Posted by: captainbillhenry | April 21, 2009

In Memory of Captain Bill Henry

sunset-billA memorial at sea to celebrate the life of Captain William F. Henry will be held on August 30th, 2009.  For details, contact us by e-mail.


Responses

  1. Rest in peace, Captain Bill. You shall be missed.

    • Ingrid, it has been 8 yrs. since Byron and I sailed away from Puerto del Rey, our home for around 3 yrs. Living on our little boat at the Marina, Bill was always a fixture in our backyard. Byron was working at Sunsail, so he would see him even more often than I.
      And I, working at West Marine there, was always happy to see his smiling face, and understated, calm and capable self entering our doors. I remember when you two met and joined your lives. I remember his impossibly constrained anger at the person who caused you such harm while you were on that fateful bike ride. I remember.
      I remember his deep love for you, and his quiet gentle ways, so contrary to his size and power. He was a very special man and so lucky to have met lovely and brilliant you. He was so proud of you.
      I know with your strength you will get thru this, but it will be very hard to do. But you will.
      Wishing you peace and love as you try to fill this very deep hole in the body of your life.
      Love, Margo Rose

  2. You will always be a part of me Capt Bill. Ingrid no words can say how much I love you both.

    Buffy

  3. We raise a glass to Captain Bill and, in the Irish tradition, we celebrate his life with this toast …

    In the name of God who made a pathway in the waves, may He bring you safely home at the end of your days. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

    Gwenn, Ray and the entire O’Hare Family

  4. I met you the first night you came to Ingrid’s home . You had such warm feelings for one another, we all could see it. Ingrid all my love to you and the rest of Capt. Bill’s family.

  5. Captain Bill will be missed around the world. You both enriched so many lives. Our prayers are with you Ingrid during this time of sorrow.

    Love, Pat, Dave, Jessie, and Leia

  6. dear, dear Ingrid…my/our thoughts & prayers are with you and your extended family in this time of sorrow… hope you find peace in these days to come…take care of self and happy sails to Bill.

    Love- Val & Jim

  7. Captain Bill will always live in our fondest memories of our lives here in Puerto Rico. From his endless array of jokes, best BBQ ribs in PR, to his vast knowledge of the seas and sailing. Trips aboard the Erin Go Bragh were such a highlight for all of our guests as well as ourselves and friends and family who have all had the magical privilege of sailing aboard EGB III.
    Ingrid, we can not express our heartfelt sorrow in words but please know that we love you dearly and all of our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Captain Bill will always ’sail on’ in our memories.
    All of our love and warm embraces
    Marina and Wally

  8. Captain Bill & Ingrid brought joy and happiness to all that came near them even if they didn’t sail. A wonderfull team. We will miss Bill and his laughter.
    Ingrid please call us any time,we will help you where we can.
    with love and respect.
    Richard & Maria

  9. Earth lost and Elysium gained a great captain and a wonderful man. May the memories of your spirit and integrity illuminate our earthly paths, as you sail in the sunny seas of the Great Beyond! Good speed, Captain Bill!

  10. I worked with Captain Bill as first mate on the Erin Go Bragh from 2000-2001. Despite our age difference we became good friends, and he offered me an important perspective on life at an impressionable time. He was there for the beginning of my relationship with my husband, Pat, and I was there for just the beginning of his relationship with Ingrid (he was giddy with happiness!). Sincere, honest, seeking, and not afraid to tell it plainly, he was one of those people who never got old because his mind was ever young and inquisitive. My heart aches tonight. Ingrid, I send all my love and prayers.

    Emily (Rodgers) Paterson

  11. Ingrid, our whole family is overtaken with sorrow, and we offer our most sincere condolences. We consider ourselves fortunate of having met both of you, and will cherish our time together forever.

    Please let us know if we can be of any help during this harrowing moment, and do not hesitate in contacting me for anything, at any moment. All you need to do is call, and I will be there.

    Godspeed, Cap’n Bill. Clear skies and calm waters.

