Joseph Alan Clarke, or "Joe Cool," as he was known to his many friends, died on Dec. 15, 2007, at Schneider Hospital.
Joe was born on Dec. 17, 1946, in Ontario, Canada. He escaped the freezing temperatures and moved with his wife to St. Thomas, where they lived on a boat at Compass Point Marina. Joe worked in the air-conditioning and refrigeration business, bringing his warm smile and cool comfort to many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; son, Richard Clarke; daughter, Kelly Anne Johnson; daughter-in-law, Donna Clarke; son-in-law, Brad Johnson; grandchildren Brendan, Kaitlyn, Kristina and Zorianna; along with many other relatives and friends from the boating community, especially those at Compass Point.
Joe will be cremated, and a memorial celebrating his life will be held at a later date in January.
Michael Yentsch September 07, 1949 - July 16, 2008 YENTSCH, MICHAEL, 58, Orlando, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at the Florida Hospital after a courageous 4 ½ year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Born in Norfolk, VA, Mike loved life and excelled in many trades over the years. Besides being an avid sailor, engineer, Real Estate Broker; Mike mastered a variety of other professions and occupations, always the perfectionist.
He is survived by his mother, Ernestine Yentsch, Hoboken, GA; wife, Barb; daughter and son in law, Jacqueline Olivia & Scott Watson, Dacula, GA; grandchildren, Zoe & Zachary Michael Watson; brothers, Patrick (Beth)Yentsch, Manchester, TN, Ernie Yentsch, Flagler Beach, FL: sister, Susanne (James) Hastings, 2 nephews; 2 nieces; 1 great niece; and his beloved dog, Kali. Mike was predeceased by his father, Robert in 2002.
Mike was devoted to his daughter Jacque, and as she grew they enjoyed many activities together including modeling, acting, and their love of remodeling projects. He spent most of his childhood in Sanford, and the rest of his time over the years was in the Gainesville area, Colorado, New England, and living aboard his sailboat in the Caribbean islands. He lived in Red Hook, St Thomas for a number of years. He eventually built a home in the Cayman Islands with his 1st wife of 12 years, Renee Staetter. After the birth of daughter Jacque, they relocated to Orlando. Mike will be sadly missed by his family and the many, many friends he has been blessed to with over the years.
Suzanne Camille Fox, formerly Susan Camille Blalock, who was born June 22, 1955, died Oct. 1, 2008, at Schneider Hospital surrounded by her beloved friend, David Flaherty, and her sisters, Debra Blalock and Elizabeth Moore.
Suzanne was born in Granville County, N.C., to Katherine Mason Blalock and Wallace Allen Blalock Jr.
Along with her parents and two sisters, she is survived by her brothers, Charles and Lee Blalock, and a host of friends scattered around the world.
After graduating from high school, Suzanne traveled extensively throughout the world, finally settling on St. Thomas in the 1980s. Her career included a number of positions, including office manager for Frank Zarrelli, project coordinator for David Pearce on the initial phases of a VA Center on St. Thomas and several other construction enterprises on St.Thomas, with her last position being office manager and bookkeeper for Paul Ferreras P.E.
She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, compassionate nature and love of people and animals. She will always be remembered with a smile.
A gathering of friends will be at Latitude 18 at a later date. Donations in her memory should be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Long time Virgin Islands resident John D. Knight died January 26, 2007 in Sarasota, Fl. He was 77.
Knight was born in Scunthorpe England on 31 May 1929 and moved to Sarasota 12 years ago from Easton, Md. after living in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 23 years.
He was an avid yachtsman and sailed over three oceans before settling in the Virgin Islands in 1963 turning his sailing interests towards yacht racing.
He was a past commodore of the St. John Yacht Club and a race committee chairman for the St. Thomas Yacht club as well as it’s vice commodore in 1974. He ran the first Rolex Cup Regatta which was sponsored by Little Switzerland.
He owned the travel agency on St. John and an airline handling company on St. Thomas.
Robert Lee Nose passed away on Sept. 5, 2007 in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 77.
Bob Nose moved to St. John in 1973 when he purchased the only operating dive shop in Cruz Bay. Since those early days, he shared his spirit with locals and visitors alike, either through his famous lobster rolls or his daysails on Alycone with his wife, Anna Dohm.
Bob moved to St. John in 1973 to open a dive shop with the late Jack Bosh. In the years that followed he operated the Lobster Hut restaurant and the charter boat Alcoyne.
A Euclid, Ohio native, he worked as a commercial fisherman on Lake Erie before moving to St. John.
He sold the Lobster Hut in 1984 to go bicycling in Europe. When he returned after his five-month trip, he bought Alcoyne from Dean and Audrey Hedberg and launched his charter business.
In 1987, he met Anna Dohm, whose family had long lived on St. Thomas, when Nose sailed over to buy beer for his charters from her mother. "I knew I wanted her as crew," Bob confided to friends.
In 1979 and 1980 I lived in the lagoon at the boat yard … I was just out of college and not eager to begin the grown up life so I took a little detour….for what was a relativity short period in my life it remains a very important one. Unfortunately I never really keep in touch with anyone too long after I left…and it was a fluke tonight I was just thinking about it that I googled Poor Mans Bar and here I am. So thanks for the trip down memory lane…I’m going to read thru your blog and see if any names ring a bell. Suzi…at the time Conklin from Newport RI Suzicapitol@aol.com
Atty. George H. Hubschman passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2009 at the Hospice Unit of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center after a lengthy illness. He was 83 years old.
Mr. Hubschman was born on April 13, 1926 in Washington DC and is survived by his wife Patricia, six children, two daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA and graduated from Brooklyn Law School. He was a member of the SAE Fraternity.
