I was first introduced to Dick King at about the same time that I was first introduced to Catalina 22s and C22 discussion groups, back in early 2003.  Dick was always there right from the beginning with the best of practical advice, and always the patience to pass it along.  He and I soon became fast friends, often speaking the distance between Marblehead, Massachusetts and Melbourne, Florida on the phone.  I last spoke to him in the hospital the other night while on my annual extended cruise and heading back.  I'd called his home, his lovely wife Linda gave me the bad news and current phone number, so I called his room in the hospital.

Dick had days before gone in to have his heart pacemaker checked, have it tuned up, then he developed complications from the drugs they'd administered, which led to pneumonia-like symptoms that returned him to the hospital.  After asking me to call him back after he talked to his son, he assured me that he was recovering.  For once, apparently Dick was wrong.  Deadly wrong.

It was primarily Dick who motivated me to start the C22 discussion group, after all the problems he began having with the Sailnet list and it providing our e-mail addresses publicly on its website.  After he and I spent a weekend tracking down a nuisance message from France, him getting the company to get the perpetrator to cease-and-desist, he got hit with one from China.  That's when Dick and I decided it was time for a more secure list.  He, along with Hobie Davidson ("For Sail") and Skip Meisch ("Slow Flight"), were my go-to guys back then for advice and direction.

Dick was always available to advise anyone with a Catalina 22 problem; I know from early-on experience.  He wrote countless articles (e.g., see: "How to Swage a Cable") in his ongoing attempt to enlighten others, many of them appearing in MainBrace -- the bimonthly publication of the Catalina 22 National Sailing Association -- they're still available on the NSA's technical manual CD.

I finally met and last saw Dick at the C22 Mid-Winter Regatta on Lake Monroe, Florida in late-February, when he took the trophy for the event's spinnaker race.

Dick was recently considering the sale of "Twilight Zone," his new Catalina 22 Sport.  I advised against it:  to sell it would remove something to live for, was my rationale.  Nonetheless, he was planning to do it, to get the sale out of the way in the event his health turned south and his wife, Linda, needed to be taken care of.  Eventually I reluctantly recognized and supported his decision -- his health was priority one, and he wasn't getting better fast.  I asked him if he could simply cruise, instead of undertaking the stress of racing.  There was no way Dick was a cruiser -- he was either going to race flat-out or get rid of "Twilight Zone" and become, I believe he called it, "deck meat" on someone else's boat.

Dick was always most patient and kept a sense of humor.  He recently wrote on August 2, 2006:

"'I see seals often kayaking.' Do they paddle with their flippers or their tails?

"Couldn't resist."

I spoke with my good friend throughout my August cruise, last week for the last time.  He was supposed to be home from the hospital the same day I was to be home from my cruise.  We'd agreed to speak again then.

When I got home, I received a call from his son, Ricky.  Without another word spoken I knew, and was crushed.

We'll all miss Dick.  We've lost a major resource and a very good friend.

We've enough in the list treasury to send our remembrances.  I'll take care of that this morning.

At the request of Dick's family, the discussion group won't be sending flowers as originally planned, but instead a donation to the American Diabetes Association.

The best thing we can all do today in Dick's memory and dealing with our sense of loss, is to get out there and sail.  I'm confident nothing would make our good buddy happier!

Subsequently published in MainBrace, The Catalina 22 Publication
Volume 34, No. 5, September 2006

“A bad day sailing beats almost anything worth doing!” Dick King's Gems of Wisdom Compiled and produced by "Dee" Reed, Sacramento, CA PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader Condolences from List Member-Subscribers Compiled and produced by Wes Iiames, Cincinatti, OH

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An E-card has been sent from Chip Ford (chip@***.com) to these recipients: rtkjr@* * *.net This is the E-card that you sent. Subject: In memoriam, from the discussion group Body: CLICK HERE FOR RECEIPT CONFIRMATION FROM THE ASSOCIATION

Per your request, instead of flowers the Catalina 22 Discussion Group has made a $100 contribution to the American Diabetes Association in your father's name. I hope all is as well as can be expected, Ricky. Let me know if there's anything I can do. Chip Ford -- Send your own E-card and support the American Diabetes Asssociation. Your participation will support research to prevent and cure diabetes as well as programs to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.

