P/Lt/C David A. Sumner, P, of Smithtown, N.Y., passed away at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer. He was a member of Smithtown Bay Power Squadron, where he had served as executive officer and earned 8 merit marks.

Originally from Beaver Falls, Pa., Sumner started his career as a locomotive fireman with the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie Railroad while he was still in high school, and then became a management trainee with the Penn Central Railroad. He received a bachelors degree in economics from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, where he met his future wife, Patty. They married and moved to Smithtown, where they raised their two children.

In 1973, Sumner joined the Long Island Rail Road as an air brake examiner. Over the years, he held a number of leadership roles, and as general manager of service planning and quality assurance, he developed the railroad’s timetables. He supervised operations in Pennsylvania Station during critical times. On 11 Sept. 2001, he developed the emergency plan to bring thousands of stranded commuters home after Penn Station had been closed. In the blackout in 2003, he worked to evacuate trains stuck in the tunnels and to restore normal service the next day. When he retired in 2006, Sumner was chief program officer for operations.

In his spare time, he enjoyed boating, fishing and spending time with his four grandchildren.

 

Bill Engle

P/D/C William Crosbie Engle, AP, who chartered Ten Mile Power Squadron, passed away on 24 May 2014 at the age of 103. He had served as squadron commander, instructor in basic boating seamanship and advanced piloting classes. Elected to the District 7 bridge after serving four years as lieutenant commander, he was elected to District 7 Commander of USPS, covering three states. He also was elected to the squadron educational office of Ten Mile Power Squadron. Ten Mile Power Squadron recently celebrated 50 years in operation.

Mr. Engle always enjoyed boating and actually built a boat in the casement of his home. In 1946, he went into boat sales and service, establishing Engle’s Holiday Harbor and Marina, which is still in operation and run by his son and family. Mr. Engle and his sons raced E-Service Class runabouts for many years and won three national championships. He not only was a Life Member of USPS but also a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Power Boat Association.

Mr. Engle will be remembered as an ambitious and gracious gentleman, and he will be dearly missed.

USPS is partnering with Sea Tow Services International Inc. and the nonprofit Sea Tow Foundation to provide boating safety resources and education to the public. USPS members and boaters who take a USPS Boating Safety Course will benefit from valuable new discounts on Sea Tow memberships, enhancing their peace of mind on the water.

The partnership also includes the following benefits:

• All USPS members will receive a promotional code for a $10 discount off their Sea Tow Membership, whether they are purchasing a new membership or renewing their membership. This brings the cost of a Sea Tow Gold Card Membership down to $159 per year for USPS members, while offering them the same valuable services and benefits enjoyed by all other Sea Tow members.
• All boaters who complete a USPS Boaters Safety Course will receive a coupon code for a free 60-day Sea Tow Trial Membership, after which they will have the option to upgrade to a full membership–getting 14 months for the price of 12.
• The Sea Tow Foundation will collaborate with USPS to create boating education and safety content, which will be disseminated to boaters by the Foundation, local Sea Tow operators, National U.S. Power Squadrons and Districts through their boating education, safety, and community outreach efforts.
• The Sea Tow Foundation will assist National Squadrons and Districts in developing on-the-water training courses as a towing expert.
• USPS will authorize its squadrons and districts to act as resources for local Sea Tow operators in developing boating safety and education programs such as on-the-water training for members.

James Fisher

P/D/C James E. Fisher, SN, passed away 9 Jan. 2014.  Jim served our country in the U.S. Navy and was a member of Masonic Lodge #1098 of Lombard, Eastern Star of Lombard.  Jim’s love for United States Power Squadrons is evidenced by his great track record. He joined the Fort Myers Power Squadron in 1987, became their commander in 1991, and soon after in 1995 became commander of District 22. As a dedicated member of the Fort Myers Power Squadron for 28 years, he earned 19 merit marks.

Loving father of daughter Dawn Fisher and son Greg (Bonnie) Fisher and brother of William Fisher, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Fisher. A funeral service was held Saturday, 18 Jan. 2014 at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. A memorial service in Fort Myers was held on Sunday, 26 Jan. at the Peace Community Church, 17625 Pine Ridge Rd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hope Hospice Health Care Services, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL, 33908.

By Robert A. Green, JN

Below is a reprint of an article that ran in the May 1971 issue of The Ensign chronicling the advent of USPS’s educational TV series, “Boating with USPS.”