  12. Ingrid and family, we would like to express our deepest condolences. In 1991 when I first moved to PR I took a “catlemaran” to Icaccos and saw this beautiful blue hulled sailing vessel named Erin Go Bragh. I understood the tribute to Irish heritage as Devlin, (mothers side), is my other last name. Capt Bill instantly became an inspiration as I stayed and pursued my dreams to become a charter boat captain. Caption Bill was as consistent as the easterly trades in his courtesy and friendliness to us. in my opinion, there have been ” legends” around here but Capt Bill’s charisma and career really stand out as legendary. We’ll miss Bill and He’ll always be in our thoughts. If there is anything at all we can do to help you with anything, just let us know.
    Jim Veiga & Family

  13. Captain Bill was a huge part of our times in Puerto Rico. Our sails on the beautiful Erin Go Bragh have brought so much joy – for my daughter, son and myself. I can’t express how deeply saddened I am by the news of Captain Bill’s passing. Captain Bill – and his infamous Santa hat – will be in my memory store forever.

    Please know Ingrid that if there is ever anything I can do for you – all you need to do is ask.

    We will miss Captain Bill.
    Carol Pickersgill, Abbey and Travis

  14. Hi Ingrid. We are so shocked to hear about Bill. You and he were both a pleasure to work with in Tortola. Although you were only here a short time, you and Bill became quick friends and will stay in our hearts for a long time. You are special people. When we would present Bill with the Erin Go Braugh engine install crisis du jour, Bill would think about it for a minute, then smile and say, “how do we get through this one.” His winning attitude kept us all going. Sebastian, Wilbert , Kelly, Gladys and the whole gang at Parts & Power send our sympathies. Ingrid, if we can help in any way, please feel free to contact us.

  15. Dear Ingrid:

    We know that you and Captain Bill lived a lifetime together with wonderful memories, we send you our deepest sympathies and Love.

    Bob Ani, Andrew & Api

  16. Ingrid, My heart is so heavy on hearing of the passing of Captain Bill.We could tell how much you two loved each other. He will be remembered with love and affection by so many people.
    Please do not cry for your Captain, cry for yourself, for you are the one who has to live without him.

  17. We mourn for you on this very sad day! We know you, Ingrid, as a very sturdy soul and we hope you stand up well under these terrible cirumstances. We send you our love.

  18. Ingrid thanks for your message.
    We both were shocked of this news of Bill.
    We will miss his love for the sea and the way he explaned his love for it to us!
    As you know we wanted to go on a trip with you both the next time we came to Puerto Rico.
    Hope that this will be possible, so we can laugh about Bill and his stories as he would want.
    When we see the sea we always will think about Bill and his love for it!!
    Greetings and much love from Holland.
    Juan, Alexandra and Esther.

  19. Kim and I send our deepest sympathies. It was an honor to have sailed with you and Bill on what we believe was his last charter trip. The Patricks, sailing on the Erin Go Bragh, on St. Patrick’s Day. What a wonderful memory!!
    You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Sincerely,

    Greg and Kim Patrick

  20. Dear Ingrid & Capt Bill’s Family

    We are very sad to learn the passing of Captain Bill. Thinking of you in your sorrow and trust these words may bring you comfort to you and yours…..
    WITHOUT SORROW THE HEART WOULD NEVER
    LEARN, THE MEANING OF JOY.
    WITHOUT TEARS, OUR EYES WOULD NEVER SEE WHAT WE HOLD INSIDE.
    WITHOUR DARKNESS, WE WOULD HAVE NO REASON TO LOOK TO THE LIGHT OF HEAVEN.
    IRISH PROVERB
    Eddie and I are greatful that we have enjoyed
    our sailings with you and treasure our memories
    with you Ingrid and your beloved Captain Bill…
    We are so glad that you both shared a very special LOVE…..THAT WAS SUCH A BIG PART
    OF YOUR SAILBOAT CRUISES……
    May your treasured memories and pictures help
    you and yours through this difficult time.
    With Sympathy and Prayers ………
    Ed & Joyce Ryan
    Playa Azul PR….
    Ocean Pines MD

  21. Rachel and I were shocked and saddened at the news. We can honestly say that the numerous trips we took on the Erin Go Bragh were some of the best times of our lives, and our friends and family members who went along agreed.

