margie, and nieces, Darlene Christie and Kathy Massey and their families; by nieces and nephews, Sharon Creel, Gerann Blanton, Joy McKinney, Tommy Smith, and Marty Turner, and their families. His ex-wife, Shirley, and her husband, Jimmy Bayne; his sister-in-law, Lurene Laidlaw, and her family; and his nephew, Bill Fanning, who visited with him a few months ago and shared fond memories of 50 years back. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Marvin and Gertrude; his sisters, Florence Smith and Kathryn Turner; and his brother, Ralph. As he wished, Jack's body will be cremated and his ashes subdivided to rest eternally along with the remains of his brother, his girlfriend, and his son. A memorial service will be held for Jack later in the year, details TBD. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston Published by Charleston Post & Courier May 7, 2023.

Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread
Jump to forum :


(Delete all cookies set by this site)
Running MegaBBS ASP Forum Software v2.0
© 2003 PD9 Software