Former MRAA Chairman passes away
BOCA GRANDE, Fla. – Former MRAA Chairmen William “Pete” Loftin Jr., who served as chairman from 1980-1981, passed away Sept. 4, 2011. He was 88.
In addition to serving as Chairman for the MRAA, Loftin also served as president for the Jacksonville Marine Association and was a founding member of the Marine Industries Association of Florida.
“Pete was there in the beginning and always on the forefront of issues to protect dealers and their employees,” the MRAA said in a statement. “If there was an industry event Pete was always present often detailing the importance of membership in MRAA.”
The group said Loftin devoted much of his time to state legislative issues that have helped structure Florida’s current boating laws, like the Motorboat Trust Improvement Fund, and was appointed to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission and the Florida Boating Advisory Council.
Loftin was awarded the Irv Rosenthal award in 1997 for his work with the marine industry, and was elected as the ninth member of the MRAA Hall of Fame. He was also an avid sport fisherman, and was awarded by the sport fishing industry for his work with them.
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