Thank You, Roy - Lynn Fitzpatrick reflects

6:44 PM Fri 18 Dec 2009 GMT

'Roy Disney lecturing at NOSA luncheon at Newport to Ensenada Race event.' MARY LONGPRE

I was driving down the Long Beach Freeway when I heard the news that one of the greatest benefactors to sailing in the United States, Roy E. Disney, had passed away.

Before I knew it I was in front of Gladstone's, practically a shrine to Disney's Pyewackets and their string of yachting victories. Numerous Pyewacket models decorate the bar and restaurant, which has become home to the Los Angeles to Honolulu Transpac sendoff celebrations. As I drove along, I tried to fathom how many lives this personable, kind and generous man has impacted. The US Sailing Center, the Sailing Foundation, CISA and the Long Beach sailing and yacht clubs - all of their programs touched by his generosity and keen support of junior sailing.

Passing Hoag Memorial Hospital reminded me of a visit that I made to the Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach during Transpac 09 with Robbie Haines, Tom Garrett, Tom Pollack, Genny Tulloch, Jesse Fielding and Jeremy Wilmot. Their sailing, professional and civic careers have been deeply touched by Roy. Along with signing posters and caps, handing out T-shirts and playing video with the kids in the cancer ward who were receiving transfusions, we worked on a card. Genny Tulloch helped a little girl address the card to 'Our Friend Roy.' It was July and she wrote and one patient wrote to another, 'Get Better Soon.'

We all hoped that Roy would regain his strength and health. It wasn't to be. He spent quality time with his wife, Leslie, family and friends during his final months. He even short shrifted himself of some transfusions to attend meetings that involved the future of sailing, but he never rebounded.

Roy E Disney - Rich Roberts &copy

Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula was crowded last night. The annual boat parade was in full swing and two of the institutions near and dear to Roy, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum offered the best viewing platforms.

Roy's presence remains everywhere, especially at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, which is the permanent home of the Transpacific Yacht Club. When you have a chance, visit the museum and spend time in the Transpac Exhibit. Watch the video, view the photos and memorabilia and take a good hard look at the Clock Trophy, also known as the Transpacific Yacht Club New Course Record trophy. Roy donated the trophy that honors the winning boat as much as the skipper. It weighs eight hundred pounds and will tower over your head. The symbolism, detail and craftsmanship are unmatched. Leave it to Roy to have had miniatures made as keeper trophies for those who have what it takes to set a new Transpac course record.

Finally, I passed the Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship. From all of those who are fortunate enough to use the facility and benefit from your generous donations to the program, Thank you.

Roy will be sorely missed by every sailing, arts, entertainment, health and educational organizations that he believed in and sponsored.

For more commentary from Lynn Fitzpatrick and a very special photo see: www.worldregattas.com