    Captain Bill was a phenomenal person and friend. Ingrid, you and Bill made so many people like us happy over the years and our thoughts are with you.

    Mike, Rachel, Elizabeth, and Andrew

  22. Bon Voyage’ Bill!

    Ingrid, we are so sorry about your loss! Our sympathies and prayer go with you and Erin.

    Richard & Deborah

  23. Dear Ingrid: I learned of your loss of Captain Bill this morning when I read your email. I have been trying to grasp the reality of your message all day and am at a loss to believe it. You have suffered devastation before but this is the limit. We are praying that your strength will get you through it and we pray for Bill’s gentle soul.

    With much love,
    Joanne & Millard

  24. Dear Ingrid and Capt Bill’s Family

    Bob and I are so sad to here of Capt Bill’s passing.
    We will always remember his warm smile and the special moments we spent with you and him.

    Our vacations to PR were special because we looked forward to a day on the Erin Go Bragh. We celebrated my birthday with you and my family, a day that I will never forget. Captain Bill shared his stories and made that trip amazing.

    Your thoughtfullness when we sailed with you on Fathers day with Bob’s Dad another Captain Bill was so special, he wears his tee shirt with pride!!
    Bob and his Dad have always loved the sea and Boating, I want to thank you personaly for showing me how wonderful it is to be on the open sea and falling in love with it as you did.

    Ingrid, our prayers are with you and Erin. Please keep in touch for you were his first and only mate!!

    Sonia and Bob

  25. Ingrid, I just received the message from Cate regarding Captain Bill. Our warmest feelings go out to you and his daughter. We were so hoping to see the two of you. Know that you have a special place in our hearts and we are praying for you today and in the days to come.

    Love to you!
    Candy Friday

  26. I am so sorry to hear of Capt. Bill’s passing, he and Ingrid are wonderful people who enjoyed life and bringing joy to others. Ingrid I am so sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May GOD continue to bless and keep you and may GOD keep Capt. Bill close to HIM. Sincerely, David Lee, Puerto Rico Tourism.Com

  27. Your news is still hard for us to obsorb. Naturally, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ingrid and family.

    Our trip last June aboard the Erin seems like only yesterday. We will alway cherish the memory of our 30 beautiful hours with Captain Bill and Ingrid. Captain Bill was a fun-loving captain who clearly loved sharing his sailing adventures and life stories. He and Ingrid spared no expense in making us completley at home on our trip!

    No words can truly express our sorrow over the loss of Captain Bill. Instead, we’ll just offer a toast to him and celebrate the joy he gave to all of us during his life.

    Please keep in touch, Ingrid.

  28. Dear Ingrid
    I am deeply touched by the sad news. You were soul mates and it was a privilige to know you both. It is my prayer that you will find comfort in the memories , the wonderful time you shared together will always be yours to treasure.
    May the Lord keep you and grant you peace, and keep Bill in his hands until you meet again.
    Love and a hug, Eva

  29. Ingrid

    Bill and I go back many years before PR.
    I can still remember when he had a boat in New Hampshire waters. I remember him studying for his Captains Test . He spoke many times of PR and a charter boat. We were like two kids sharing our dreams. He expressed to me how his life turned the corner when he meet you. Rather than grieving , I choose to celebrate Bills life , he exited forfilling his dreams as a happy man with a good woman. Not many people exit as a winner like Bill did . I will miss him , as I carry many great memories.
    Jim Enos — an old friend .

