Ted’s Mate Peggy

As far as words:
I have been blessed to be in Ted's world. Ted is my hero. As the sailing world knows, Ted was a great sailor. I saw a fearless sailor. Regardless of the threat, be it sinking or Hurricane Charley, Ted got down to business. He focused. He planned. Ted belonged on the water.

Ted was a bear and a Teddie Bear. He was kind and loving. He listened to his family and friends and was there for us. We lived on "Irwin Time". Knowing Ted, it never ceased to amaze me that he won so many races. Ted was challenged to get to the starting line on time. What I saw was Ted juggling between needs for family and friends while trying to stay on top of Irwin Yachts and get off the dock. Ted's friends could always call on him for professional advice on their boats. He would love to help. He would run over to their boats and troubleshoot with them. He would search his shop for parts someone might need. He was happiest when sharing his knowledge.

Ted was hearing the Distant Drummer and marching to his own sounds. His mind was brilliant and faster than his speech. Irwin yachts built over 6,000 boats, yet if we met someone on a dock and they had an Irwin or knew of an Irwin, Ted would recant the history of who worked on that boat and who the first owner was. I would be amazed. I could also point to any boat passing and ask if he knew what it was. He had me convinced, he knew.

The sailing world has lost a great man with a great mind. The Irwin family lost a father, a brother, and a grandfather. I have lost my hero and the love of my life. Ted has sailed away to a better place. When I told my daughter that Ted was now in a place where everything on the boat worked, she corrected me. She told me, "Ted is in a place where he can enjoy tinkering on his boat". And he can find the tools without me (for now.)

Peggy