September 12, 2005

In Loving Memory of J. Raymond Gaffey, Jr. December 31, 1926 - September 8, 2005 Seventy-Eight Years On September 8th, MMTA lost a friend, a colleague, a mentor and a dedicated professional in the passing of J. Raymond Gaffey, Jr. After serving as US Army First Lieutenant in WW II, Ray received a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from MIT in 1950. His 54 years of professional experience included work with boat builders, repairers, manufacturers, marinas and surveyors including Boston Whaler, John G. Alden, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Merriman Brothers, Tern Harbor, James Landing and Hyannis marinas, Robert Kershaw, Inc. and MMTA. As a past MMTA President '84-'86, loyal Board member '86-00 and as Executive Director of from 2000-2004, I am personally grateful for the time, patience and professionalism Ray extended to me last summer to ensure that the transition to the new Executive Director went smoothly for the membership. It was an honor to work with a man so honest, true, knowledgeable and devoted to both friends and family. He leaves his beloved wife Jean, 5 children, 13 grandchildren and so many friends around the world and close to home. Donations in Ray's memory may be sent to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a camp for children with cancer, P.O. Box 576, Waterbury, VT 05676. Sunset and evening star, And one clear call from me! And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea. But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep, Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of time and place the flood may bear me far, I hope to see my pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.