  30. Dear Ingrid,

    We cannot begin to fathom your loss. I have been reading the posts, what a wonderful tribute to a well lived life. You both helped us experience a “trip of a lifetime” this past December and you will always have a special place in our lives. Thank you both so much! We will keep in touch with you though Wally and Marina and should you ever find yourself in the Central Valley please come and say hello.
    With tears,
    Winston and Rosita

  31. Dear Ingrid,

    We will think of Captain Bill every time we raise the sails and see a spectacular sunset- in Puerto Rico and Connecticut. Our family has two decades of such warm, special memories with him.

    Our deepest sympathies
    Love,
    Marshall & Jacoba Urist

  32. We sailed with Captain Henry for over fifteen years. Every December we looked forward to seeing him smiling at the helm, telling his newest joke. He inspired me to work as a deckhand on a tall ship, and he inspired us all with his energy, wit, and enthusiasm.

    Captain Henry, you will be missed. But I am sure you are out there, with a full smile, sailing off into the distance. Ingrid and Erin, are hearts and prayers are with you, and we hope to see you soon.

  33. Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are here for you. Captain Bill will always be in our hearts and memories.

    Love Robert & Nancy

  34. Ingrid,

    Capt. Bill was always a man with a big smile! He could make you smile no matter what mood you were in. When I lived on my boat “The Dance” there at Puerto del Rey on dock 14, I loved to watch Capt. Bill bring in Erin go Braugh after a day on the water. He was so smooth in docking her..always made me smile to see a man do every day what he loved to do.

    We were all so happy when you two found each other..it was a perfect fit and you made each other complete.

    Please know that we are all sharing your sorrow and sadness to lose such a good man, but I am proud to have had the honor of knowing him and you,

    Fair winds and following seas to our friend Captain Bill.

    Love, Miss Mary

  35. Ingrid,
    We had the honor of sailing with you and Bill last summer, and it was without a doubt the highlight of our PR vacation. You could not have been more gracious hosts. We only met you for a day, but I feel like I have lost a friend. My deepest condolences.

  36. Ingrid, my dear sweet friend,

    My heart aches for the loss of your beloved Captain Bill. Even though I did not know the Captain well, I trusted him implicitly because you loved him with all abandon and total commitment.

    By all accounts, Captain Bill was your match in his deep and moral conscience, sharp intellect, lust for life, courage and adventuresome nature. So, my dear friend, I am grateful you were able to share the best of times with this gentle man and comfort him when he needed you most.

    My thoughts are ever with you. Whatever lies ahead, remember to lean on your friends for strength. I will never be far away.

    Please pass along my deepest sympathy to the rest of the Captain’s family, especially his daughter Erin.

    Love you mi amiga,

    Cate Brock
    Panama City, Florida

  37. Ingrid,

    I’m truly saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. From the moment I met him, I knew that he was a person of quality. His easy manor was always a pleasure. His focus was always positive. His dedication so evident. Although things weren’t always easy for him, he always kept moving in the right direction and persevered. Quibbling and bickering were never a part of his agenda. Although our personal lives moved in somewhat different directions, I was always aware of his presence in the Fajardo boating community.

    Bill lived his dream. What a wonderful thing for him. And in living his dream, he gave, as attested to by all the responses to his passing, smiles and happy memories to so many customers, friends and of course family. What a wonderful thing for them. He will be missed by many and thought of often.

  38. Ingrid,

    I am truly saddened by this news. I never had the chance to meet you both, but the love and happiness you both have spread is obvious. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time.

  39. Ingrid I can’t say how sorry I am. Bill and I go way back. Please believe were here for you. Anything . Love Capt. Jim

  40. Dear Ingrid

    I’m so sorry to hear of Bills passing
    my Prayers are with you
    God Bless you

    Love Trudy

  41. Dearest Ingrid,
    I know how special Bill was. I spent so much time with you in New Mexico and when I met Bill, I knew that you had found a special man.

    May he be in heaven 1/2 hour before the devil knows he’s dead, and although he is gone, he has given so much to the world and to you!

    My heart goes to you and Erin, please let me know if I can be of help.