A resident of St. Thomas, USVI from 1965 to 1994, Captain Hubschman flew seaplanes for Antilles Airboats as a commercial pilot. From his earliest days piloting his own post WWII SeeBee to the 4 engine Sikorsky `Mother Goose', now completely restored as an exhibit at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT and the twin engine Grumman Goose, he logged over 10,000 seaplane hours in his career.
George and Patty also owned and operated `The Spanish Main', a local retail store with the first store in St.Thomas, and opening another later in St. Croix. The shop featuring specialty designed (by Patty), hand silk-screened fabrics by the yard, as well as clothing for the entire family.
In the late 1970's Captain Hubschman began practicing law after passing the Bar for the 3rd Federal District Court overseeing the US Judicial Courts system of the US Virgin Islands. He retired in 1994 to Palm Beach Gardens FL
Captain Hubschman was a long time member of the Quiet Birdmen "QB" Pilots Assn. and Governor of the St. Thomas Hanger. He was also a member of AOPA, The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assn. During his lifetime, he personally owned 5 airplanes.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Gardens Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 18th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Hospice Unit at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center or to The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, FL.
EIGHT BELLS The passing of Rudy Thompson on Saturday, April 24, 2010 saddened the Caribbean sailing world. Rudy was a Past Commodore of St. Thomas Yacht Club but participated in racing events from Trinidad to Puerto Rico for over 50 years. Whether he was sailing in his series of yachts known as Fun Hog or Cold Beer, those of us who had the privilege of sailing with Rudy will remember the many trophies he won but more importantly we will remember hisinfectious good humor and wonderful ability to entertain folks with his stories and adventures.
Rudy loved most his wife Sheila and children Chris and Hillary, but was addicted to the sea. After being shipwrecked in Puerto Rico in the early 50's he made his way to St. Thomas and operated one of the area's first charter boats out of Yacht Haven. Notables such as author John Steinbeck sought Rudy out to be their charter captain. Rudy staged the first Sunfish World's at Sapphire Beach and was heavily involved in getting the US Virgin Islands Olympic status.
Part of what many relate to "Caribbean Regattas" was incorporated in Rudy's infectious demeanor and positive attitude. Whether he was racing or cruising he did it to have fun. The red wine, rum and beer flowed early and ended late. Sailing was a love first and a competition second. The music and stories were just as big a part of the day as was sailing. More than most Rudy understood how to get the good out of life. -- Bill Canfield.
The Caribbean has lost another of its pioneering sailors with the passing of Rudy Thompson from St Thomas.
His passion for sailboat racing was evident in the chronological and geographical span of events that he participated in through the length and breadth of the Caribbean. I competed against Rudy in the mid eighties at Antigua Sail Week, a converging point for sailors from either end of the Caribbean, he was racing then a series of Pearson boats all named 'Cold Beer'. I ran into Rudy again in 2005 at the Rolex Regatta in St Thomas where he was racing on a boat with his son and grandson. His pride and enthusiasm at racing with three generations of Thompsons on their J27 evident in his broad smile. Caribbean sailing has arrived at a point where many of our heroes, exemplars and friends are leaving their island homes for voyages in the blue beyond. Godspeed to you Rudy Thompson, Guy Eldridge, Andrew Burke and Dougie Meyers; all racing fiercely at the Regatta in the Sky. -- Jeffrey Chen
I wanted to let you know that Dad passed away this morning, very quickly, with his son Frank holding one hand and me holding the other. Thank you so much for sending thoughts and emails to him. He enjoyed them.
Sincerely,
Betsy (Joe Vogel's daughter)
Good evening Joe,
My name is Wolf. I'm not sure you'd remember me, but I don't think I touched as many peoples lives as you have in the Virgin Islands, locals and visitors alike.
As testimony, put these exact words, spacing and punctuation into Google's search engine and you'll see that you've left a very visible legacy in the Virgin Islands.
"joe vogel" diving virgin islands
>From 1982 to 2003 I was pretty much a St Thomas East Ender. Early on hanging out with Ron Arens at Latitude 18, "Animal" David, Rick Holmberg, Carol King, Robin Luke, Sharon Allen, Ed Brown and other early Red Hook villagers. I'm not sure what other names to drop, there are so many, but I imagine you would know most of them.
In the late 80's I had a Philip Rhoads sailboat named 'Lark', lost to Hurricane Hugo, and then an S2 36 (Marcus Compton had one too I think) 'Touch of Class" which I lost to Hurricane Marilyn. Definitely crazy times after Hugo.
I moved to Jacksonville in late 2003 to tend to my senior parents and have been away from St Thomas too long. I was just there last weekend for a job interview, trying to get back to the people, lifestyle and waters I loved so much. You and I ... we were all very spoiled there with our beautiful environment and playground.
Also coincidentally I lived in Norfolk-Virginia Beach prior to moving to the islands in 1982. East Hastings Arch in Virginia Beach, if I remember correctly, off of Witchduck Road, right on the city border going into Norfolk. 'Was there with the U.S. Navy from '71 to '81. Active duty early on, then as civilian at Norfolk Navy Base and the shipyard in Portsmouth later on.
I've heard you're going thru tough times health-wise, but am heartened that you're near family. You and I share the memories from when the U.S. and British Virgin Island were truly la-la land before Hugo in 1989. Keep that and good times in your heart and minds eye, knowing how much you were known, loved and respected by so many people.
