Memorial for Gordy Miller

March 20, 2010

Updated March 29: A memorial gathering for Gordy Miller will be held at Richmond Yacht Club on Saturday, April 3, starting at 1:00 p.m. April 3 would have been his 102nd birthday. Gordy passed away on March 9.

The following is republished by permission from the El Toro fleet newsletter, Bull Session, and was written by John Amen and Gordie Nash:

Very few people can boast about 'being there' when the first El Toros were built. Gordy Miller was one of last who could say that. His first El Toro was #4. His sons Fred and Steve sailed #4 in the Richmond YC Junior Program. Besides El Toros, Gordy raced OK Dinghy, FJ, Snipe, Cal 25, and Ericson 27 class boats, and crewed on others.

He actually sailed #4 at RYC during the 60th anniversary of the El Toro class and Nationals a decade ago. Having been out of practice in his woody, he capsized his 'sinker' in front of the crowd of National Championship sailors. The whole time he had a smile on his face and he chuckled, "I wasn't ready for that!" as he was hauled out of the water. Hull #4, fully restored, is still in sailing condition and was on display during the regatta.

In later years, he had to give up sailing 'ride on' boats in favor of remote control model boats. He kept sailing those after having both knees replaced, marching up and down the pond on his new knees. Life did take its toll, yet he still showed up to watch the races while sitting in his lawn chair.

On his hundredth birthday, Gordy drove a race car at 104 mph and a racing powerboat at 105 mph.

The collective consciousness of the El Toro fleet says, "Our condolences go out to his wife Margaret and two sons. His enthusiasm and continued support of our quirky little class will live on with all of us."