    Stephanie

  42. My family has sailed with Captain Henry since I was born. We cannot imagine Puerto Rico without him. From his humor to skill with a boat, he was one of the happiest men I have ever known; he lived his dreams. While he now rests in peace, he will live on in the hearts of all of the people he touched. We will miss Captain Henry dearly. To Ingrid and Erin, our warmest prayers and thoughts are with you.

  43. Dear Ingrid:

    Alfredo and I are saddened by the news… You are in our prayers and we are sure that your strength will help you overcome these difficult times.

    Captain Bill and you, offered us great moments of JOY while living in PR – Your kindness, interest for others´experiences, the emblematic music, and of course the great BBQ were always greatly appreciated. Seeing you work together with such commitment and love was always an example for us as a newly married couple…

    Buen viento y buena mar Capitán.

    Alfredo – Astrid & now… Sebastián.

  44. Dear Ingrid,

    Although our hearts are heavy with the news of Captain Bill’s passing, Jo Anne and I celebrate the life that was well lived by Captain Bill and for the positive impact his life had on so many people. What an amazing gift it was for us to have spent a moment of time with him in this great adventure of life. The time that we shared with you and the Captain on Erin Go Bragh will forever be etched in our hearts.

    We pray that God will embrace you in His Loving arms and mend your broken heart as you walk through this very difficult time. We hope that you will find comfort and hope as you look back on the incredible times that you shared with Bill and in knowing that the world is a better place because of a great man, Captain Bill Henry.

    God-Speed Captain Bill Henry,

    God Bless and keep you Ingrid,

    Your Texas Friends,
    Jo Anne and Bobby

  45. Aunt Ingrid,

    Uncle Bill was an amazing man. He brought such joy to the boat and all who were upon it. I have such amazing memories of him. Cutting his hair on the boat :) , watching history of the world late at night, teaching me how to tie different knots. He is such an inspiration to me to live out my dreams.

    We love you so much! and are sending our prayers and love.

    ~Melanie Klich

  46. I just wanted to say that I also loved Bill for many years.  We laughed together, and cried together.   I can remember him saying way back when he did his first charter in Maine and got paid for it  “How many people can say that they get paid for what they absolutely love doing”  He did.  My heart goes out to his boys, Billy, Gary, Charlie, and Tim, and our daughter Erin. Fair winds Bill.   Rest in peace.

  47. Liebe Ingrid

    Unser herzliches Beileid

    Betty und Gerlinde

  48. Ingrid it’s been seven years since leaving my Island, but there is not a day that I find my self thinking in the good times and good people my wife and I met during twenty plus years of none stopping sailing around the Spanish, US and British Virgin Island. I can close my eyes and see EBG moving from beach to beach pulling the red dingy…Another good one sail away.
    Please have our thoughts and prayers, and may the wind of life blow gently on you.

    Infinito crew.

  49. Ingrid: We’ve just returned from the bvi’s and were very sorry to hear about Bill. We have enjoyed being neighbors at the marina for the past many years. We have always marveled at how much Bill enjoyed sailing; we will always think of him when we are at Palomino. Please accept our warmest condolences…

  50. Dear Ingrid,
    Our most sincere condolences to you and may God bless you and give strength to you in your sorrow.
    Vivi and Karl Heinz

  51. Dear Ingrid,
    our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. We pray that you may find christian resignation. As one of your friends said, this is a time to celebrate life and find strength in the memories of the moments you shared.
    Marion and Ricardo

  52. Dear Ingrid,

    How tragic that Bill left this world so suddenly. Though we didn’t know Bill well, it was evident from our day together that he lived a life that many only dream about since he was doing what he loved most (sailing) and doing it with you at his side. Our sincere condolences in this difficult time. Love, Sheila, Ken, Julie, Danny & Marie Spychala.

