Read Scott’s Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Scott Goetz, an invaluable member of our Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club. Scott passed away on December 24, 2023. He left behind a selfless legacy of service to the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club and the ice sailing community.
Always ready to go the extra mile, Scott offered assistance wherever and whenever needed. Jim Nordhaus referred to Scott as a “boat brother” who was part of a group that met every Tuesday night at Jim’s shop to work on iceboats and enjoy the camaraderie. Whether helping with race committee, building or repairing iceboats, or simply being a friendly face at our gatherings, Scott was a true friend to all. Scott’s departure serves as a reminder of how one person can impact a community.
Details to come on celebration of life. See Cress Funeral Home for details on arrangements. Family and friends are invited to join us to celebrate Scott at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, on Saturday, January 13 from 1-4 pm.
Tuesday night Boat night.
Scott, far left, with the Renegade gang on Lake Monona.
In 2017, Scott received the James Payton Sportsmanship and Service Award
Mike McCormick building a Renegade at the “McFactory. “The Renegade Factory (otherwise known as the “McFactory”) operated in the old fuel office at McCormick Lumber between 1977 and 1979 under the seriously misguided notion that you could build four just as easily as one. There, the selfless labors of many 4LIYC members (but a faithful few in particular) helped grow the Renegade fleet by an “instant” four boats. Is this a great club, or what? Photo Credit and Caption: Mark Langenfeld McFactory Archives
Mike McCormick Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club mourns the passing of Mike McCormick, who departed on November 7, 2023. A devoted club member for over seven decades, Mike’s legacy spans generations.
In addition to serving as a 4LIYC officer, Mike was an active racer in various classes, including in his C Stern Steerer PIECES OF EIGHT, DN, and Renegade. Mike was also a 4LIYC Honor Roll member.
Alongside his late brother Bill, he laid the foundation for the McCormick family tradition of ice sailing. Mike passed on his love for ice sailing to his sons, Andy and Tim, who continue to carry forward the McCormick legacy on the ice. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, with a celebration of life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name may be made to the Lake Monona Sailing Club, 1407 Morrison St. Madison, WI, 53703 or Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, 5106 Reynolds Ave., Waunakee, WI. 53597
Historic 4LIYC group photo from 1987 in front of Sunnyside (now Springers) when AJ Whitehorse and Bill Mattison won the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant. Mike is in the middle behind Bill Hanson and Jerry Simon. Mike’s late brother, Bill in in the front in the red coat.
Gloria and Buddy Melges at the 2007 Northwest Regatta at Menominee, MI. Buddy won the Class A Skeeter title that regatta. Photo: Chris John
Buddy Melges 1930 – 2023 He Was One Of Us
The ice sailing community grieves with the Melges family and with our friends from the Skeeter Iceboat Club on their loss.
Iceboating is a sport that is often difficult to comprehend for the uninitiated. It’s hard for people to understand the effort, perseverance, and rewards that come with the exhilaration of sailing on a frozen lake with your closest friends and then spending the evening rehashing every tack and jibe.
Buddy was one of us. He spoke our language and probably invented many of our sayings. Our sport has gained much positive attention thanks to Buddy’s remarkable accomplishments, including those in the Olympics and America’s Cup.
My brother. Ron Rosten and I grew up around the ice sailing legends like Buddy, Mattison, and Ripp. Buddy was just another ice sailor out on the ice, albeit a damned good one. (I hate to admit this, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I realized that Buddy was an Olympic sailor and why they called him “The Wizard of Zenda.” – DW)
In May 2022, he spoke at Bill Mattison’s funeral, where he fondly remembered his friend’s genius and their successful America’s Cup campaigns. It was probably the last time many of us saw him.
Buddy was a second-generation iceboater who won so many iceboating titles in almost every class that I’ll need time to tally it all up.
What a life.
Statement from Melges Performance Sailboats Facebook Page
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Buddy Melges. Today, we honor the remarkable life and enduring legacy of a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our hearts and the world of sailing.
As we mourn the loss of a visionary and celebrate a life well-lived, we invite you to share your cherished memories with us as we collectively pay tribute to Buddy’s life. Your heartfelt stories and messages of remembrance are a testament to the profound impact he had on our community.
Buddy and Bill Mattison
Gloria and Buddy when he won the 1955 ISA.
2007 ISA
1970 ISA, Buddy white sweater, PK right, Dave Rosten, and Bob Pegel.
Marv Luck sailing his Johnson B Stern Steerer at the 2010 Northwest Ice Yacht Association regatta. Photo: Gretchen Dorian
The South Side Ice Yacht Club in Oshkosh, WI, lowered their flag to half mast today in honor of Marv Luck, who passed away this morning, October 20, 2022.
Marv was the epitome of a Lake Winnebago stern-steerer sailor who loved this sport more than just about anyone. Marv collected Lake Winnebago ice sailing videos, newspaper articles, and photos which he always shared with me. My files are filled with Lake Winnebago history, thanks to Marv.
Rest in peace, Marv.
UPDATE: October 21, 2022:
Services will be held on Sat 10/29 at Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home 865 S Westhaven Dr Oshkosh. Official obituary will be posted later.
Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00am, Service at 11:00 and burial at Riverside to follow. We are also going to hold a light luncheon at the South Side Ice Yacht club following the burial
The ice sailing community mourns another one of our sailors. Terry Erwin of Wayzata, MN, passed on August 15, 2022, after a long illness. Terry sailed in the DN and Nite classes and knew how to make an iceboat go fast. His presence has been greatly missed these past few years. He was always willing to share his knowledge. An example is an article from the 2012 Nite Newsletter, posted below as a way to honor and remember the remarkable sailor he was.
The ice sailing community mourns another one of our sailors. Terry Erwin of Wayzata, MN, passed on August 15, 2022, after a long illness. Terry sailed in the DN and Nite classes and knew how to make an iceboat go fast. His presence has been greatly missed these past few years. He was always willing to share his knowledge. An example is an article from the 2012 Nite Newsletter, posted below as a way to honor and remember the remarkable sailor he was.
