Saturday, October 21, 2023
I just learned of Dick's passing. I worked for Dick from 1988-1991. We used to call him Dickie Doo Ra because of his infectious dry sense of humor and stories of drag racing in Centerport down Centershore road when it ran all the way through to Huntington Beach, as well as one liners that would make top comedians envious. I can't relate them here as many were meant for the guys at lunch like Jimmy, Vinnie, others, Dick sitting in the office chair I the machine shop (me, TJ, and Devin fished the chair out of the harbor one day and we put it in the shop. Dick took a liking to it) My memories of that time are fond and frequent. Keeping Exact from sinking, grinding rust off the Crane Scow, towing, hauling, launching. The Green Chevy truck. Dick's red Ford. His corvettes and Chris Craft speed boats. One day years back I was buying plumbing supplies and I heard a deep voice behind me say "What are you screwing up this time?" I turned to see him grinning at me. He was a boss, mentor, and father figure when I was a young dumb kid. I'm very sorry I did not know in time to attend services. My deepest condolences to all members of the Willis Family. I'm sure Dick is running a Vette down to the great marina in the sky.
J Scott Muscatello
