Sad news: Brian Cleverly

Friends, I have sad news to share. Brian Cleverly passed away yesterday, November 6. According to the brief email that I just received from his wife, Rose, this was the result of injuries he sustained from falling from the mast of his boat about three weeks ago. For those who did not have the good fortune to know Brian, he was one of the early members of the Cal List; as far as I know, he may have been one of the founders. He took responsibility for setting the course for the group, and his periodic reminders of what is expected of participants here played a major role in the development of this community that we have today. He set the tone by example, with civil and respectful discussions even when there was disagreement. More than that, he was enormously generous with his knowledge and skill, and many of us still on this list have benefited over the years from his advice and experience. He dialed back his activities here several years ago, when he decided to become his own last client for his boat refurbishing business in Sacramento, California. He picked a Fuji 32 to "rebuild" as his boat to go "walkabout" around the Pacific Ocean. If you'd like to see what he accomplished, I encourage you to check out http://www.anzam.com/images/fuji/project/work_begins/welcome.htm. I can't imagine a new boat coming off the production line that could hold a candle to his creation. Fortunately, he got to see the boat launched in September and apparently got the mast stepped, though he never got to realize his cruising dream. I have no other details on his passing or any possible memorial. I have extended an offer of assistance to Rose in case she needs help dealing with his boat or any of the gear from his business. I remember how the Cal List community rallied in support of Roger Jones' wife after his passing, and I'll be sure to let you know if I find that there is a need for support services this time. The Cal List and the sailing world at large has lost someone special. Sail on, Skipper. Alfred Poor 1973 Tartan 34C #288 "Jambalaya"