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Eight Bells... Remembering those who have passed

Richard "Dickie" Thomas
By Laura Jeffers
Posted: 2020-12-21T17:20:00Z



It is with deep sadness that we have to sound eight bells for Richard "Dickie" Thomas from Spring Lakes Heights, NJ. He passed away Friday, December 18th unexpectedly and suddenly, while exercising.
 

Dick's family joined Metedeconk River YC in 1967, shortly after, his father Dick Sr, purchased a Lightning. Dickie became a very reluctant and uncooperative crew with Fleet 34. He was much happier following various sporting events and calculating statistics that, at the time, were not available. 

As time passed, he warmed up to the Lightning class. He evolved through the junior program which was fundamental and rudimentary. He grew and improved as a sailor by crewing and traveling to different regattas. Dickie flourished as a crew. He competed in numerous National and International events. He became a crew on everyone’s short list. Dickie was one of the first students in the Advanced Junior Lightning class at MRYC established by Jim Carson.
 

In the late 70's to early 80's Dickie, along with Debbie Freeth Corriston were the club’s sailing instructors. They started an adult program which in some shape still exist today. Over the years Dick was a regular contributor to the Wednesday Night Advanced Junior Lightning Class.

Dick spent a few years as a member-at-large on the Executive committee at MRYC, but much of his service was through the Lightning class. He served as the Fleet Captain of Lightning Fleet #34 and served in numerous positions in the Lightning Central Atlantic District. His greatest contribution was his command of the English language. He wrote many articles over the years and could make the most mundane situations exciting with the swipe of his pen.

 

In 2003, Dick, along with his brother-in-law and a childhood friend purchased a Lightning. He enjoyed many days sailing that boat with lifelong friends at events on Barnegat Bay and around the country. Although Dick was a proficient helmsman, he preferred to do his best work in the front of the boat. Dick could be found at the helm several times a year, typically with a boatload of kids, family, or friends with the sole purpose to have fun. That is when he excelled.
 

Dick will leave a void for his wife Sue, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends and co-workers. His passing is far too soon.


Read Dick's Full Obituary
 

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