Frank & Trish have been great friends from DMYC for years now. They were also a part of our memorable Canada boating trip this year (and in past years.)

I got this letter via email at about 6:00 PM on Friday, October 17, but didn’t see it in time to read it to Darrel before he died. It meant a lot to me and would have to him too.

Darrel talked a lot about how the club had a lot of ‘older’ members (age is relative, remember) and that there weren’t a lot of ‘younger’ members who were active. The Keenan’s captured those sentiments in this letter to Darrel. I am so sorry that he wasn’t able to see it.

I had it printed for the Soup Night last week, but for those of you who weren’t there, here it is.

THE BRIDGE

Dear Darrel,
Some years ago you told the guys that you hoped to be the bridge between the older guys and the younger guys, passing on boating stuff from one generation to another. Well, you turned out to be the bridge, however, it wasn’t just between the older guys and the younger guys; you are the bridge for all who know you.
You have shown so many who know you how to take care of the planet, from your own land, to the yacht club to the fish in the sea. You just do what needs to be done and proceed without fanfare. Your interest in so many things is remarkable, from your garden, to your mushrooms, to your bees, fish and all living things. You and Robin so generously and selflessly share what you have with one and all.
I don’t think we have a count of how many Swabbies have learned to fish from the patient Darrel sitting on the dock with them, gently giving them pointers and encouraging them. Milo was fortunate enough to be one of them. We imagine the same can be said of Courtney’s Scout Troop. And really, this applies to the “old kids” as well. All are welcome on your boat for fishing and crabbing.
You are thoughtful in your ideas and in the expression of them and never afraid to voice your opinion, even when it’s the minority opinion, but always in a respectful way. You do see the good in others.
We love you and Robin and are fortunate to count you as some of our very best friends.
Frank and Trish