“NBC won’t be disappointed, Larry . We can guarantee you 10 outstanding TV shows … Beginning when? … (cough) … February the 11th! … Absolute deadline! … No problem, Larry, we can do it. Today’s only January the 7th (nervous laugh) … Of course it will have to be cleared with National, but I’m sure they’ll approve … They’re very broadminded … You’ll need a complete series outline? … In detail? … Right away … You’ll get it … Don’t worry about a thing, Larry, you’re dealing with the United States Power Squadrons … I’ll call you within the next few days … Goodbye, Larry, and thank you.” This was February the 11th!

V/C Elbert S. Maloney, Director of Education, host Roger Tuttle and Chief Commander George R. Hodell enjoy a relaxed moment before filming of final show begins.

The pleasant voice on the opposite end of the telephone line belonged to Lawrence C. Johnson, executive producer and community affairs director of WNBC-TV, New York. Only three days earlier, Austin Williams, assistant manager at USPS Headquarters, and I had visited the TV executive at the NBC studios in Rockefeller Plaza. Larry (as we came to know him) had indicated an interest in producing a five-program boating series and because I had recently set up a USPS TV show on New York’s Educational Network and was a member of the Public Relations Committee—I had been “drafted” to follow up the inquiry and prepare a presentation. An elaborate storyboard containing 53 drawings (and requiring half as many hours to create) had been assembled for the meeting with Larry, and two hours after we arrived Austin and I made our exit with the feeling that USPS had made a genuine impression on at least one TV executive producer, and would be very much involved in the boating series—if it materialized.

As the most recent telephone conversation had proved, we had obviously underestimated our involvement—for the five-part series had doubled, and USPS was no being asked to provide the outline and talent for 10 educational shows which would be broadcast in color on all NBC owned stations, and possibly a great many others as well.

What Larry Johnson wanted was 10 brilliant, dramatic, captivating, low-budgeted TV shows of basic boating instruction and, as Austin and I had emphasized, the USPS Piloting Course—or at least a sampling of it—was tailor-made for the medium.

With hundreds of skilled USPS instructors in the New York metropolitan area—along with the wealth of teaching aids, film clips and slides—it was evidently apparent to NBC that USPS could provide the goods. We had also recommended Roger Tuttle as host of the series, since he was a USPS member as well as a veteran NBC announcer—and Larry Johnson had made a notation of this in the presentation which we left with him. Now that we had the go-ahead from NBC, our next step was the selection of a USPS Piloting Course Chairman to act as educational coordinator of the series.

“Just make sure you don’t trip over them,” advises audio engineer Jerry McGee as he explains individual microphones to C. Kenneth Wall, guest Bill Cullen, and Herbert Talboys.

Ken Wall, AP, was not only an outstanding chairman of Piloting, he was also a skilled boatman, an active and dedicated member of the Northern New Jersey Squadron, a successful businessman and an experienced TV “actor”—having made his debut on the USPS show which had been set up on Channel 13 only five months earlier. After a 15-minute telephone conversation, Ken agreed to take on the assignment and despite the fact that his own Piloting Course was about to begin, he immediately plunged into the project.

Adding to our good fortune, Roger Tuttle was selected to act as host for the series, and without hesitation, he immediately joined those of us who were already in up to our necks. Roger’s dual experience as a USPS member and NBC announcer provided the “insurance” we needed, and we were now confident of the image which USPS would project on the series.

While Ken and Roger joined forces in New York, I contemplated the job of selling USPS on the TV project. A telephone call to Rear Commander Emery M. Austin, AP, Chairman of the USPS Public Relations Committee, had cautioned me against Pollyannaism, and as a precaution I tucked a four-leaf clover among the clothing being packed for the Annual Meeting in Florida.

The USPS conclave in Miami Beach couldn’t have been at a more appropriate time—as far as the TV series was concerned. National approval was required for the project and since the series involved both public relations and education (the bedrock upon which USPS is anchored), it was obvious that the approval had to come from many.

Producer-director Roger Shope (with glasses) and C. Kenneth Wall (standing) check screen as Roger Tuttle rehearses Video V

When the final dust had settled, Vice Commander Elbert S. Maloney, N, the newly elected Director of Education and Rear Commander Emery M. Austin, AP, Public Relations Chairman, officially designated Past Vice Commander Herb Talboys, N, and myself to represent the Education Department and Public Relations Committee for the TV Series, Herb, in turn, designated Ken Wall as his representative and—in the jargon of show biz—the TV series was “on the road” which, if not completely smooth, was at least paved with good intentions.

USPS is a truly remarkable organization and, from the Chief Commander on down, practically all hearts were behind the project—even though we had incredibly little time to prepare it. As a matter of record, during our four-day stay at the Fontainebleau, I personally heard only one person mumble, “A USPS television series in 26 days? Impossible!” And he turned out to be a bell captain.