  53. Dear Ingrid
    Thank you for keeping in touch, my family are very saddened by the news. We so enjoyed having you and Bill visit here in New Zealand and look forward to seeing you again. Bills friendship goes back a long time and our sympathies are with you and his family.
    With love, Helen

  54. Hi Ingid,
    sorry to hear about your loss, we had such a great trip, it was wonderful knowing such kind hearted people like the two of you.
    I have to pics of Bill, i dont know how to post them, when you have some time, let me know.
    you are in our prayers.
    Kerry and Abdin

  55. We were scheduled for a day trip with Captain Bill and Ingrid next month and so looking forward to meeting you both
    onboard the Erin Go Bragh. The huge smiles on all the faces in the pictures posted on your website and the reviews that I have read online say it all.
    It is obvious Captain Bill did what he loved. He will be missed by many.
    Our condolences,
    Carolyn and Gino DeCamp

  56. Dearest Ingrid,
    Bill and I go back a long way having entered the first grade together at the age of six. There has always been some sort of understanding brtween us from that time on.We were different, we never quite fitted into the mould.We did so many things together from then on until I went to study music in Boston. We always got together when I came home to visit and kept in contact from the time I came to New Zealand until his last sailing.It was such a pleasure to meet you when you visited us here in NZ.Bill had finally met the person he belonged with and it made me so happy to be with you both.
    Bill had his dream and achieved it.I had my dream and achieved it. Passion for life is a powerful thing,I will miss him.
    We hope we will meet again sometime.
    Love to you Ingred,John,Liz,Walter and William
    The Captain Bill egg is still one of the boy’s favourite breakfasts!

  57. Ingrid,
    Our condolences for your loss. You and Captain Bill touched so many lives and lived a dream in the process. These comments are a wonderful tribute to Captain Bill, you and all those dreams fulfilled. So many friends and so many memories.

    May fair winds and smooth waters be with you though these difficult times. If there is anything we can do to be of assistance, please let us know.

    Darrel

  58. Ingrid,
    We are so so sorry to hear this. We had such a wonderful time on our St. Patrick’s Day sail just a few weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Dan & Catherine Settle

  59. - I’m so sorry for your loss. I never met anyone in your family, but had ‘bookmarked’ your site for a long time, regarding an upcoming trip. My heart is with you all.
    With sympathy and love,
    Caitlin

  60. Dear Ingrid,
    I’m so sorry for your loss! I wished i could have met him!
    Wir in Deutschland denken an Euch!
    Dein Verlust tut mir sehr Leid,
    Kris

  61. Dear Ingrid:

    It was last November that we sailed with you and Captain Bill for our 35th wedding anniversary, and even though Terry was a wee bit sea sick we so enjoyed the great day of sailing and eating and hearing all the wonderful stories.

    You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Kathy

  62. Dear Ingrid and Erin,

    Bert and I were browsing through Que Pasa May 2000 when we found Bill’s Erin Go Braugh ad. After a day on the water, Bill convinced us live the dream and join the live-a-board community at Puerto del Rey. The adventure began for us with the purchase of our marine trader March 2001. During our tenure in PR, we shared many memories with you and Bill including sparkling conversation, gourmet meals as guests on your vessel, parties on Sundancer, boat repairs, flute and cello duets with the German Club, your wedding near Ramos with our boat as lead vessel, a hurricane lunch and wine, and birthday celebrations to name but a few. Bill always loved being a sailor and left engineering to live his dream. He was a gentle and very strong man, a supportive friend and neighbor and a well-respected member of the marine community. When we parted, he always said, “See you around campus!” God speed dear Bill, God speed.

    GOD SAW YOU
    God saw you getting tired
    and a cure was not to be.
    So He put His arms around you
    and whispered, “Come with me.”
    With tearful eyes we watched you suffer
    and saw you fade away.
    Although we couldn’t bear to lose you,
    we could not ask you to stay.
    A golden heart stopped beating,
    Hard-working hands laid to rest.
    God broke our hearts to prove to us
    He only takes the best

    Love and hugs,
    Linda and Bert

  63. Ingrid, I was shocked to hear Bill passed away. I will always remember his big smile and happy face! He lived his life on earth as he always wanted and now in heaven he is watching the green flashes at sunsets!!

