Category: History

Yacht Club Swag!

Calling all Members & Associates

Are you creative, with an eye for design? Maybe you are a die hard GYC fan? Or maybe, just maybe you have some old GYC hats and memorabilia tucked away?!

We are looking for a few Members to help design a line of GYC “Swag.” The process will include everything from types of products we brand, the designs, and if I am lucky some potential modelling opportunities for the website.

If you are interested in this once in a Membership opportunity, meet us at the Clubhouse (outback weather dependent) Saturday June 21st @ 1pm. Bring your ideas, your old swag, and a whatever creativity you may possess!

Sarah Fenton GYC Historian

Richard Bonert Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Bonert on April 2, 2025 in Owen Sound, Ontario.  Born in Germany, Richard came to Canada in his 40s with his young family, to join the University of Toronto as a Professor of Electrical Engineering.

After retirement, he moved to Owen Sound to enjoy a life embracing all his favourite outdoor activities.  During summers, he loved sailing on Georgian Bay on the Quixotic, spent countless, happy hours hiking and exploring the Bruce Trail, and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the area, together with family and friends.

A true lover of the outdoors and for close to 17 years, Richard was a Trail Captain with the Bruce Ski Club and Land Steward of two properties for the Bruce Trail Sydenham section. He was also a member of the Silver C’s and the Georgian Yacht Club.

Richard was also very generous sharing his extensive technical knowledge with friends, family and community organizations needing advice on solar and LED lighting solutions.

Richard leaves his partner, Ella Lund-Thomsen; his sons Martin (Niko) and Michael (Yeony); his grandchildren, Elisabeth, Rhea, Yonas and Lars; his brothers in Germany, Erich (Vera), Ernst (Hilde) and Rudolf; and his sister-in-law Nina Thomsen.

As per Richard’s wishes, there will be no funeral.  Anyone who would like to remember him may make a donation to his chosen organization, the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

Special thanks to Doctors Fenn, Barfoot and Hodgson and all their people in the wonderful palliative care team, as well as all the nurses and care support he had in unit 6-2 at Brightshores Health. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.

Credit: https://www.greybrucecremation.com/2025/04/richard-bonert/

Throw Back Thursday

In honor of “GYC Adjacent” George (Ziggy) Hill. George had been good friends with my dad Paul Fenton for almost 50 years, having served with him in the Airborne. Dad had convinced Zig to start boating himself in the late 90’s where he joined the Marina next store, after spending quite a bit of time on our boat at the GYC he had caught the boating bug. After he gotten out of boating up north, he continued to visit the GYC often with my Dad. George passed July 6th of this year and will be greatly missed by many in Owen Sound, his celebration of life took place this past Saturday in Port Dover. The GYC community opens the doors to guests joining members of our great club, introducing them to recreational boating and a whole host of new friends.

George will be greatly missed by the Fenton Family, and all of his friends at the GYC.

Sarah Fenton Historian