Our longtime and active forum contributor, instigator behind the revival of DS fleet 135 and veteran of a half dozen or so Texas 200s (several on a DSII), John E Alesch has passed away suddenly this morning.
Anyone who's sailed on Canyon lake, done the Texas 200, or followed this forum knows John and his love of sailing and this event. He just completed another successful Texas 200 (not with DS but a different O'Day boat) only a few short weeks ago.
He'll be remembered for his generosity in sharing his adventures; the unreserved way he assisted others where he could, with advice, with maps, with loans of equipment; the way he overcame his handicaps to be out there; his interest in others; his ever-ready trove of anecdotes and, last, but not least, his stubborn refusal to ever quit. Say it ain't so -- he didn't quit, it must have life quit him in the end.