    Love,
    Pepito and Tere (TereIV)

  64. Dear Tante Ingrid,
    We are very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I really wish Summer and Tristan could have had the chance to meet Bill and enjoyed a sail with you both. I will always remember the good times I got to come sailing and the time I spent xmas week with you guys. Bill was a great captain. We all wish you well,
    love Kyle, Summer & T

  65. Dear Ingrid,
    We are terribly sorry for your loss. Captain Bill was such a special man and he seemed to love his job, love his wife and love living life on the boat.

    We just returned from Greece and Arnaldo mentioned the Erin Go Braugh several times, whenever we would see a similar sailboat in Santorini.

    We will always have our wonderful memories of sailing with you and Bill twice while visiting family in Puerto Rico.

    Words can do nothing to express our sorrow, and we will keep you and Erin in our prayers.

    Michelle, Arnaldo, Michael and Christina Ruiz

  66. Ingrid – We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We had such a wonderful, relaxing time with you and Captain Bill in November. We will never forget Bill’s graciousness, kind demeanor and obvious passion for sailing. We truly admired Captain Bill’s ability to embrace his livelihood and turn it into such a successful venture. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Kim and Justin Hargrove
    Ashburn, Virginia

  67. Dear Ingrid, Although we had not yet got a chance to sail with you and Cap’t Bill, we are sending our condolences to you and your family at the sudden death of your beloved sailor. I have a serious heart condition myself and love the joy of sailing. We made a small contribution to the American Heart Assoc. in Bill’s memory. May Peace be with you.
    Jeanine and Jim
    Attleboro, Ma.

  68. Dear Ingrid,
    We are deeply sorry to hear the news of Captain Bill’s passing. Our family chartered with you on a few occasions and we enjoyed our time with you both very much. We will greatly miss Captain Bill. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we may be able to do for you.

    Don, Felicita, Alex, and William Smith
    Hilton, NY

  69. Dear Ingrid,

    we sailed with you one year ago and had the time of our lives. I was shocked to read today of bills passing. You two lived an amazing life together. Those memories are what keep us going.
    May god bring peace to you and his daughter.

    Mark and Barb, St Augustine,FL

  70. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

    Boy did Bill have it right, now let’s all learn from his lesson.

    I salute our Captain

    Abby Weston, Vermont

  71. Farewell, Captain Bill. I have such fond memories of the day trips I worked with you back in 2001. Your kind soul and wonderful boating skills made those fun days! Hope you and John are enjoying a good breeze together now!

    Ingrid – I am so sorry for your loss! My husband, John (now deceased too), and I lived on our boat at Puerto del Rey back in 2001. We both worked with Bill on his charters and often spent time with him. He was a wonderful person. I’m sure you have great memories of your times together – they will help you in the days/months to come. I know it is hard to believe but time does heal the hurt. Take care.

  72. Just saw this memorial for Capt Bill when I began to finish planning for a trip to PR in June. My heart sank. Almost a year ago to this day my family and I sailed with Capt Bill and Ingrid. During this past year it was those beautiful memories that kept me sane through some rough waters. I would close my eyes, feel the breeze, taste the salty air and feel the warmth of the sun. It was the 2nd time I had sailed with Capt. Bill, but it was that time that I remember so vividly. Thank you Bill and Ingrid for those memories. They will always be in my heart.

