Loss in the Albin family

[hetek]

Not really "model specific" but since his handiwork has appeared in this category on more than one occasion, I felt it appropriate.

Unfortunately, my brother who has been helping me work on my Albin A25 has passed on.

He was a carpenter and painter by trade, working on everything from mansions to beach bungalows. He even built a small house for a friend in Vermont single-handedly and I cannot count how many times he's helped me with my home improvement projects.

Here are some of his Albin "works of art"...

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Perhaps my favorite. He used the delaminating Swedish plywood panels as templates, cut new ones from marine plywood, sanded and gave them two coats of West System epoxy, all while I was at my day job. It was like coming home to Christmas morning every night for a week, seeing his progress.

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He decided there was nothing better to do on a rainy weekend than to help me make new bunks for the trailer. We removed the old, scribed the new to the curvature of the hull, carpeted and reinstalled. Fits the hull like a glove!

And although not really "art", it was a HUGE help...

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He took the original Albin interior down to a bare fiberglass hull - in both the front and back cabins. All during a stretch of 90 degree days, while still under the shrink wrap. No complaints.

I had hoped for him to accompany me on the Albin's maiden voyage after her 3 year long refit, but it looks like it won't happen the way I planned. He'll be with me in spirit though.

[WillieC]

Jon, so sorry for your loss. What a great guy he was by your account and I can only imagine how he will be missed. His spirit will definitely go with you on the boat.

We bought my parents' place on the Canal along with the mess of junk left behind by my machinist jack-of-all-trades (except carpentry) dad. Mom sold off/gave away all his good stuff, but even just this last week I needed a special tool to cut an odd sized hole in the boat. There it was, rusting in the bottom of a tool drawer.

You're not alone...

All our best, Rick and Heidi (WillieC)

[Bob Noodat]

I wish I had a brother like that!

Very sorry to hear your news.

[hetek]

Thanks guys. And we go on.

Fun fact: My brother never (ever?) called me by my given name: Jon.

It was always "Roy" or "Otis" - I've absolutely no idea why, and only by him. Maybe someday I'll find out. Might have something to do with his nickname growing up: "Joker". (Waaaay before the movie of the same name. Think: Adam West as Batman days).

Wayne B. - Carpenter/Painter/Albin Restorer/Comedian.

[DesertAlbin736]

Sad news. My deepest sympathies. Any thought of naming your boat after your late brother?

[motthediesel]

Sorry to hear or your loss, but his work and his love will stay with the boat and with you.

[hetek]

Thank you all.

DA - I've kicked it around actually. The "Jon B" was a sloop, wasn't it? At least in song. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to name her the "Wayne B".

Seems that not all boats have a female name. One of the Shelter Island ferries (Shelter Island to North Haven, NY) was renamed the "Lt Joe Theinert" after he was killed in action. He used to work the deck on that same boat before he enlisted. Almost the same could be said about my brother and my boat. No doubt, he sure did a lot of work on it!

[Nancy]

Jon,

Very sorry you've lost your brother and dear friend. Lots of boats have male names. Don't let that hold you back.

[Pitou]

So sorry for the loss of your brother and your bud. While under way or on the hook he'll always be with you.

I like his style.

[jcollins]

Know that our thoughts are with you. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your brothers life with us.

[DesertAlbin736]

DA - I've kicked it around actually. The "Jon B" was a sloop, wasn't it? At least in song. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to name her the "Wayne B".

Yes, do it! After all, so much of your brother's handiwork is in the boat, a way for his memory to live on. "Wayne B" has a nice ring to it.

[hetek]

Thank you for all the kind words. Very much appreciated.

Heck, I can hear him now: "Hey Roy! You gonna get this thing in the water this year? You need help with anything?".

I didn't want to disappoint so I went to the garage this afternoon and got to work!

[hetek]

Unfortunately, I've had another loss in the family today, and yes, he was a valued member of my Albin 25 deLuxe build team. Another sad day.

My pet Pekin duck, Quincy Baker, passed. He was just 11 days shy of his 5th birthday. 2020 Is shaping up to be a crummy year around here.

Quincy would always keep me company in the garage when I was working on the Albin interior pieces. We had a corner of the garage penned off for him so, in reality, I was working on the Albin in his house.

Here are a few photos...

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RIP Quincy.

[Nancy]

Oh no. So sorry to hear that Quincy has left this earth. What a wonderful life you gave him.

[DesertAlbin736]

He was a fine feathered friend I'm sure. May he nest in peace.