[Rhodes22-list] Update on Stan

[Frank Goldsmith]

Dear Cindy,

Thanks so much for this update on our Stan.  I hear that he is unable to take phone calls or read e-mails and cards or receive visitors, but I am confident he will listen to what his daughter has to say.  Please tell him — you may have to get close to his ear and keep your voice up, but you know that — that the whole Rhodes community is thinking of him.  We are honored that he thinks of us as his family.  We love him and are grateful to him.  He has given us such an amazing gift of his creative mind, a sailboat that is solid, seaworthy, stable, and a joy to sail.  When people ask me what kind of sailboat I have and I tell them it’s a Rhodes 22, I can hear the respect in their voices when they respond.  We have Stan to thank for that.

I have to add that Stan has a remarkable writing style and unmatched sense of humor.  Even now I re-read the manual for my Rhodes from time to time and chuckle at his wit.  I had the good fortune to visit him in Edenton about three years ago, and the humor was still intact.  He also told me the story of how he met your mother and introduced her to sailing, and how her willingness to give it a try cinched the deal for him on their courtship.  

When you think about it, Stan has created a world, a world of Rhodes lovers who share a passion for this great boat and admire its creator.  Not too bad a legacy.  

Stan and his family are in my heart and my mind at this time.  

Frank 

Frank Goldsmith
S/V Mary Bess (Rhodes 22 1985/2001)
Fairview, NC
Lake Keowee, SC


> On Jun 15, 2024, at 3:09 PM, Cindy Spitzer <cindyspitzer at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Dear Rhodes family,
> 
> This is Stan and Rose's daughter, Cindy Spitzer.
> 
> After a series of health challenges since December, Stan (98) is receiving
> palliative care in a hospital in Newport News, VA.
> 
> While he is currently unable to receive phone calls, emails, visitors, or
> cards, please know that Stan so appreciates each and every Rhodes lover,
> past and present, and considers all of you his family.
> 
> I will post additional updates  as we know more.
> 
> Thank you to everyone, and may the winds be with you.
> 
> Cindy