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  73. We are so sad for your loss, Ingrid, though we never met Bill. By all accounts from you and from the comments above, he was a really wonderful man, and a perfect match for you. We hope you know that we love you and look forward to seeing you again.
    With love and sympathy, Anne and John

  74. Ingrid and Erin,

    I had the grand fortune of meeting Capt. Bill and Ingrid while on a cruise with former Vortechnics employees near St Thomas. Erin’s father Capt. Bill and Ingrid actually sailed for nearly 12 hours from thier hom port to meet us a St Thomas and treat us to a personalized cruise and snorkel day trip. It was HEAVEN and I am certain Capt. Bill is now chartering some angels on high. He was a kind and gentle man and I loved him the moment I met him. I do hope Ingrid and Erin find a new captain to keep the Erin Go Braugh sailing. I eny he that gets the position. May God keep gentle breezes on your back side and starry nights in your sites. Love to you both, Chris Helgeson

  75. As a fellow boater in dock 12 at Puerto del Rey, I am deeply saddened to learn of Captain Bill’s passing. The sight of the Erin Go Braugh with Bill at the helm will forever be with me!
    My most sincere condolences, Ingrid.

    Antonio Orbay

  76. Dearest Ingrid,

    I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I hope that we will be in touch so that I can offer my condolences in person. I feel quite privileged to have known you both and the journey that you have taken together. You have shown great strength in past trials, I hope that you are having comfort to continue to be that wonderful person. Until soon…my condolences.
    Nikki

  77. Ingrid, we think of you often and send our love. We wish we could lighten your pain with words of love and solace. please keep in touch and try to visit us sometime- someday. Sorry our original condolences went to the coqui email. Pam and Norm

  78. Liebe Ingrid, wir sind sehr erschüttert vom Tod Deines Mannes. Wir kannten ihn nicht persönlich, aber Du hattest so lebendig und liebevoll von ihm erzählt. Wir denken an Dich und beten für Dich und sprechen Dir unser herzliches Beileid aus.
    Wenn wir Dir helfen können, dann melde Dich bitte,
    Claudia und Uli

  79. Ingrid, I could not believe it when I visited the site today and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Capt. Bill truly embraced life and knew how to live it right. I remembered how much my mother loved her trip on the Erin Go Bragh III in May 05 and although she is no longer with us, it was amazing how much she talked about it with family when she returned to New York. Of my two years in Puerto Rico, my two trips were the highlight of my stay and helped keep my sanity in Carolina. I thank you for the joy you brought my family in a time that it was needed the most and I hope to visit again someday soon. My thoughts are with you and your family.

    I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking, And a gray mist on the sea’s face, and a gray dawn breaking.
    John Masefield

  80. I want to express my deepest condolences to family and friends of Bill. I feel empty by knowing that EGB Captain is not sailing in this planet. I know he is in better horizons by the Law of God.

    I remember the first day sailing with clients working with him as his first mate when he received his first group of clients at Puerto Chico Marina. He was shining by his standards and aspirations. God bless you Bill. I learned lots of sailing from you…

  81. My heart aches to hear of Capt. Bill’s passing. My son and I were fortunate to sail with him and Ingrid August 2008. He will be missed by all!!

  82. Hi Ingrid,
    I’ve been thinking about you so much lately and hoping that the pain of not having your Bill will be more bearable as time goes by. I know how close you and Bill were even though I only met you both a few times. It was obvious that you were a very “special” couple who loved each other deeply and wanted the best for each other. It was a joy for me to witness your love for one another. I do hope I will get to see you next summer. Love, Carol

  83. Dear Ingrid, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My husband and I, (along with our 7 week old rescue puppy) sailed with you in November of 2006. We were so captivate by your bliss, that we came home and purchased a boat of our own. Today I was contacting you to ask you to share your story of how you became charter boat captains. I am deeply saddened to hear of bill’s passing. I know you will carry on with him in your heart. Be strong. Don’t dream it, Live It. Thank you for all the dreams you have inspired.
    Michelle, Norman and Coqui

  84. Ingrid, Darrel and I are Shocked about Cpt Bill. W We have actually fashioned our life after yours and am loking forward to trying to have a boat in Puerto Rico “”"”someday.
    I thumbed througH the last photos of last year pictures of our last trip and that Bill had a “quiet patience,even with the likes of us!”
    I thank you and Bill for how you have touched our lives, and impacted our destiNY AND OUR FUTUREThanks AND MUCH LOVELbAR


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