I lived in ST Thomas from 1961-1976and knew Joe from a number of places, I worked at Carons as a teenager, and Joe worked there too at that time... He was always happy, and smiling. I will always remember him, and he was one of the islands very memorable people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Merrilyn Russell Lewis
Dave Fredebaugh, also known as “Skipper,” and his wife, Nancy Fredebaugh, died in March 2010 in Florida.
Skipper was a businessman on St. Thomas in Red Hook and Frydenhoj with a dive shop for more than 30 years. He introduced many residents and tourists to snorkeling and scuba diving and served as a dive master for underwater projects; for example, installation of the below-surface electrical connections to St. John. He was born March 9, 1930, and died March 12, 2010.
His wife, Nancy, was born Dec. 21, 1930, and died March 17, 2010. They were married for 60 years. Nancy supported Skipper in his business and worked for other St. Thomas businesses as a bookkeeper until a long-term illness restricted her mobility.
They were preceded in death by their youngest son, Andrew Fredebaugh.
Survivors are their sons, Dale Fredebaugh, who resides in Venice, Fla., and Douglas Fredebaugh, MBA, and his wife, Roberta Durham, Ph.D., who reside in Oakland, Calif.; and daughter, Dana Fredebaugh, Ph.D., who served as caregiver and who resides in Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Jeannie, as she was known to her many friends on St. Thomas, died June 9, 2010. She was born Oct. 20, 1936, in Louisiana and lived in Houston, Texas, from the time she was 2. She left for college in 1954. A graduate of Colorado University in 1958, she married Mike Kuich in Houston Aug. 20, 1959. Jeannie and Mike moved to St. Thomas in 1967, and they went into the charter business. With Michael, she co-owned five different sailboats ranging in size from the 50-foot Stargazer to the 84-foot Queen of Sheba. An avid sailor, Jeannie sailed the islands from Grenada to St. Thomas many times. With Mike, she sailed to Bermuda five times, New England twice and Nova Scotia twice, with one trip to Norway and all the points in between. In 1982, she ventured on a two-year sail around the world.
Jeannie is the author of the astronomy book “Soap Operas of the Sky.” She contributed many articles on sailing and astronomy to such publications as “Cruising World,” “All At Sea” and “Compass,” plus she wrote the regular feature “Sky Watch” for The Virgin Islands Daily News.
Jeannie was an active member of the Audubon Society and EAST.
Jeannie is survived by her husband, Michael; step-sister Sarah, in Houston; and many friends on St. Thomas, the BVI and abroad.
A celebration of the life of Jeannie Zimmerman Kuich was held June 16th at Latitude 18 on St. Thomas.
In lieu of contributions, please give to the Humane Society of St. Thomas, 775-0599 in the name of Jeanne Kuich.
(obituary was submitted by family)
A lovely and gracious sailing lady, I don't ever recall seeing Jeannie without a hibiscus flower in her hair.
There will be a celebration of Nicky's life at Magens Bay from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 18.
___________________________________
From Louis Paiewonsky Jr at Facebook : As a tribute to the late Mighty Whitey (Nicky Russell), I suggest leaving your condolences to his family by clicking on the guestbook below (Mighty Whitey's official web site). http://www.mightywhitey.biz/guestbook/addentry.html
Niles "Nicky" Russell passed away July 2 at age 60. He is survived by his wife and the woman of his dreams, Janet Reiter; his sisters, Merrilyn, Nadine and Pam; his sons, Dartagnan Jami and Lancelot William, his nieces, Jala and Zara; Skye and Lana; brother-in-law Abel Fabri, nephews Jason and Jonathan and numerous other family members and his favorite kitty, Baby.
Born in Austin, Texas, on October 29, 1949, he moved with his family along the Gulf Coast to Florida and Key West. The family moved to St. Thomas in 1961. His father, Edgar, with a variety of talents such as engineering, construction and architecture, built many schools and large projects here on St. Thomas. He was also a professional magician, having worked with well-known magicians the world over. He passed in 1965. His mother, Joan, was Edgar's magic assistant during WWII and they married in 1946. The couple is remembered as bowling champions of the V.I. until Edgar's death.
Nicky attended and graduated from All Saints School and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 156. As a boy here on St. Thomas, he and a group of students were remarkably responsible for starting a flag-football league including finding the coaches, referees and players. He played in the first organized football game in the Virgin Islands. He raced motorcycles in Bovoni and in college and had over 50 of them throughout the years. He was an all-American dart and pool champion here in the Virgin Islands.
He studied radio and TV at University of Houston, as well as, many other institutions of higher learning.
He returned to the Virgin Islands and embarked upon a 26-year radio career. He progressed from being a weekend announcer through every facet of the broadcast industry to General Sales and Station Manager of Radio One. He won numerous awards for his commercials and broadcasts. He is remembered for his Carnival Parade coverage. He was always community-minded and his on-air antics benefitted many charities like the weight-loss competition with Brownie that benefitted the United Way.
He is most widely known as the "Mighty Whitey" for his entry in the Calypso Tents of 1977 and 1978. Both years he came in second but many recall that he won!! The Mighty Sparrow was on the judging panel one year and remarked to Nicky that "he clearly won." His songs that have remained favorites are Tonight I Wearin' De Crown and Move Your Mudda Ass.
Nicky learned guitar from Dotty Fabian at age 16 and never stopped playing, singing and entertaining his friends, the people of St. Thomas, as well as, the visitors from around the globe.
He opened for and toured with the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Nelson, King Shortshirt, King Swallow, John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, Donovan, Richie Havens, the Beach Boys and countless others. He played numerous benefits for persons, causes and charities and was a charter member of October Sunday (which today benefits Family Resource Center). He was voted Entertainer of the Year twice by the Daily News Poll. Visitors and locals alike would flock to see his shows year after year as he could tell jokes and stories of St. Thomas like no one else. His tape and CD "Tourist Tracks" was a best seller. Others include "A Steel Pan Christmas" and "Mighty Whitey LIVE."
