In Memoriam: Ronald Whitelaw
Former CYBA president won Merle Parke Award and established Bayside Yacht Sales.
LONG BEACH—Ronald Whitlelaw, who established Bayside Yacht Sales and once served as president of the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA), has died. He was 74. He passed away on Nov. 16.
Whitelaw joined the CYBA in the 1980s and became its president in 1989. Three years later he was awarded the Merle Parke Award, an annual honor bestowed on someone who, according to a CYBA statement, “made a lasting contribution to the association and industry.” The Merle Parke Award is specifically granted to CYBA members.
CYBA’s statement on Whitelaw’s passing added he regularly piloted his Grand Banks trawler to Two Harbors.
“In the early [1990s], Ron worked with long-time CYBA Senior Advisor Tom Russell to create the industry’s frusta association arbitration service for dispute resolution,” the CYBA statement said. “Ron served as the CYBA arbitration administrator for many years, assisting our members by mediating disputes whenever possible and overseeing formal arbitration hearings when necessary.
Whitelaw is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter, Robin, son-in-law, Doug, and two grandsons, Zachary and Joshua.
Long Beach Yacht Club, where Whitelaw was a member, held a memorial service on Nov. 23.
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