Lyle Hess passes away

[James R]

It may already have been mentioned in this forum but I just found out that Lyle Hess passed away on July 12. He was nearly 90.

Many years ago I bought study plans for one of his designs and although I never met him, from his correspondence, he appeared to be the pleasant down-to-earth type.

My condolences to his family and friends.

[ken mcclure]

Ah. Sad news indeed! My first "love-affair" with a boat was a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. My second was a Flicka, owned by my brother.

Mr. Hess was a man who knew what a boat should be like. He is missed.

[Meerkat]

Sad news indeed! I am greatful for the legacy he has left us.

I tried last year to see if his plans are still available, and was told that his daughter was handling those matters.

I was also told that Mr. Hess was in very poor health, and more recently was told that he was suffering from senile dementia, so perhaps his passing was a release for him. (Unlike Alzheimer's, whose suffers are often unaware of the effects of their malady, those who have senile dementia suffer horribly from it - they KNOW what they've lost.)

[reddog]

James;Sorry to hear Mr. Hess has passed away.I,too had purchased study plans from him,a number of years ago as well as had some correspondance.He seemed to be a gentleman and quite helpful.
Earl

[paladin]

We were having a short discussion about him yesterday. I wasn't aware of his passing. I had built the 40 footer of his and sold it within 6 months to build a larger version, but he was in no condition at the time so we drew Tana Mari, totally based on his work. He was indeed a gentleman and even when he began losing his sight was always happy to hear of new boats being built to his designs. However inappropriate the name used to refer to his designs, they were indeed very fine craft. :( :(