In Memory of Ruth

[Daniel]

Sumner, I also want to add my condolences and prayers for Ruth and you. I hope to see your continued involvement on this and other sailing sites in Ruth's honor.

Dan

[Obelix]

Our condolences to you Sum, keep on sailing.

Obelix

[Phil M]

I always wondered what it would be like to have an admiral that not only enjoyed sailing, but helping out with various mods when she could do so.
My condolences as well,

Phil M

[March]

Even though we've never met, your name and Ruth's were often mentioned during our sailing expeditions. Most sincere condolences.

[Chinook]

Very sad news indeed. We enjoyed comparing notes with Sum and Ruth regarding various cruising destinations. When we planned our last cross country trip in 2011, we contacted Sum and Ruth to see if they would be at their home in Utah when we expected to be driving home. Sure enough, they said they'd be home, and they encouraged us to swing by. We easily found their home, with their Mac parked out front, expecting to just drop in for a few hours. Well, the visit lasted a day and a half, and their hospitality was warm and genuine. It felt like we'd known them all our lives. Ruth fixed a wonderful dinner, and we shared stories about sailing, families, and life. Sum showed us his amazing shop, including his remarkable "Lakester" drag racer (it's designed to run on the Bonneville Salt Flats) which he has designed and built from scratch. He helped me repair my swim ladder, which had gotten bent due to a boat wake which rocked us while we were in Nassau. He also took us out for a drive to some of the more remote Anasazi ruins, and he shared with us some of his detailed knowledge on that subject. We tried to visit them again 2 years back, but they were down in Florida on their sailboat. We're saddened to learn that we'll no longer be able to visit with Ruth, but we feel privileged to have been able to meet her in person, and experience her bright spirit. Sum, if you see this, we do hope you'll stay in touch. We extend our heartfelt condolences. We feel certain that, despite your loss, you'll keep on sailing and inventing for as long as you're able.

God bless, Mike and Sandy

[grady]

Summer my condolences to you and to let you know that if there is anything you need in the Dallas area you can contact me and I am sure everyone else on this forum would help in anyway possible!

[apsaunders]

I have followed Sumner and Ruth's adventures down through the years. It is because of their adventures that I bought our Mac. Several months back I was working on a project and sent Sumner an email with questions. He so graciously answered and gave me ideas on how to move the project forward.

He and Ruth were the ultimate sailing team. She was an artist when it came to putting together Sumner's ideas on the sailboat, especially if sunbrella was involved. Ruth you will be sorely missed.

Patti and I wish to extend our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the family.
Alan & Patti

[81venture]

I too saw it by chance in the Mac for sale ad on purple sage

Also very saddened by this...I read EVERY PAGE on his website...

I consider myself lucky also as when I was new and chopping my Venture to pieces with crazy ideas I got a thumbs up from Sumner on one of my mods early on

Best of luck to you mate

Dave

[Crikey]

Sail on Sumner, We'll all end up in the same port some day. Hope to finally meet you both then....

Ross

[Hamin' X]

Fair winds and following seas, Ruth; I'm sure that's what you are experiencing. Sumner will be here running the race for awhile, but will be crossing the finish line and join you in the winner's circle one of these days when his race is finished.

My prayers are for you, Sumner. I know that with a loss like this, condolences ring hollow, but there is a reason that you are still here. God has a plan for you and you need to put your trust in Him. PM me if you need to talk and I'll give you my phone number.

'nough said,

~Rich

[jbpatents]

I never personally met Sum and Ruth, but I spent so many hours reading their posts that I feel as if they were my sailing advisers. I learned so much from them and was encouraged and inspired by them without even their knowledge. A true testament to one's life is what they leave behind, and Ruth certainly left many sailors who truly appreciate her and will remember her for long time. My condolences Sum.

[chuck]

Sumner,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. I always enjoyed your posts about your sailing adventures together, and the mods you did together. I hope that you still do some sailing, and I am sure that Ruth will still be with you. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Ruth.

Chuck Scott

[Catigale]

Condolences from our family to yours, Ruth and Sum

I always enjoyed the anecdotes and posts and loved seeing her handiwork come alive on your boat. If we helped the two of you enjoy this phase of life with tips or even just a small sense of community, then Im proud to be a member of this Board.

Yours for a fair tide...

Boyle Smiths

[vizwhiz]

Sumner, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss.
We so enjoyed meeting you and Ruth, and appreciate how you shared her grace and skills with us all.
She will be missed.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Michael and Kimberly

[mastreb]

Sumner, I'm so sad to read this. I just can't imagine it. You and Ruth are an inspiration to my wife & I.