He was a charter member of the Advertising Club of the Virgin Islands and a Rotarian for many years. He played at almost every Chili Cookoff. He also played at and attended every St. Thomas Bacchanal, held each year up in Florida around Carnival time.
In 2006, he unsuccessfully threw his hat in the ring for a Democratic senate seat. His desire to help the Virgin Islands had never been quashed. His committee will always remember the fundraisers at restaurant/entertainment venues as opposed to the traditional Fort Christian Parking Lot Fish Fry. His outrage at the amount of grant dollars returned for lack of timely usage, especially in the areas of education, broke his heart and inspired his decision to run.
You may recall the big party at Tickles celebrating 40 years of entertaining a few years back. Going back, there was the Foolish Virgin Bar, Drake's Inn, Bryan's Bar, Sparky's, the Sandbox, Fat City, Tinkers, Barnacle Bill's, Bartolino's, The Dove, Raffles, Molly Malones, Latitude 18, Tickles, Pirates Cove, Bottoms Up, Hull Bay Hideaway and Magens Point, Mahogany Run, Bolongo, Lime Tree, Sapphire, Pineapple Beach, Frenchmans Reef, The Ritz, the Renaissance and virtually every resort, club and restaurant on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. That's a lot of singing… and what a voice, as evidenced by his quintessential radio-voice for years on Island Finance commercials.
John VanDyke ‘Dyke’ Wilmerding, 91, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, passed away in Boston MA on Monday, September 17, 2012 after an extended illness.
Dyke was born June 2, 1921 in Plainfield, NJ
In the early 1960s, Dyke and his wife Inga took a Caribbean vacation, and loved it so much that they made plans to relocate to the Virgin Islands and sail for a living. Dyke took a job with Radio RCA in Puerto Rico, bought John Alden’s 1930s schooner Mandoo, prepared the classic wooden vessel for a year, then sailed with his family to St. Thomas where they began their chartering career.
They continued sailing Mandoo until 1973, when they purchased 'Sol Quest', a 53’ fiberglass ketch, in Maine. Dyke promptly re-christened her ‘Zulu Warrior’ after a South African rugby song he often performed as a one-man-band for charter guests.
Dyke and Inga chartered in the Caribbean for over 25 years, and in the early 1980s even had a ‘busman’s holiday’ sailing with friends aboard a smaller yacht called ‘Seacup’ through the Panama Canal to the Galapagos, then on to Tahiti.
They finally retired in the 1990s, residing in Red Hook and traveling as often as they could to see their children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Earlier this year, they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
His irascible personality, constant sense of humor, and charm made him the perfect sailboat captain – friends and family often sang his praises, told honorific tall tales, and even wrote books about him.
There will be a small private memorial service in the Virgin Islands.
The family encourages charitable contributions given in his memory to worthwhile causes.
David Gage Johnson, 54, passed away in Bradenton, Florida on January 25, 2013.
Born April 25, 1958 in Nashua New Hampshire, he was the youngest son of Everett and Ann Johnson. He is survived by his daughter Amelia Ann Johnson and preceded in death by his son Brendan.
David is also survived by his brothers Brian, Stephen and Alan Johnson of the Virgin Islands, former wife Alison Johnson, sisters-in-law Edie and Maggie Johnson and Christina Martin as well as many relations and friends.
David moved to St. Thomas with his family in 1963. He attended All Saints School and Antilles School where he graduated with the class of 1976.
He eventually moved to St. John and was a partner and builder of the St. John Ice Company which he managed until moving his family to Bradenton, Florida in 1993, where he worked in the refrigeration and air conditioning business.
David loved the Virgin Islands, it's people and it's beauty. He also loved sailing and spent much time cruising the American and British Virgin Islands with friends on his sailboat. He will be missed.
Quoted from his obituary published in The Virginian Pilot : Moving to St Thomas in 1986, "he became a PADI Scuba Instructor and (held a) USCG Master's license. He was proud to be a partner of Red Hook Dive Center in St. Thomas. He loved the sea and enjoyed this adventuresome career for 26 years.
Russell was deeply loved by (his wife) Ellen and everyone who knew him. He made life look so easy with his care free, real, honest and genuine pursuit of happiness. It was infectious and if you knew him and caught it, it will be with you forever.
Cheryl Holmberg passed on October 22nd, 2015. Link to her funeral home obituary : http://www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/197457/obit/Cheryl-A-Holmberg
Juliana Van Dongen a/k/a 'Miss J' passed on October 23rd, 2015 Link to her funeral home obituary : http://www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/471439/obit/Juliana-Van-Dongen
23 comments:
Joseph Clarke
Joseph Alan Clarke, or "Joe Cool," as he was known to his many friends, died on Dec. 15, 2007, at Schneider Hospital.
Joe was born on Dec. 17, 1946, in Ontario, Canada. He escaped the freezing temperatures and moved with his wife to St. Thomas, where they lived on a boat at Compass Point Marina. Joe worked in the air-conditioning and refrigeration business, bringing his warm smile and cool comfort to many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; son, Richard Clarke; daughter, Kelly Anne Johnson; daughter-in-law, Donna Clarke; son-in-law, Brad Johnson; grandchildren Brendan, Kaitlyn, Kristina and Zorianna; along with many other relatives and friends from the boating community, especially those at Compass Point.
Joe will be cremated, and a memorial celebrating his life will be held at a later date in January.