Melbourne, Florida Wednesday, August 30, 2006 RICHARD KING, Jr. MELBOURNE Lieutenant Colonel Richard Thomas King Jr., USAF Retired, a 33 year Brevard County resident passed away on Friday, August 25, 2006 at the age of 68. Even though he suffered from a lengthy illness, his death was unexpected. Dick was born on Governors Island, NY on July 12, 1938 to the late General Richard T. King Sr., USAF Retired and the late Clair Swanson King. He was a graduate of The Citadel and served in the US Air Force for over 20 years. He was an avid sailor of Catalina 22s. He participated in and won many regattas statewide. He was a technical advisor for the sailing magazine, The Catalina Mainsheet, for 11 years. As an advisor, he helped hundreds of sailors with their sailboat problems. He corresponded regularly with many other Catalina sailors on what he called The List. A warm and giving man, Dick had a big heart and was always willing to help others. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda Venning King; a devoted son, Richard Thomas King V; and our Godsend, Desiree Marie King, all of Melbourne. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Suzanne Farrell of Archer, FL two nieces, Heather Sipe of Archer, FL and Dr. Michelle Sipe of New York City and many cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Clair King. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 1, 2006 at 4 p.m., at Ascension Lutheran Church - ELCA, 1053 Pinetree Drive, Indian Harbour Beach. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742. Arrangements are entrusted to South Brevard Funeral Home, Melbourne 724-2222.

