Eight Bells for Glenn Wakefield
by Tony Gooch 11 Oct 2020 22:19 PDT
Glenn Wakefield © Tony Gooch
It is with much sadness and a heavy heart that I have to tell the OCC that Glenn Wakefield has passed on.
Glenn Wakefield suffered a stroke while sailing solo off the coast of North America. Despite the best efforts of the interventionists and neurologists in San Jose and here in Victoria, the stroke's damage was such that there was no way back. As Glenn's wife, MaryLou, wrote today to Glenn's many friends.... As in life, Glenn chose the way he wanted to die, which was to do it on his own terms and without any assistance. He left this world much as he lived it, surrounded by his adoring family, who wished him fair winds and a smooth journey.
Glenn was medevaced back to Victoria a week ago. The GoFundMe effort to pay for medical costs and the flight back to Victoria was supported by over 900 local and international sailing friends and followers and raised over $150,000.
A grateful thank you to the OCC members who supported Glenn's family with their contributions.
Posted is a picture of Glenn's boat, West Wind II, taken on September 16 from a fixed-wing US Coast Guard plane sent 500 miles out from San Francisco to find Glenn after the SOS call from MaryLou. The plane made three low level passes over the boat. West Wind II, under windvane, was driving south on a close reach. Glenn was unconscious down below. He was taken off by the eastbound containership Colombo Express and then picked up by a US Coastguard helicopter for transport to San Jose.
From MaryLou, Claire and Nicola Wakefield:
"Thank you so much for your donations to the GoFundMe campaign in Glenn's name BringGlennHome. Your donations will help our family shoulder the burden of the extensive medical care he received in the U.S. before being transferred back home to Victoria. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. We will announce the details of a Celebration of Life for Glenn on our Going Solo blog in the coming weeks and months."
Fair winds and smooth seas, Glenn.
For the original notice of Glenn's ordeal, please see the prior post here.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of Ocean Cruising Club.