Ken and Roger Tuttle had been moving ahead at full steam during the Annual Meeting and upon returning, a conference was immediately arranged with them and Roger Shope, the producer-director of the series. All those most directly involved with the show were boatmen and the meeting left no doubts as to the direction in which the series was heading. Captain Bligh couldn’t have steered a better course for USPS and a camaraderie soon developed among those involved which provided the teamwork necessary to meet the deadline.

Although the USPS Piloting Course provided the basic TV outline, lectures in Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sail and Weather (USPS Elective Courses) were also added in order to further enlighten the viewers. Considering all the subjects were covered, and realizing that more than 20 USPS instructors would be involved—the project literally became a race against time.

Director Roger Shope discusses script with Frank C. Giesbrecht.

The entire series had to be filmed in three weeks beginning 11 February and a schedule was soon set up which necessitated shooting two shows a day—twice a week—with little time for rehearsals and a knowledge that no editing would be involved.

Ken had already mailed material to all Squadron Commanders, Education Officers and Chairmen of Local Boards of Piloting, in the area of WNBC-TV, and the USPS membership soon responded in force. More than 50 volunteers were selected from 13 different Squadrons. Each of the men selected was responsible for choosing the teaching aids and slides would best complement his lecture and, thanks to USPS, a large selection was available. NBC also had an extensive film library and some of this material was also incorporated.

NBC went all out for the series and a beautiful set was provided which included ships’ wheels and USPS officers’ burgees. Elliott A. Reason’s magnificent hand-carved ship’s wheel and the USPS ensign provided the focal point for the background and soon the NBC cameras were busily filming the first of the 10 shows, which included TV personality Bill Cullen, a personal friend of Roger Tuttle’s and a lifelong boating enthusiast.

C. Kenneth Wall of Northern New Jersey Squadron discusses compass during preview of first of 10 shows.

From the very first show to the last, each and every man did a truly outstanding job and the series is a credit to the United States Power Squadrons. In order, the subjects covered and USPS members involved were as follows: (1) USPS history and preview of series (Herb Talboys, New York Squadron, and Ken Wall, Northern New Jersey Squadron), (2) Seamanship and small boat handling (Dean Fuller and Tom Curtis, New York Squadron), (3) Safety afloat (Edward Schmidt, Northern New Jersey Squadron, and John Burns, Palisades Squadron), (4) Equipment Government Regulations, Rules of the road (Harry Busch, Watchung Squadron, and Franklin Giesbrecht, Staten Island Squadron), (5) Aids to navigation, charts and chart symbols (Bill Simons, Stamford Squadron, and Hank Fitzsimmons, Neptune Squadron), (6) Compass and basic piloting (Tom Swander and Ray Finley, Lackawanna Squadron), (7) River piloting and Intracoastal Waterway (John McNamara, Bronx Squadron, and Wallace Gould, Bayside Squadron), Marine Electronics (Ed Slobodzinski, Stamford Squadron, and Milton Sapan, Tappan Zee Squadron), (8) Sail (Roy Maas, Northern New Jersey Squadron, and Jerry Wetzstein, Sewanhaka Squadron), Engine Maintenance (Wallace Barraclaugh, Delaware River Squadron, and Bernard Van Eerden, Staten Island Squadron), (9) Weather (Bill McKee, Bayside Squadron), (10) Review (Ken Wall, Northern New Jersey Squadron), Introduction of national officers (Chief Commander George R. Hodell, N, Houston Squadron, and Elbert S. Maloney, N, Director of Education, Marathon Squadron).

Commander Edward Samuels of the United States Coast Guard and his assistant were also invited to take part in the series and they did an excellent job on the ninth show, which also included a lecture on weather.

Edward Schmidt of Norther New Jersey and John Burns of Palisades discuss safety afloat with Tuttle.

The broadcasting schedule for the series was programed for 6:30 to 7 a.m. and was set up as follows: New York (WNBC-TV) March 1-5, 8-12; Los Angeles (KNBC) March 29-April 2, April 5-9; Chicago (WMAQ-TV) April 26-30, May 3-7; Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV) May 24-28, May 31-June 4; Cleveland (WKYC-TV) June 21-25, June 28-July 2. The series was rebroadcast on New York’s WNBC-TV from 3:30 to 4 p.m. beginning Sunday, April 4—for 10 consecutive Sunday afternoons.

A great amount of PR effort has already gone into the series and press kits, with photos, have or will be delivered (depending on the broadcasting schedule) to all national boating magazines and daily newspapers in the areas covered by the five NBC owned stations. In addition press kits have or will be mailed to all Squadron Commanders, Education Officers and Public Relations Officers in the same areas.