Guest Book for Richard King Jr.   Page 1 of 5    August 30, 2006 The #1 C22 Sailor I looked up to. Thank you so much for your inspiration and encouragement.    Captain Miles Ashley (Chincoteague Island, VA )    August 30, 2006 Like many others I knew Dick through the Catalina 22 list. Also like so many others, I came to know Dick as a knowledgable, generous, and wise man whom we all wished we had the opportunity to meet personally. I have never before known a person who has engendered the affection and respect of so many others through email without any any intention of seeking favor. My sincere condolences to Dick's family and sympathy to so many others who will miss him.    Brian Meyer (S. Sutton, NH )    August 30, 2006 I never met Dick, but corresponded with him over the last year on what he called "The List", a mailing list for owners of Catalina 22 sailboats. Dick was a rarity; an "old salt" always willing to help others, patient with the neophytes and direct when directness was needed. He is the reason I bought my first boat, he was responsible for helping me get it ready to sail. A rare and fine man. He will be missed, even by those who never met him. Fair Winds, my friend.    Ricky Carroll (Corpus Christi, TX )    August 30, 2006 A good friend and mentor who'll be sorely missed. Thanks Dick for all your advice over the years, and for helping me start "The List".    Chip Ford (Marblehead, MA )            Show picture         August 30, 2006 I have known Dick for nearly 2 years. He was always eager to share his knowlege, and love, of C-22's with any who asked for help. It didn't matter if you were a national champion or a brand new owner of your first C-22. Dick was there. He made friends of us all and he will be sorely missed.    Lance Jones (Atlanta, GA )    August 30, 2006 I never met Dick, but my eyes welled up when I learned he had passed. He was generous with his knowledge, and I never heard him say ( write) or receive a cross word. I hope some day I can know what Dick King knew, and share it as he did, and be revered as I know so many revere him. He will be sorely missed. Brian DeYoung, Catalina Owner.    Brian DeYoung (Ithaca, NY )    August 30, 2006 Although I never met Dick face to face, he has helped me several times with answers to sailing questions. He was a giving man always ready to help a neophyte sailor.    Jim Holliday (Siloam Springs, AR )    August 30, 2006 I have only known Dick for about 6 years, having met him through sailing, and then only occasionally, until 12 months ago when he asked me to crew for him on what turned out to be his last Catalina 22, Twilight Zone. During our time sailing together, he was a fount of knowledge, but always willing to listen and try new ideas to get the best out of his boat, which we both loved. He will be missed. My wife, Sue, and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, and are sorry we will not be able to attend the service as we are presently in England.    Richard Oliver (Indialantic and England UK, FL )    August 29, 2006 He was my skipper and my friend and I'll miss him very much. May God bless Dick King.    Byron Knight (Vienna, VA ) Page 2 of 5    August 30, 2006 LIke so many others, I met Dick from afar on The List. He was at once engaging, kind, fair yet true to what he knew was right. He was able to smack down bad ideas, encourage others, offer insightful suggestions and still leave everybody who read him smiling. Such people are in short supply today and we are sadly one shorter. May his example inspire others to lift those around them, without hesitation, and in so doing stand tall and proud themselves. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Dick.    Lan Yarbrough (Alameda, CA )    August 30, 2006 I am a better and more knowledgable sailor from corresponding with Dick. A measure of a man may be the mark he left on others. For his contributions to his fellows sailors, Dick King was a great man    Kent Kokko (Roseville, MN )    August 30, 2006 I am a member of the C-22 list from South Dakota. Dick's insight and advice were invaluable. We will all truly miss him. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.    Mary Jo Bibby (#9458, swing) (Pierre, SD )    August 30, 2006 Like many others, I only knew Dick through "The List." He has made me a better sailor and my boat safer. He will be missed by all. The family remains in my prayers.    Peter G. Nelson (Rose Haven, MD and Oro Valley, AZ)    August 30, 2006 I always enjoyed hearing from Dick on the Catalina 22 discussion list. His knowledge and experience have made me a better sailer. I'll sure miss his contributions to the sailing community.    Sean McGrew (Billings, MT )    August 30, 2006 Dick was a good friend who I never met. He gave graciously to other sailors in so many ways. By his actions, he was, and is, an inspiration to all the Catalina 22 sailors who came into contact with him in person and from the listserv. Dick made a difference in many people's lives. I regret that I did not express that to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.    Stuart Youngblood (Fort Worth, TX )    August 30, 2006 To Dicks family my sincere condolences. Dick was so kind to help me with my projects and sailing advice on my c-22. Seemed like such a nice guy I really looked up to him, we'll miss him very much.    Chris Hadden (Newfane, VT )    August 30, 2006 My thoughts and prayers are with Dick's family in their time of loss. Dick was a terrific man with a love for life and sailing. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.    James Pierce (Cocoa Beach, FL )    August 30, 2006 Dick was one of the first to welcome me to my first Catalina 22 regatta, and always the first one I looked for when arriving at regattas. Always giving and humble. I am proud to have called him my friend. My deepest sympathy to his family, you are in my prayers.    