In Memoriam: Burial at Sea Ceremony Held for San Diego Boater Bob Yaple

Byline: The Log Staff

SAN DIEGO — The ashes of the late Bob Yaple, a longtime San Diego boater, were scattered at sea on May 14, at the same location where his late wife’s ashes were scattered 45 years ago.

Yaple was born May 29, 1919 and died October 4, 2010. He is survived by his son, Bruce Yaple; and his daughters, Kathleen Belke and Barbara Yaple.

Bob Yaple moored his 42-foot Californian, Porgy, at Marina Cortez for many years. “Bob was well-known for his sense of humor. He was always willing to help his fellow man, and was just an all-around good guy,” said his longtime friend Lola Gifford Birtciel.

His daughters wrote the followed poem, entitled “Currents,” which was read by Birtciel as the ashes were scattered:

The winds aloft and currents deep,

With gentle arms our treasures keep.

And guide them to their rest …

We love them both, and hopefully,

They drift entwined eternally.

Their dreams and spirits blessed …

We give them both up gratefully,

To wind and wave and loving sea,

And hope they know how in our hearts they’ll always be …

The BEST.

condolences