Michael Yentsch
September 07, 1949 - July 16, 2008
YENTSCH, MICHAEL, 58, Orlando, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at the Florida Hospital after a courageous 4 ½ year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Born in Norfolk, VA, Mike loved life and excelled in many trades over the years. Besides being an avid sailor, engineer, Real Estate Broker; Mike mastered a variety of other professions and occupations, always the perfectionist.
He is survived by his mother, Ernestine Yentsch, Hoboken, GA; wife, Barb; daughter and son in law, Jacqueline Olivia & Scott Watson, Dacula, GA; grandchildren, Zoe & Zachary Michael Watson; brothers, Patrick (Beth)Yentsch, Manchester, TN, Ernie Yentsch, Flagler Beach, FL: sister, Susanne (James) Hastings, 2 nephews; 2 nieces; 1 great niece; and his beloved dog, Kali. Mike was predeceased by his father, Robert in 2002.
Mike was devoted to his daughter Jacque, and as she grew they enjoyed many activities together including modeling, acting, and their love of remodeling projects. He spent most of his childhood in Sanford, and the rest of his time over the years was in the Gainesville area, Colorado, New England, and living aboard his sailboat in the Caribbean islands. He lived in Red Hook, St Thomas for a number of years. He eventually built a home in the Cayman Islands with his 1st wife of 12 years, Renee Staetter. After the birth of daughter Jacque, they relocated to Orlando. Mike will be sadly missed by his family and the many, many friends he has been blessed to with over the years.
Private services have been conducted.
Suzanne Fox
Suzanne Camille Fox, formerly Susan Camille Blalock, who was born June 22, 1955, died Oct. 1, 2008, at Schneider Hospital surrounded by her beloved friend, David Flaherty, and her sisters, Debra Blalock and Elizabeth Moore.
Suzanne was born in Granville County, N.C., to Katherine Mason Blalock and Wallace Allen Blalock Jr.
Along with her parents and two sisters, she is survived by her brothers, Charles and Lee Blalock, and a host of friends scattered around the world.
After graduating from high school, Suzanne traveled extensively throughout the world, finally settling on St. Thomas in the 1980s. Her career included a number of positions, including office manager for Frank Zarrelli, project coordinator for David Pearce on the initial phases of a VA Center on St. Thomas and several other construction enterprises on St.Thomas, with her last position being office manager and bookkeeper for Paul Ferreras P.E.
She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, compassionate nature and love of people and animals. She will always be remembered with a smile.
A gathering of friends will be at Latitude 18 at a later date. Donations in her memory should be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
- Obituary submitted by the family.
A photo of Suzanne is at http://heavensabove.us/in-memory-of/suzanne.html
You'll need to copy and paste the URL into your browser.
Long time Virgin Islands resident John D. Knight died January 26, 2007 in Sarasota, Fl. He was 77.
Knight was born in Scunthorpe England on 31 May 1929 and moved to Sarasota 12 years ago from Easton, Md. after living in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 23 years.
He was an avid yachtsman and sailed over three oceans before settling in the Virgin Islands in 1963 turning his sailing interests towards yacht racing.
He was a past commodore of the St. John Yacht Club and a race committee chairman for the St. Thomas Yacht club as well as it’s vice commodore in 1974. He ran the first Rolex Cup Regatta which was sponsored by Little Switzerland.
He owned the travel agency on St. John and an airline handling company on St. Thomas.
Robert Lee Nose passed away on Sept. 5, 2007 in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 77.
Bob Nose moved to St. John in 1973 when he purchased the only operating dive shop in Cruz Bay. Since those early days, he shared his spirit with locals and visitors alike, either through his famous lobster rolls or his daysails on Alycone with his wife, Anna Dohm.
Bob moved to St. John in 1973 to open a dive shop with the late Jack Bosh. In the years that followed he operated the Lobster Hut restaurant and the charter boat Alcoyne.
A Euclid, Ohio native, he worked as a commercial fisherman on Lake Erie before moving to St. John.
He sold the Lobster Hut in 1984 to go bicycling in Europe. When he returned after his five-month trip, he bought Alcoyne from Dean and Audrey Hedberg and launched his charter business.
In 1987, he met Anna Dohm, whose family had long lived on St. Thomas, when Nose sailed over to buy beer for his charters from her mother. "I knew I wanted her as crew," Bob confided to friends.
Bob and Anna married in 1989.
In 1979 and 1980 I lived in the lagoon at the boat yard … I was just out of college and not eager to begin the grown up life so I took a little detour….for what was a relativity short period in my life it remains a very important one. Unfortunately I never really keep in touch with anyone too long after I left…and it was a fluke tonight I was just thinking about it that I googled Poor Mans Bar and here I am. So thanks for the trip down memory lane…I’m going to read thru your blog and see if any names ring a bell.
Suzi…at the time Conklin from Newport RI
Suzicapitol@aol.com
Jimmy Herin
From his friends via FaceBook : "the Reaper rests in peace".
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=75096750147
George Hubschman
Atty. George H. Hubschman passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2009 at the Hospice Unit of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center after a lengthy illness. He was 83 years old.
Mr. Hubschman was born on April 13, 1926 in Washington DC and is survived by his wife Patricia, six children, two daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA and graduated from Brooklyn Law School. He was a member of the SAE Fraternity.
A resident of St. Thomas, USVI from 1965 to 1994, Captain Hubschman flew seaplanes for Antilles Airboats as a commercial pilot. From his earliest days piloting his own post WWII SeeBee to the 4 engine Sikorsky `Mother Goose', now completely restored as an exhibit at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT and the twin engine Grumman Goose, he logged over 10,000 seaplane hours in his career.