NBC makeup man Ray Voege applies final touch to show host Roger Tuttle

The series was not intended to cover all the material included in the USPS basic boating course. This would have been impossible in 10 one-half-hour shows. The primary purpose of the project was to encourage the viewers to take the USPS Piloting Course and each show concluded with our national Operator 800 numbers.

Much more could be written about the series and tremendous job accomplished by Ken Wall, Roger Tuttle, Austin Williams and all the others who were involved—including our Chief Commander and Director Education. Much thanks must also be given to WNBC-TV for providing USPS with the opportunity to reach millions of men, women and children across this nation. At the present moment there is a possibility that WNBC-TV will make the video tape of this series available to all TV stations in the country and that would provide countless millions of additional viewers.

In looking back at the entire project and the amount of time and effort that it involved, I’ve come to the conclusion that it was impossible to produce a USPS television series in 26 days. The impossible takes USPS a little longer and fortunately, we had a few extra days—which made all the difference.

P/C Robert J. Heck, SN of N. Fort Myers died suddenly 9 Oct. 2013.

Robert J. Heck

Robert was born in Racine, Wisc., to Clarence and Frances Heck. He was one of 10 children. Robert was a veteran in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. from 1953-1954 and stationed in Germany. Robert attended the University of Wisconsin and worked as an analyst for the Apollo Program. He joined the New Berlin Wisconsin Fire Department in 1967, rising to the rank of fire chief. Bob retired in 1994 and relocated to N. Fort Myers. In 1995, Robert joined the Fort Myers Power Squadron where he taught boating safety education and became commander in 2010. He was also a member of the Fort Myers Beach Yacht Club.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lorraine, of 58 years; six children; 11 grand-children; and 10 great grand-children. A memorial mass was held 15 Oct. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2157 Cleveland Ave., in Fort Myers. Interment took place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Gary Schultz

Gerhardt F. “Gary” Schultz, 72, of Momence, passed away 9 Aug. 2013 at Presence Heritage Village in Kankakee. Visitation was held at the Cotter Funeral Home in Momence Saturday, 17. Aug. The Rev. David McMillan officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Schultz was the plant superintendent at Gilster Mary Lee in Momence for 27 years. He was born 17 May 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Leonard and Connie Mensch Schultz. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 23 years, the Power Squadron in Kankakee, Ham Radio Club, Kankakee River Patrol, CERTS and Momence Police Auxiliary Department.

Surviving are his wife, the former Linda Moore, of Momence, whom he married 18 Nov. 1972 in Momence; one sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Donald Sims, of Goffstown, N.H.; one brother, Dale Schultz, of Baraboo, Wisc.; mother-in-law, Elsie Moore, of Momence; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beverly and Willard Hamann, of Momence; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill Ehrman

All who knew Bill Ehrman would agree that he certainly put the spice into life. He was resourceful, a man who thought outside of the box, and the sort of person who never let life get the best of him. Bill was blessed to spend the majority of his life alongside his true love with whom he welcomed the children and grandchildren who were his life. He was a true patriot who knew what it meant to work hard, yet he also made sure that he took time to enjoy life to the fullest each day. Life will never be the same without Bill here, but he leaves behind a timeless collection of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of his friends and loved ones.

On 18 Nov. 1953, a young couple from Morris, Ill., was delighted to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on . Bill was one of several children born to his parents, Fred and Emma Ehrman, and his earliest years were spent in the family home. By the time he was a young man, both of Bill’s parents had died, which sent him to Kankakee, Ill., where he lived with his sisters while he finished his education. Bill was a student at local schools, including Morris Elementary School and Eastridge High School beginning with his freshman year.

After graduating from high school, Bill was ready to embrace all that life had in store. In November 1974, he joined the Navy and finished submarine school in Groton,
Conn. Bill was stationed in Charleston, S.C., for a time and was given permission to come home for a quick visit before he was sent out for a three-month patrol. He also took classes at University of South Carolina while in the Navy.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Bill’s introduction to the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Kathy Lamb, and they were a great pair. While in the military, Bill visited Kathy at Illinois State University when he could. With a desire to establish a life together, the couple was united in marriage on 7 Aug. 1976 at the Salvation Army. Together Bill and Kathy were blessed with the births of three children: Adam, Amy and Ashley.

