GL: Cruising Community Loses a Long Time Friend

[Claiborne Young]

Hello Fellow Cruisers:

It saddens me beyond measure to report the passing this morning, 
October 19, 2007 of Fred Fearing in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. 
Any of you who have ever berthed at the free city docks here will 
recognize Fred's name immediately. He was the co-founder and long 
time guiding spirt of the "Rose Buddies," a group of local volunteers 
who met cruisers at the city waterfront and presented the female 
members of the vessel's compliment with roses (hence their name), and 
everyone with pamphlets and information about Elizabeth City and the 
surrounding region. If as many as three to five boats were docked 
along the city waterfront on any given evening, an impromptu wine and 
cheese party was struck up in the parking lot next door. And, I can 
tell you from personal experience, a good time was had by all!

I worked with Fred just two years ago, while I was hosting the 
"Cruising Carolina" television series. The waterfront conversation 
was as warm and witty as ever, but I began to wonder just how many 
more years Fred would be able to keep up this pace. Sadly, that 
question is now answered.

It would be wonderful to have as many cruisers present at Fred's 
funeral service this weekend, as possible. Details will be posted on 
the Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net shortly after you received this 
announcement. In an hour or so, go to http://www.CruisersNet.net, and 
click on the "North Carolina" link, under the "Cruising News From" 
section, along the left side of the page.

Unfortunately, I already have a sure and firm commitment this 
weekend, so will be unable to attend myself. However, Fred, please 
know that I will be there very much in spirit. I bid you a most 
heartfelt farewell. May the wind always be at your back, may the road 
rise to meet you, and may God hold you in the palm of His hand!

Good luck and good cruising to all!

Claiborne S. Young
CruisingWriter at CruisersNet.net
http://www.CruisersNet.net