George and Patty also owned and operated `The Spanish Main', a local retail store with the first store in St.Thomas, and opening another later in St. Croix. The shop featuring specialty designed (by Patty), hand silk-screened fabrics by the yard, as well as clothing for the entire family.
In the late 1970's Captain Hubschman began practicing law after passing the Bar for the 3rd Federal District Court overseeing the US Judicial Courts system of the US Virgin Islands. He retired in 1994 to Palm Beach Gardens FL
Captain Hubschman was a long time member of the Quiet Birdmen "QB" Pilots Assn. and Governor of the St. Thomas Hanger. He was also a member of AOPA, The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assn. During his lifetime, he personally owned 5 airplanes.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Gardens Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 18th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Hospice Unit at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center or to The Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, FL.
Rudy Thompson
EIGHT BELLS
The passing of Rudy Thompson on Saturday, April 24, 2010 saddened the Caribbean sailing world. Rudy was a Past Commodore of St. Thomas Yacht Club but participated in racing events from Trinidad to Puerto Rico for over 50 years. Whether he was sailing in his series of yachts known as Fun Hog or Cold Beer, those of us who had the privilege of sailing with Rudy will remember the many trophies he won but more importantly we will remember hisinfectious good humor and wonderful ability to entertain folks with his stories and adventures.
Rudy loved most his wife Sheila and children Chris and Hillary, but was addicted to the sea. After being shipwrecked in Puerto Rico in the early 50's he made his way to St. Thomas and operated one of the area's first charter boats out of Yacht Haven. Notables such as author John Steinbeck sought Rudy out to be their charter captain. Rudy staged the first Sunfish
World's at Sapphire Beach and was heavily involved in getting the US Virgin Islands Olympic status.
Part of what many relate to "Caribbean Regattas" was incorporated in Rudy's
infectious demeanor and positive attitude. Whether he was racing or cruising he did it to have fun. The red wine, rum and beer flowed early and ended late. Sailing was a love first and a competition second. The music and stories were just as big a part of the day as was sailing. More than most
Rudy understood how to get the good out of life. -- Bill Canfield.
http://forum.sailingscuttlebutt.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=9681
The Caribbean has lost another of its pioneering sailors with the passing of Rudy Thompson from St Thomas.
His passion for sailboat racing was evident in the chronological and geographical span of events that he participated in through the length and breadth of the Caribbean. I competed against Rudy in the mid eighties at Antigua Sail Week, a converging point for sailors from either end of the Caribbean, he was racing then a series of Pearson boats all named 'Cold Beer'. I ran into Rudy again in 2005 at the Rolex Regatta in St Thomas where he was racing on a boat with his son and grandson. His pride and enthusiasm at racing with three generations of Thompsons on their J27 evident in his broad smile. Caribbean sailing has arrived at a point where many of our heroes, exemplars and friends are leaving their island homes for voyages in the blue beyond. Godspeed to you Rudy Thompson, Guy Eldridge, Andrew Burke and Dougie Meyers; all racing fiercely at the Regatta in the Sky. -- Jeffrey Chen
Joe Vogel
I wanted to let you know that Dad passed away this morning, very quickly, with his son Frank holding one hand and me holding the other. Thank you so much for sending thoughts and emails to him. He enjoyed them.
Sincerely,
Betsy (Joe Vogel's daughter)
Good evening Joe,
My name is Wolf. I'm not sure you'd remember me, but I don't think I touched as many peoples lives as you have in the Virgin Islands, locals and visitors alike.
As testimony, put these exact words, spacing and punctuation into Google's search engine and you'll see that you've left a very visible legacy in the Virgin Islands.
"joe vogel" diving virgin islands
>From 1982 to 2003 I was pretty much a St Thomas East Ender. Early on hanging out with Ron Arens at Latitude 18, "Animal" David, Rick Holmberg, Carol King, Robin Luke, Sharon Allen, Ed Brown and other early Red Hook villagers. I'm not sure what other names to drop, there are so many, but I imagine you would know most of them.
In the late 80's I had a Philip Rhoads sailboat named 'Lark', lost to Hurricane Hugo, and then an S2 36 (Marcus Compton had one too I think) 'Touch of Class" which I lost to Hurricane Marilyn. Definitely crazy times after Hugo.
I moved to Jacksonville in late 2003 to tend to my senior parents and have been away from St Thomas too long. I was just there last weekend for a job interview, trying to get back to the people, lifestyle and waters I loved so much. You and I ... we were all very spoiled there with our beautiful environment and playground.
Also coincidentally I lived in Norfolk-Virginia Beach prior to moving to the islands in 1982. East Hastings Arch in Virginia Beach, if I remember correctly, off of Witchduck Road, right on the city border going into Norfolk. 'Was there with the U.S. Navy from '71 to '81. Active duty early on, then as civilian at Norfolk Navy Base and the shipyard in Portsmouth later on.
I've heard you're going thru tough times health-wise, but am heartened that you're near family. You and I share the memories from when the U.S. and British Virgin Island were truly la-la land before Hugo in 1989. Keep that and good times in your heart and minds eye, knowing how much you were known, loved and respected by so many people.
I lived in ST Thomas from 1961-1976and knew Joe from a number of places, I worked at Carons as a teenager, and Joe worked there too at that time... He was always happy, and smiling. I will always remember him, and he was one of the islands very memorable people.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Merrilyn Russell Lewis
Dave and Nancy Fredebaugh
Dave Fredebaugh, also known as “Skipper,” and his wife, Nancy Fredebaugh, died in March 2010 in Florida.