Along his entire life’s journey Bill loved the water. He and Kathy complimented each other perfectly as they spent numerous days on the beach with him in the water and her on the beach. Bill loved scuba diving, especially at some of his favorite places such as Folly Beach and Isle Palms in South Carolina. Memorable vacations were taken to Singer Island, Fla., where he discovered tropical beach drinks and his Tommy Bahama hat, in addition to Beaver Island, Apostle Islands, and Kentucky Lake with family. There was also the time he went to Door County for 11 days and almost forgot to come back! In everything he did, Bill was one to work hard. He graduated from Governor’s State University is University Park, Ill., with a degree in chemistry. Bill spent more than 33 years working as a project leader for Henkel Chemical Corporation.

Bill loved playing the drums, and when he was laid off from his job he bought a new set of drums and formed a band as a means of providing for his family. A devoted father through and through, it was not uncommon for Bill to come home from a late night with the band to take care of Adam as he treasured spending time with his children. He loved cooking out with his friends, and as his friends and family can attest he was a master of the grill.

A longtime member of the community he loved, Bill was a member of the Aroma Park American Legion, Aroma Park Boating Association, Kankakee Yacht Club, Kankakee Valley Sail & Power Squadron and the Moose Lodge. A true gift, Bill brought such light and life to the world around him. He fully devoted himself to whatever task was at hand and never took even one moment for granted. Bill’s family was always his main focus in life, and it was when he was gathered with his family that he was happiest. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Bill J. Ehrman died 10 July 2013 at his home in St. Anne. Bill’s family includes his wife, Kathy Ehrman of St. Anne, Ill.; children Adam (Lacy) Ehrman of Springfield, Ill., D (Justin) Marques of Gilman, Ill., and Ashley (Nick) Benjamin of Kankakee, Ill.; grandchildren Henry Gerritson, Hayden Gerritson, Justyne Marques, Kate Ehrman and Ellen Ehrman; sisters Karen (Wendell) Darling of Morris, Ill., and Clara Rutledge of Vermont; brothers David (Maureen) Ehrman of Port Orange, Fla.,, Ben (Beth) Stillwell of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Steve (Vicki) Cobb of Buford, Ga.; brother- and sisters-in-law Judy Ehrman of Morris, Ill., Rosemary Ehrman of Coal City, Ill., Ben and Betty Hale of Manteno, Ill., and Marilyn Friant of Morris, Ill.; and father-in-law Ray Lamb of Aroma Park, Ill. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Paul Ehrman, Fred Ehrman, Roy Ehrman and Red Osman; and sisters Eva Hale and Rosemary Ehrman.

Please visit lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.

Louis Otis Lugo, 85, of Morehead City, passed away Friday, 19 April 2013, at Carteret General Hospital.  Louis served in the U.S. Army and later retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He was very athletic in his younger years and enjoyed golfing, scuba diving and surfing; he even built his own long board. He also built his own 33-foot Yawl, The Capitana. He was a lifetime member of U.S. Power Squadrons at 50 years and a lifetime member of the NRA.

He is survived by six nieces and nephews: Tony Cortina and wife Linda Kimbell of Raleigh; Amy Fariss and husband Tony of Raleigh; Mike Cortina and partner Darrell Renfroe of Charlotte; Catherine Cortina of Raleigh; Chrissy Cortina and husband Jeff Crews of Durham; and Ann Fields and husband Dan of Raleigh; and seven great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Carrie Thomas Lugo, wife Frances Lugo, and sister Amy L. Cortina.

A graveside service was held at Gethsemane Memorial Park with the Rev. Manley Rose officiating. Arrangements were made by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. of Morehead City.

Online condolences may be made to the family at mundenfuneralhome.net.

William A. “Bill” Struve, 90, of Cary, Ill., passed away Tuesday, 21 May 2013, at home. He is survived by his three daughters, one son, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bill Struve

Bill was born 22 Nov. 1922 in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and visited many foreign ports during his tour of duty. After his service, he remained an avid sailor, boater and boat builder. He had been retired from Illinois Bell/AT&T for more than 30 years.

Bill had been a member of the Chain-O-Lakes Sail & Power Squadron since its inception in 1962 and remained a member for 42 years of the squadron’s 50 years. His family vacations usually involved boating of some sort. Bill was the squadron commander in 1978 and held other positions at the squadron level. The past six years Bill was the flag lieutenant and was always on time at the formal events setting up the flags and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bill was also a member of the Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (Lake Geneva) as well as the Lake Pepin (Mississippi River) Messabout Boat Club. He traveled near and far in order to boat and snowmobile. His last project was completed last year, at the age of 89, for the Messabout club gathering in June.

Bill always had time to take someone boating or help with teaching knot tying. He had a very casual attitude and enjoyed sharing his boating experiences. He will be greatly missed.