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Charles Fitger Donnelly

1961 - 2017

Charles Fitger Donnelly obituary, 1961-2017, Los Angeles, CA

Charles Donnelly Obituary

May 9, 1961 - February 1, 2017 Chip Donnelly, beloved son of Susanne F. Donnelly and pre-deceased by his father, Charles E. Donnelly III, died of a heart attack in Newport Beach. He was a staple of the sailing community and a champion of Harbor issues for the last 25 years. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Chip's early skills as a yachtsman were honed when on the day after his Harvard School graduation, Chip accompanied his family on a two-year sea voyage to the South Pacific on their 42' Westsail Cutter "Rejoice." He was his father's right hand aboard and learned how to navigate in the times before the luxury of GPS and SatNav. Upon returning he graduated from UCLA, spent some years in banking and active with the Bachelors' before heading for a life in Newport Beach where he became a Web Designer and skippered yacht deliveries to Mexico, Hawaii and as far away as Fiji. For the last eight years Chip lived aboard his 46' Jarvis Newman yacht "Toyon," moored at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. He loved the sea and boats! Chip was on the Board of Directors of the Newport Mooring Association, and an active member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Chip performed a crucial role on the NMA Board as that group's webmaster and computer "guru." His unique skill set proved invaluable as the NMA assisted the City in its effort to update and refine the official chart of Newport Harbor. Today, and for many future decades, users of the bay will benefit from Chip's tireless and precise work on that several-year project. He was an activist, teacher and community resource on harbor and boat related issues, often sharing information with committees and in newsletters about everything from the history of the harbor and its moorings to the sea lion population to the best methods for ship care. Chip was an Editorial Advisor of the "Complete Guide to Newport Harbor" published by the City of Newport Beach and the Newport Beach Harbor Commission. Survivors include his brother Douglas, two sisters, many aunts, uncles and cousins surnamed: Donnelly, Kendig, Williams and Haight. Chip's family wishes to express grateful thanks to Bill and Michelle Moses, Mark and Debra Horton, Phil Thompson and Odin Braathen for the special roles they played in his life. Deep appreciation as well to the entire Newport Harbor Yacht Club Staff and Community. Donations may be made in Chip's memory to the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation (NHSF) which strives to make sailing more accessible to local sailors. To date, the Foundation has helped support the sailing dreams of more than 1,000 local young people. Contributions may be made by visiting the website at www.nhsailingfoundation.org or by e-mailing [email protected] "I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by." (John Masefield 1902)

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Feb. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Donnelly

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Laurie

May 8, 2023

Hello. I worked at Newport Harbor Yacht Club where chip was a member. He was a nice guy. I remember Bill Crispin making it a point to tell me he was the one who found him. So sudden. RIP Chip

Patricia

February 13, 2017

My condolences to the Donnelly family. May you find peace from God during your time grief. Rm. 15:33

February 12, 2017

So very sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. Kristy McConville

Mary O Buckingham

February 9, 2017

8 Bells Chip
You are missed but we will always remember
you. Your ever present smile, thoughtfulness
and work ethic are but a few consistent traits
that made you not just a good human but a
good friend. Sail on sailor.
The Buckingham Family
Mary O, Jim, Charlie, Mary, Sarah, Biz

Michael Arrigo

February 7, 2017

Chip had so many unique and wonderful qualities. He was an accomplished long-distance passage making skipper having sailed to Fiji. He had incredible knowledge of celestial navigation and was a HAM radio operator. He was a scuba diver, something we got to enjoy together. He was a UCLA educated English major with wonderful mastery of our written language. He used that mastery combined with incredible self-taught knowledge of HTML and CSS style sheets in building Wordpress web sites for friends and clients. He had a great and hearty laugh and sense of humor to match. He had a sense of spontaneity and adventure. Once we went lobster diving at midnight off Catalina on the opening of the season. Chip caught all of the lobsters and dutifully threw every under-limit sized bug back in compliance with Fish and Game rules. Then we barbecued the legal once the next day on the grill in a cove. He was a ball chairman and appreciated good social manners, but preferred shorts and a Reyn Spooner shirt and being aboard a boat or having coffee with friends in the morning near the water. Most of all he was a great and irreplaceable friend to me and my family and many many others. God Bless Chip.

Sandy Draffen

February 6, 2017

Thank you, Chip, for all the friendly smiles and greetings you sent my way as I worked evenings at the reception desk of NHYC 20 years ago. May you find eternal peace as you sail away in heaven.

Love,
Sandy Draffen

February 6, 2017

I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11

Mary Amundson-Dale

February 6, 2017

Parker and Mary Dale send condolences to your family, we've lost our Yacht Club and you within weeks, it will never be the same...you were always there and so willing to help, especially we older folks - you will truly be missed.

Sandy Draffen

February 6, 2017

Dear Chip,

Last time I saw you was 20 years ago when I worked the front desk at NHYC. You always stopped to say hello with your big smile and bigger heart. You will be missed as you sail the seas in heaven. Bon Voyage.....

Tammy Schmidt

February 6, 2017

I miss you my dear friend. A lot of laughs and hugs. Always willing to lend a helping hand. A big heart to match that big smile. Such a wonderful soul.

Michael diDonato

February 6, 2017

Always a warm smile and a friendly comment. Chip was a true friend on and off the water. He had a rare talent, that made all whom he knew, feel like they were special individuals. A true cornerstone of the Newport sailing community. Thanks for your friendship, you will be truly missed.

Donna McHone

February 6, 2017

Always a smile on his face and warmth in his heart

February 6, 2017

Always a smile on his face and warmth in his heart

D Davidson

February 6, 2017

Chip, it makes me so incredibly sad that you have already left us. I will miss your helpfulness, kindness, compassion, honesty and conversation. Thank you for always looking on the brighter side. Thank you for all your kind words to me, as well as advice. I will miss our little afternoon "talks" Rest in peace.

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