Tag Archives: obituary

Mack Boring & Parts Co., announced the passing of former president and industry veteran Edward “Ned” McGovern III. Ned passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and loved ones on April 14, 2023, at the age of 77, following a seven-year battle with prostate cancer. Ned was born on March 21, 1946, in Orange, N.J. He was the oldest ...

Robert T. Healey Sr., the co-founder of the Viking Yacht Company who helped build the company into an industry leader and led the fight that repealed the Federal Luxury Tax on yachts in the early 1990s, passed away last week at the age of 92. “My father was a true leader, and his vision will always guide us,” said his ...

Walter “Bing” Burns O’Meara, longtime marine industry media icon and publisher of Lakeland Boating Magazine for the past 38 years, passed away September 10, 2021, in Glenview, Ill. at the age of 81 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. O’Meara’s professional career centered around his love for the boating life. According to his wife Linda O’Meara, Lakeland Boating’s director of ...

Paul Frederick Sherman, owner of Ritchie Navigation, passed away peacefully on March 20 at the age of 81, followed by his wife of 55 years, Joan, on April 4. Sherman led the Pembroke, Massachusetts-based company from 1966 through 2020. His son and current company president, Jon Sherman, shared the sad announcement. An accomplished craftsman, Paul Sherman was renowned for his ...

Catalina Yachts recently announced that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, Calif., due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. “We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time,” the company said in a statement. “A ...

Marine industry colleagues were recently shocked to learn of the death of Michael Devlin, an industry sales representative who championed multiple brands over a successful 44-year career.  He began his industry career in 1975 as a sales representative with Hurst Enterprises, an Orlando, Fla.-based regional manufacturer of bass boats. He later represented national brands including Regal, ProLine, Wellcraft, Regulator, Scout, ...

John Babbitt, Smoker Craft’s international sales manager, passed away last week. The company submitted the following obituary to Boating Industry. Smoker Craft Inc. is saddened to announce the passing of its much-beloved international sales manager, John Babbitt. John, 69, passed away at his home in Indianapolis late last week. A graduate of the University of Maine and the Thunderbird International ...