Skipper was a businessman on St. Thomas in Red Hook and Frydenhoj with a dive shop for more than 30 years. He introduced many residents and tourists to snorkeling and scuba diving and served as a dive master for underwater projects; for example, installation of the below-surface electrical connections to St. John. He was born March 9, 1930, and died March 12, 2010.
His wife, Nancy, was born Dec. 21, 1930, and died March 17, 2010. They were married for 60 years. Nancy supported Skipper in his business and worked for other St. Thomas businesses as a bookkeeper until a long-term illness restricted her mobility.
They were preceded in death by their youngest son, Andrew Fredebaugh.
Survivors are their sons, Dale Fredebaugh, who resides in Venice, Fla., and Douglas Fredebaugh, MBA, and his wife, Roberta Durham, Ph.D., who reside in Oakland, Calif.; and daughter, Dana Fredebaugh, Ph.D., who served as caregiver and who resides in Pembroke Pines, Fla.
(obituary submitted by family)
Jeannie Kuich
Jeannie, as she was known to her many friends on St. Thomas, died June 9, 2010. She was born Oct. 20, 1936, in Louisiana and lived in Houston, Texas, from the time she was 2. She left for college in 1954. A graduate of Colorado University in 1958, she married Mike Kuich in Houston Aug. 20, 1959. Jeannie and Mike moved to St. Thomas in 1967, and they went into the charter business. With Michael, she co-owned five different sailboats ranging in size from the 50-foot Stargazer to the 84-foot Queen of Sheba. An avid sailor, Jeannie sailed the islands from Grenada to St. Thomas many times. With Mike, she sailed to Bermuda five times, New England twice and Nova Scotia twice, with one trip to Norway and all the points in between. In 1982, she ventured on a two-year sail around the world.
Jeannie is the author of the astronomy book “Soap Operas of the Sky.” She contributed many articles on sailing and astronomy to such publications as “Cruising World,” “All At Sea” and “Compass,” plus she wrote the regular feature “Sky Watch” for The Virgin Islands Daily News.
Jeannie was an active member of the Audubon Society and EAST.
Jeannie is survived by her husband, Michael; step-sister Sarah, in Houston; and many friends on St. Thomas, the BVI and abroad.
A celebration of the life of Jeannie Zimmerman Kuich was held June 16th at Latitude 18 on St. Thomas.
In lieu of contributions, please give to the Humane Society of St. Thomas, 775-0599 in the name of Jeanne Kuich.
(obituary was submitted by family)
A lovely and gracious sailing lady, I don't ever recall seeing Jeannie without a hibiscus flower in her hair.
Nicky Russell ~ 'Mighty Whitey'
Passed away July 2, 2010 on St Thomas.
Until an official obituary is released, here is a link to one of dozens of emotional and heartfelt tributes to this island spirit and icon.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?pid=245624&id=106620756025829
There will be a celebration of Nicky's life at Magens Bay from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 18.
___________________________________
From Louis Paiewonsky Jr at Facebook : As a tribute to the late Mighty Whitey (Nicky Russell), I suggest leaving your condolences to his family by clicking on the guestbook below (Mighty Whitey's official web site).
http://www.mightywhitey.biz/guestbook/addentry.html
Nicky 'Might Whitey' Russell
Niles "Nicky" Russell passed away July 2 at age 60. He is survived by his wife and the woman of his dreams, Janet Reiter; his sisters, Merrilyn, Nadine and Pam; his sons, Dartagnan Jami and Lancelot William, his nieces, Jala and Zara; Skye and Lana; brother-in-law Abel Fabri, nephews Jason and Jonathan and numerous other family members and his favorite kitty, Baby.
Born in Austin, Texas, on October 29, 1949, he moved with his family along the Gulf Coast to Florida and Key West. The family moved to St. Thomas in 1961. His father, Edgar, with a variety of talents such as engineering, construction and architecture, built many schools and large projects here on St. Thomas. He was also a professional magician, having worked with well-known magicians the world over. He passed in 1965. His mother, Joan, was Edgar's magic assistant during WWII and they married in 1946. The couple is remembered as bowling champions of the V.I. until Edgar's death.
Nicky attended and graduated from All Saints School and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 156. As a boy here on St. Thomas, he and a group of students were remarkably responsible for starting a flag-football league including finding the coaches, referees and players. He played in the first organized football game in the Virgin Islands. He raced motorcycles in Bovoni and in college and had over 50 of them throughout the years. He was an all-American dart and pool champion here in the Virgin Islands.
He studied radio and TV at University of Houston, as well as, many other institutions of higher learning.
(cont'd below because of comment text limits)
(continued from above)
Nicky ‘Mighty Whitey’ Russell
He returned to the Virgin Islands and embarked upon a 26-year radio career. He progressed from being a weekend announcer through every facet of the broadcast industry to General Sales and Station Manager of Radio One. He won numerous awards for his commercials and broadcasts. He is remembered for his Carnival Parade coverage. He was always community-minded and his on-air antics benefitted many charities like the weight-loss competition with Brownie that benefitted the United Way.
He is most widely known as the "Mighty Whitey" for his entry in the Calypso Tents of 1977 and 1978. Both years he came in second but many recall that he won!! The Mighty Sparrow was on the judging panel one year and remarked to Nicky that "he clearly won." His songs that have remained favorites are Tonight I Wearin' De Crown and Move Your Mudda Ass.
Nicky learned guitar from Dotty Fabian at age 16 and never stopped playing, singing and entertaining his friends, the people of St. Thomas, as well as, the visitors from around the globe.