Glenn Warner (Jacksonville, FL )    August 30, 2006 I only knew Dick through the Catalina 22 Lists over the past five or so years. You can learn a lot about a person from what they write and from what others write about them. What I learned about and from Dick was good. Dick was not just dedicated to our little sailboats, he was dedicated to the people who sail them. His devotion and dedication to helping us, especially newcomers, is legendary. My prayers go out to his family. The twilight was too short.    Bill McCullough (Newport News, VA ) Page 3 of 5    August 30, 2006 ALthough I never met Dick i am a memeber of the Catalina 22 list which he was an inspiration to me and everyone on the list. He was not only someone that helped you but he was a great person and will be sadly missed.    Keith Gattozzi (Cape Cod, MA )    August 30, 2006 Dick was in invaluable source of information regarding our Catalina 22 sailboats. His insight, knowledge, and sharing nature will be sorely missed on 'the list'. Sail on, Dick King..... you're over the horizon now!! Dan Schafer 1983 C22 s/v "SeaBatical" Traverse City, Michigan    Dan Schafer (Traverse City, MI )    August 30, 2006 A prayer for a fallen brother Almighty God and Father. As the soul of our fallen brother sails into your keeping Provide for him eternal calm seas and fair winds. Let him live on in our hearts so that we feel his presence with the filling of our sails. We thank you for gifting us with his presence And may his deserving soul rest in the peace of your love. Amen! My humble condolences to the family of Dick King a "Sailor's Sailor". Bob Figueroa "The List" "Ruah" Sail #5155, Islip Terrace, NY    Bob Figueroa (Islip Terrace, NY)    August 30, 2006 I only knew Dick King through his postings on "The List". His insights on all thing sailing and C22s inparticular have been pricless to me. My heartfelt sympathy to the loved ones he has left behind, you are in my prayers.    Robert Weaver (West Cov ina, CA )    August 30, 2006 My sincerest condolences to Dick’s family. I was hired by Dick in 1984 to work with the McDonnell Douglas Company at the Kennedy Space Center. He was a wonderful boss and friend, and was my mentor. After a few years, we ended up working in different areas, but it was always a pleasure when I could see him and talk with him. He was truly a fine man, with the highest integrity, and I will never forget him. My life is richer for having known Dick King, and I pray for God’s love and grace for the King family.    Craig Varnadore (Titusville, FL )    August 30, 2006 I'll miss Dick King on the starting line. We've raced each other for the last nineteen years. It will be much different without him.    Carl Anderson (Port St. John, FL )    August 30, 2006 Dick and I conversed only by email, I’m a Catalina sailor. I posted a comment about a particular piece of equipment; Dick wanted to go into detail. Dick never ended any email conversation without the best understanding possible for both parties. Dick was a great communicator with a storehouse of sailing knowledge. Dick, Thank you for helping me become a better sailor.    Bill O'Brien (Rhinebeck, NY )    August 30, 2006 I'm another one who never met Dick except on the C-22 list. But I can see he left a great legacy of friendship and serving many others. I know you are feeling great loss, right now. I lost my dad back in '93. He would have been 89 yesterday. I know that thinking forward to when I'll see him again seems like a long time. But when we get there, it won't have seemed like any time at all. Also, earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. I pray that you will have peace, even in the midst of this great loss. Take care, and God bless.    Peter Snyder (Ringgold, GA )    August 30, 2006 Although I never got to meet Dick personally, he was always considered a friend and advisor. He will truly be missed. My thoughts go out to your family at this time of loss.    Steven Morgan (#14444 wing) (Bayport, NY )    August 30, 2006 I knew Dick from the Catalina 22 list. He was a great advisor and I always looked forward to his posts. He is still sailing - just in a different body of water. Happy Sailing, Skipper.    Doug Lance (Houston, TX ) Page 4 of 5    August 31, 2006 I too received lots of tips from Dick and have a mainsail bolt rope roller guide on my boat that originally came from him. Think of him every time I use it. He was and is still an inspiration.    Ken Brown (Leduc, AB )    August 30, 2006 I too, a member of the C22 discussion list will greatly miss the advise of Dick. His virtue was his patience in answering the same questions over and over without belittleing the asker. So long Dick    Richard Reynolds (Lebanon, OR )    August 30, 2006 Dick will be sorely missed on at least 4 Catalina 22 chat lists. Catalina Owners.com I have seen his name on the Trailor Sailor's list as well. All will miss his knowledge and expertise. David Bergevin C22 #12454 "BADAM" Hixson, TN    David Bergevin (Hixson, TN )    August 30, 2006 As a owner of 3 different Catalina's over the years. My recent purchase of a 1988 SK has been greatly assisted by Dick's advice. I am parting with my Cat. 36 as we speak and look forward to smooth seas and fair breezes in West Florida. Capt'n King you are a special "Skipper".    Bob Miller (Bradenton, FL )    August 30, 2006 I am also a member of the Catalina 22 Discussion List that will miss Dick greatly. Bon Voyage on your journey way beyond the horizon Dick King! With deepest sympathy to his family,    Jon Golliher (Anderson, IN )    August 30, 2006 Dick was a great friend and C22 sailing mentor. Whether I was sailing against him or crewing for him it was always a memorable occasion. We had plans to do many things when he recovered and I will miss him greatly.    Jan Heise (Melbourne, FL )    August 30, 2006 I only knew Dick King through his postings on "The List". His insights on all thing sailing and C22s inparticular have been pricless to me. My heartfelt sympathy to the loved ones he has left behind, you are in my prayers.    