RMHYC 2007 Bridge  

John and his wife Pam hail from Ontario, Canada, where they live on Georgian Bay, Lake Huron during the summer months. The winter months, since 1996, have been on Pelican Shores in Marsh Harbour, at a house on Fanny Bay. Members of the club since the late 80s (club membership no 388), John has been on the Bridge in various roles since the middle 90s. During his short tenure as Commodore the focus was to increase the volunteerism of the membership and spread the workload of club administration throughout the Bridge. Continued efforts were made to refine the approach to Donations review and decision making. John and Pam favor small boats and much of the time on the water is spent sailing a pocket cruiser or exploring the coastline in kayaks and small runabouts.

Don made many changes and focused on growth, the management structure and the business aspects of the club.   He established the bridge by appointing two Vice Commodores and seven Rear Commodores.  He instituted a biannual newsletter, established the donation committee, and initiated monthly events such as blind dinghy races, the chile cook-off, Las Vegas casino night, and the Commodores Ball.  With his son, Ted, the club website, RMHYC.com was created. A beautiful membership and plastic membership card were produced. The RMHYC Morning Show was started on VHF 78 to keep members up to date on club activities, mail call and arrivals and departures.  Membership grew from under 300 to over 875 members.  Five local chapters were established and ten port captains were appointed under his watch.  Financially, the Club's cash reserves increased significantly.  Don, Julie and the Commadog Sassy are living in central Florida .

KEENAN VAN MILL - 1995 until 1996
As a favor to Charlie Murphy, Keenan took over the helm as Commodore. (Does anybody really want to be a commodore?) . Keenan's wife, Tonia, was Recording Secretary/Treasurer. Together they endeavored to keep up the club tradition of running a "tight" ship.....or was that "tight" members? 

Keenan was at sea for 42 years, starting as deck hand and working his way up. He had an unlimited masters ticket--any ship of any size anywhere in the world.  In addition, he held a 300 ton sailing endorsement. During his lifetime, he was overseer of the construction of three FEDSHIPS (132 ft., 146 ft. and 172 ft) and was master on each of them after construction. He had the reputation of being one of the finest, most knowledgeable captains of his generation. He was well loved and respected by all his crew members, who affectionately called him Dad. Our club lost a great friend and leader when Keenan died May 7, 2001 after complications resulting from open heart surgery. Tonia is currently a Vice Commodore of our Club and will carry on the traditions of this fine gentleman. Tonia lives at Rainbow Reach, their home on Pelican Shores in Marsh Harbour.