Roger's 90th birthday celebration

If a picture is worth a thousand words then nothing more needs to be said. However, the celebration of Roger's 90th birthday at the NWMC boathouse on October 11, 2025 was a marquee event that merits a description for RIRSC archives (for the record, Roger's actual birthday was October 26th). With a multitude of ideas and plans from mastermind Ted for celebrating Roger, and a village of volunteers to make it all happen, it was indeed the best 90th birthday party the rowing club has hosted. 

A procession of the club's Octogenarians was led by Roger, each introduced as they walked from the boathouse to the Octuple, where they set their foot stretchers in preparation for a row on Port Townsend Bay.  Octogenarians Mari, Connie,and Don Berger were unable to attend but were there in spirit. Candice and Jeanne graciously filled in for the row.  As the Oct was carried to the beach and into the water and oars placed, the rowers were escorted to the boat and all took their seats with Roger in stroke. Guided by the deft coxing of Sally Giesler, the Oct was launched, along with two wooden quads.

Video credit: Mark Welch

Rowing in ceremonial formation the quads flanked the Oct, showcasing a crew mostly of our club elders, who exemplify how rowing and staying active can influence longevity.  Launch drivers Bill D and Bill M, with Ron riding along taking photos and videos, kept everyone safe.  A pause on the water was the perfect opportunity to commemorate the man of the hour and the occasion with singing Happy Birthday.

Video credit: Ron Moller

Upon return to the beach, the Oct rowers were escorted to the boathouse to change and warm up while the quad crews and an army of volunteers made short work of washing, drying, and racking boats and oars. The celebration continued in the large meeting room of the Maritime Center just in time to shelter from the onset of rain. Awaiting everyone was Sue Ohlson's Sunrise coffee, Ted's hot apple cider, Peggy's homemade decadent triple chocolate birthday cake, and an assortment of treats brought by other members.

Two guest speakers invited by Ted shared a part of Roger's earlier years when he was involved as a student and benefactor in the NW School of Wooden Boat Building.  Master wooden boat builder and former instructor Ray Speck, and master shipwright and chief instructor Jeff Hammond from the WBB school became good friends with Roger during his time there.  Ray and Jeff spoke with respect and heartfelt appreciation of Roger's character, generosity, and his passion for the school and the craft.  They shared Roger's contributions to the boat school community and the community at large, giving those attending the celebration insight beyond knowing Roger through rowing.

Roger closed by thanking Ted and the "entire village" for making his 90th birthday celebration the best ever, surpassing even his 80th birthday celebration aboard the Adventuress (a hard act to follow)!

All of us wish you the very best as you embark upon your ninth decade.

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View videos taken on the water from the launch boat by Ron Moller on our shared Google Drive.