Robert Weaver (West Covina, CA )    August 30, 2006 My sincerest condolences to Dick’s family. I was hired by Dick in 1984 to work with the McDonnell Douglas Company at the Kennedy Space Center. He was a wonderful boss and friend, and was my mentor. After a few years, we ended up working in different areas, but it was always a pleasure when I could see him and talk with him. He was truly a fine man, with the highest integrity, and I will never forget him. My life is richer for having known Dick King, and I pray for God’s love and grace for the King family.    Craig Varnadore (Titusville, FL )    August 30, 2006 I'll miss Dick King on the starting line. We've raced each other for the last nineteen years. It will be much different without him.    Carl Anderson (Port St. John, FL )    August 30, 2006 Dick and I conversed only by email, I’m a Catalina sailor. I posted a comment about a particular piece of equipment; Dick wanted to go into detail. Dick never ended any email conversation without the best understanding possible for both parties. Dick was a great communicator with a storehouse of sailing knowledge. Dick, Thank you for helping me become a better sailor.    Bill O'Brien (Rhinebeck, NY ) Page 5 of 5    September 1, 2006 Mr. King was a source of comfort for all who knew him. He softly sailed through all our hearts and made a meaningful impact along the journey. Over the years, there were periods of time when he was a closer friend to me than his son. He was always a kind man with a generous heart, and had a knack of always saying the right thing. Spending time with him and his family has been a blessing to my entire family.    Jeff Roselip and family (Melbourne, FL )    August 31, 2006 Another C22 sailor needing to say "Adios, we'll see you down river" to a great man. We don't need to have met this man to know his worth. Dick was a wealthy person in family & friends, far & near. He was a wonderful & generous mentor and he is missed.    Lynn Larremore (Houston/ClearLake)    August 31, 2006 I am so overwhelmed by the response on this Guest Book for Dick King that it is difficult to write this note. He was not just the "Sailing King" to me, and to many of his close friends. To see his touch reach out so far and wide is so confirming to us, close to his home in Florida, that he was such a great sailor, friend, and mentor. I'm not only a former crew member on Dick's C22s - ("xx"[what the heck was that first C22?], "Jagged Edge", and "Twilight Zone"), but one of the very few (still living, sober, and sane - relatively-speaking) skippers that Dick crewed for. Whether he was on the helm, or I was on the helm - mattered not. We fussed at each other, high-fived each other, and won and loss a lot of very nice afternoons of sailing. We even made up races with imaginary start lines and time sequences boomed with an air-horn by first one, then the other; single-handing my boat (a Ranger 23, "Lions Paw"), against his, and racing like the America's Cup was waiting at the end. Wish I could say I won most of them, but I didn't. Of course. Our greatest joy, and benefit, was knowing all of the sailing buffs around us - in the East Coast Cruising Association, in Patrick AFB Yacht Club, in Melbourne Yacht Club, and points in between. Now I know he touched all points from west coast USA to east coast USA, and all are the better for his companionship. You can't find a better sailing companion than Dick King. My heart goes out to Linda, to his son Rick, and his granddaughter that they so adore, and to all of the sailing friends he touched in his travels and in his contacts. Fair winds, and following seas to Dick King, and lots of God's guidance for the rest of us trying to follow in Dick King's wake. Dick is sailing with Bob Perry now, and both of them are telling us to . . . "slow down and let God help you" . . . win. Much love, always, Diane (Carter) Truman. Rookie skipper, foredeck person, able and loud cockpit crew/skipper. Always on the job. xo    Diane Truman (Reston, VA )    August 31, 2006 I too received lots of tips from Dick and have a mainsail bolt rope roller guide on my boat that originally came from him. Think of him every time I use it. He was and is still an inspiration.    Ken Brown (Leduc, AB )    August 31, 2006 I met Dick online when he gave me some sage advice about my newly acquired C-22. He didn't know me but I quickly learned that did not matter to him. He bought my portable Stove that I did not use on my boat, actually was willing to do so sight unseen. Since I don't know if he ever got to use it I decided to pass along that small sum as a donation to The List he loved. I also hope to help Chip compile a list of all of his emails, something he hoped would be done. When I got home the day I got the news my wife had taken a picture of our 3 month old with a big smile and his "sailing" shirt on, 2 small boats I choose to believe racing on the front. I hope to teach him not just how to sail but to have an open and generous heart like Dick King had. I may try to send the picture via the list. Marshall Johnson 1986 C-22 Swing Keel #13306 "Santorini Baby"    Marshall Johnson (Alpharetta, GA )    August 31, 2006 I began corresponding with Dick in the mid-80's over our common interests of sailing and specifically Catalina 22. His opinion was valued and the advice very helpful thrugh out the years. He will be missed, Rich Magner SeTherin    Richard Magner (Glastonbury, CT )    August 31, 2006 I had the opportunity to meet Dick in February at the 2006 Mid-Winters and conversed with him through "The C-22 List". I pray you can take solace in knowing that his life touched so many.    Marie Musolino (Nags Head)    August 31, 2006 Dick will be missed by many. I am honored to have met him online. He was one of the most helpful people I have ever met and I will miss him for the rest of my life. I just wish I could have met him in person. What a loss to our Catalina 22 community and to his family who was obviously always his number one priority.    Paul Taylor (Myrtle Point, OR )    September 2, 2006 You will be missed Dick. Our hearts are with you and your family. Fair winds- Bill    William Bell (Port Orange, FL )