Long-time Raritan Bay Power Squadron member P/C Everett Smith, AP, passed away in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve.
In 1969 Everett was in Raritan Bay Power Squadron’s first boating class and was invited to become a member. From 1969 through 1973 he printed Relative Bearings and supported it with pictures and articles. In 1970 he was a student in the squadron’s first Seamanship class. He went on to become the rendezvous chair and entered the first predicted log contest in his first boat. In 1971 he continued as chair of the Rendezvous Committee and also chaired the Picnic Committee.
He joined the Keyport Yacht Club and was able to arrange to have squadron meetings held at the yacht club. In 1971 he also became chair of Mike Kupper Co-Op Charting and was on the committee for several years. In 1973 he became chair of the Auction Committee. Being a man of strong convictions and strong feelings about equal rights for women, he resigned from USPS in 1974 through 1979. He refused to be a member of an organization that excluded women from full membership. He insisted on membership for his lovely wife and others who wished to join.
In 1980 he rejoined Raritan Bay Power Squadron. From 1981 through 1997 he was chair of Engine Maintenance curriculum. He also became a member of the Membership Committee. Everett regularly served as a table proctor in many basic boating classes.
He became chair of District 4 Engine Maintenance curriculum in 1983 and served the position under four district commanders. From 1983 through 1996 he was chair of the squadron’s Meetings Committee. From 1995 through 2002 he chaired Predicted Log event. He won the contest four times in a row and was awarded the permanent possession of the trophy with the condition he add the names of future winners.
Other achievements included squadron chair of the Port Captains committee in 1986, commander of Raritan Bay Power Squadron in 1989, chair of photography in 1990, and Life Member of USPS in 1997. In 2009 he again served as chair of District 4 Engine Maintenance. In 2012 he received his 40th Merit Mark.
From 1951 through 1955 Everett served in the United States Air Force. Everett was a member of the Keyport Yacht Club from 1965 through 2000. While a member of the yacht club he was elected to their Board of Governors, was Fleet Captain, House chair and Membership chair.
Once again Everett got involved, and in 2008 he became a volunteer for the Toms River Seaport Society and Maritime Museum. He was active in restoring old wooden boats, photographing and writing for their news letter, The Seafarer.
We cannot help but respect Everett’s commitment to his principles, his family and his squadron. In so many ways, Everett was a role model for volunteerism. His loss is great, and we pray that those of us who remain can fill the void he left.
