"Walt"
I received a message Friday that Walter Wyatt had passed away. It is difficult at this time to imagine the “Club” without Walter. As you know Walter was a familiar figure at the "Club" since the 90's. Walter walked the grounds as recently as last week, albeit with difficulty, but he did so with an unmistakable glow of a man at “home”. Over the years Walter’s passion for the Club, trademark Philly Cheese Steaks, easygoing and welcoming personality and crooked smile endeared him to all that passed through our gates. Walter represented the selfless efforts and values that made our small volunteer organization into a formidable illustration of community and recreation on Sarasota Bay. His legacy will remain in the Club through camaraderie and the happiness and dreams we shared at our little piece of heaven.
Walter will be missed. God Bless.
The Club Memorial or Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, 20 January - 1pm.
American Red Cross
Luffing Lassies
Sarasota Power & Sail Squadron
Sarasota Youth Sailing Program
I knew Wally back in the late ’70s and early ’80s, when he was a fixture at 16th Street beach in Pompano Beach. He and I both had little Compac 16 sailboats. He had his set up with all that latest gear — VHF radio, a spinnaker, a handheld Loran, trolling rods and more. He went all over in that boat: down to the Keys, a long trip through the Bahamas and up and down the Florida coast. A true character — outgoing and friendly, but also quirky and fiery-tempered at times — and a great Italian chef. He cooked at an excellent restaurant for years and loved to throw parties with huge spreads of four-star food. I found his obit because I was planning to sail by Sarasota and wanted to say hi. Sad.
I’m also in that group that met Walt upon joining SSS some 15 years ago. His quirky character and easy nature made my time on the bay so much easier and he was always available to talk about that true love of his life, sailing. I’ll miss his humor and guidance – God Bless, Walt, my life’s been so much more fun having had you in it.
As a new member what now seems many years ago, Walt was one of the first ‘originals’ I met. Always a kind man with a smile on his face and a willingness to chat. I’m glad to have known Walt. I will miss him.
King of the Cruisers!
My heart breaks to think he is not a staple on that porch any longer.
In 1998 I moved to Sarasota from Japan. Walter was the first person I met. He welcomed me like a daughter, took me sailing and introduced me to a Motley Crew of friends, in which he organized weekend excursions for so many of us over the next 15 years.
I will never forget the day our son Bay was born, a nurse announces that I have “family visitors”. In walks Walter, Steve, Pam, Dimetri & Meri, Gregg and the Echenique family.
The first 3 all sailing together peacefully I imagine.
Well, thanks for all the wonderful memories and especially for convincing me to sail away that Thanksgiving of ’98 with Scott.
God bless your soul Walt!
T.