He opened for and toured with the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Nelson, King Shortshirt, King Swallow, John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, Donovan, Richie Havens, the Beach Boys and countless others. He played numerous benefits for persons, causes and charities and was a charter member of October Sunday (which today benefits Family Resource Center). He was voted Entertainer of the Year twice by the Daily News Poll. Visitors and locals alike would flock to see his shows year after year as he could tell jokes and stories of St. Thomas like no one else. His tape and CD "Tourist Tracks" was a best seller. Others include "A Steel Pan Christmas" and "Mighty Whitey LIVE."
He was a charter member of the Advertising Club of the Virgin Islands and a Rotarian for many years. He played at almost every Chili Cookoff. He also played at and attended every St. Thomas Bacchanal, held each year up in Florida around Carnival time.
In 2006, he unsuccessfully threw his hat in the ring for a Democratic senate seat. His desire to help the Virgin Islands had never been quashed. His committee will always remember the fundraisers at restaurant/entertainment venues as opposed to the traditional Fort Christian Parking Lot Fish Fry. His outrage at the amount of grant dollars returned for lack of timely usage, especially in the areas of education, broke his heart and inspired his decision to run.
You may recall the big party at Tickles celebrating 40 years of entertaining a few years back. Going back, there was the Foolish Virgin Bar, Drake's Inn, Bryan's Bar, Sparky's, the Sandbox, Fat City, Tinkers, Barnacle Bill's, Bartolino's, The Dove, Raffles, Molly Malones, Latitude 18, Tickles, Pirates Cove, Bottoms Up, Hull Bay Hideaway and Magens Point, Mahogany Run, Bolongo, Lime Tree, Sapphire, Pineapple Beach, Frenchmans Reef, The Ritz, the Renaissance and virtually every resort, club and restaurant on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. That's a lot of singing… and what a voice, as evidenced by his quintessential radio-voice for years on Island Finance commercials.
(obituary written by his wife Janet)
Howard "Howie" Payne
Passed away on April 5, 2012.
A resident of St Thomas since the late 70's, he's survived by his wife Mary and family.
A Celebration of Life remembering Howie was held on May 28, 2012 at the Nazareth By The Sea Episcopal Church on the East End.
click here : Remembering Howie
'Dyke' Wilmerding
John VanDyke ‘Dyke’ Wilmerding, 91, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, passed away in Boston MA on Monday, September 17, 2012 after an extended illness.
Dyke was born June 2, 1921 in Plainfield, NJ
In the early 1960s, Dyke and his wife Inga took a Caribbean vacation, and loved it so much that they made plans to relocate to the Virgin Islands and sail for a living. Dyke took a job with Radio RCA in Puerto Rico, bought John Alden’s 1930s schooner Mandoo, prepared the classic wooden vessel for a year, then sailed with his family to St. Thomas where they began their chartering career.
They continued sailing Mandoo until 1973, when they purchased 'Sol Quest', a 53’ fiberglass ketch, in Maine. Dyke promptly re-christened her ‘Zulu Warrior’ after a South African rugby song he often performed as a one-man-band for charter guests.
Dyke and Inga chartered in the Caribbean for over 25 years, and in the early 1980s even had a ‘busman’s holiday’ sailing with friends aboard a smaller yacht called ‘Seacup’ through the Panama Canal to the Galapagos, then on to Tahiti.
They finally retired in the 1990s, residing in Red Hook and traveling as often as they could to see their children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Earlier this year, they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
His irascible personality, constant sense of humor, and charm made him the perfect sailboat captain – friends and family often sang his praises, told honorific tall tales, and even wrote books about him.
There will be a small private memorial service in the Virgin Islands.
The family encourages charitable contributions given in his memory to worthwhile causes.
Source : Mount Shasta News CA
David Gage Johnson, 54, passed away in Bradenton, Florida on January 25, 2013.
Born April 25, 1958 in Nashua New Hampshire, he was the youngest son of Everett and Ann Johnson. He is survived by his daughter Amelia Ann
Johnson and preceded in death by his son Brendan.
David is also survived by his brothers Brian, Stephen and Alan Johnson of the Virgin Islands,
former wife Alison Johnson, sisters-in-law Edie and Maggie Johnson and Christina Martin as well as many relations and friends.
David moved to St. Thomas with his family in 1963. He attended All Saints School and Antilles School where he graduated with the class of 1976.
He eventually moved to St. John and was a partner and builder of the St. John Ice Company which he managed until moving his family to Bradenton, Florida in 1993, where he worked in the refrigeration and air conditioning business.
David loved the Virgin Islands, it's people and it's beauty. He also loved sailing and spent much time cruising the American and British Virgin Islands with friends on his sailboat. He will be
missed.
(Source: STTBacchanal@yahoogroups.com )
Russell White
Russell passed away on August 23rd, 2013.
Quoted from his obituary published in The Virginian Pilot : Moving to St Thomas in 1986, "he became a PADI Scuba Instructor and (held a) USCG Master's license. He was proud to be a partner of Red Hook Dive Center in St. Thomas. He loved the sea and enjoyed this adventuresome career for 26 years.
Russell was deeply loved by (his wife) Ellen and everyone who knew him. He made life look so easy with his care free, real, honest and genuine pursuit of happiness. It was infectious and if you knew him and caught it, it will be with you forever.
Read more at:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pilotonline/obituary.aspx?pid=166636039
Cheryl Holmberg passed on October 22nd, 2015.
Link to her funeral home obituary : http://www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/197457/obit/Cheryl-A-Holmberg
Juliana Van Dongen a/k/a 'Miss J' passed on October 23rd, 2015
Link to her funeral home obituary :
http://www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/471439/obit/Juliana-Van-Dongen
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