Brian George Theobald's Obituary
It is with profound sadness that I share with you the news that Brian Theobald passed away peacefully on May 19". He is survived by his wife Colleen Tanaka, his sister Laura Clavette, brother in law Danny Clavette and his two nephews and his niece. Brian was born on January 9, 1969 at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco. He attended and graduated from McAteer high school in San Francisco, making him a long time San Franciscan. Brian was exposed to the ocean at a young age when he went cruising with his family aboard their sailboat. In 1989, he sailed from San Francisco to Mexico with his father and his friend.
Living on the boat at the time of the Loma Prieta earthquake, he and his father were among the first people to see the devastation to the Marina District not too far from the GGYC.
Many people in the boating community knew Brian from his days with West Marine. Brian was the Store Manager of the Dubuque, 2" Street and San Jose stores. He went on from his Store Manager roles to their Pro Division leading the Electronics Installation service department. After many years at West Marine, he started his own marine electronics business, Vessel Electric. Brian operated his business for 15 years- gainıng an excellent reputation for his expertise. Brian enjoyed waterskiing in the Delta on his jet boat in the 80's, as well as sailing, fishing and crabbing in the SF Bay and ocean with friends. Brian was not only an accomplished marine electrician but also a very knowledgeable fisherman and sailor who knew his way around the Bay, understood it's complicated currents and could find his way around the Delta without a map!
In better times, Brian was very dedicated to his family and friends- helping anyone that needed it. He was a huge 49rs fan! He loved classic TV shows and movies and could often quote lines from them. His family is very proud of all his accomplishments. He will be missed immensely.
In maritime tradition, the sounding of "Eight Bells" is one of the highest honors that can be given to a sailor who has passed. Dating back centuries to the age of sail, a ship's bell marked the passage of time aboard ship, with eight bells signifying the completion of a sailor's watch and the relief of duty. Over time, "Eight Bells" came to symbolize a sailor's final watch a solemn acknowledgment that their duties at sea are complete.
Today, we honor Brian Theobald, a fellow Golden Gate Yacht Club shipmate whose watch has come to its end, and in the time-honored tradition of mariners around the world, we sound Eight Bells in recognition of a life faithfully sailed.
May fair winds, following seas carry Brian onward on his final voyage.
What’s your fondest memory of Brian?
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Describe a day with Brian you’ll never forget.
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