JOEL BOOTH COOLIDGE

One of the finest men I ever knew; true to his family, friends and partners. Everyone knew Joel, he was always fun to hangout with and to listent spin a yarn or two. While at the Double Eagle he would occasssionaly shoot a bird and be so surprised the damn thing fell from the sky. Ah' the golden BB he would say. Ah' the golden Man we loved so dearly.

Joel was a good friend. We had many a good time, whether yacht racing on many boats, some of which we owned together; drinking whiskey and telling tales; or bird hunting or pigeon shooting at the Double Eagle Ranch. He will be missed by all.

Joel was easily the most joyful, exhuberant individual that I have ever met. He embraced life and was embraced back. I was priviledged to be a part of his and John Wright's crew for years of ocean racing. I laughed much and learned much; I shall miss him terribly.

Joe was heard to remark when asked how his sailboat trip was across the Atlantic from Spain to Galveston, “I’ve had more fun getting away from the dock with Elbridge.” And so it was.
They asked me to be in their wedding, and lucky for them that I had just met Barbara. I couldn’t find my suspenders for my tux, so she safety pinned my pants to the back of my shirt. She caught me just in time before I started down the aisle with my tux jacket unbuttoned. We told them years later.

Ginger and Gayle, what wonderful parents you had. I treasure all the fond memories and wild tales I was privileged to experience and hear of; as my mother has always said "never a dull moment". Dot and Barbara never had a chance, those two "Aggies" had overwhelming personalities. I loved your parents and I will always be grateful that I had a place in this circle of friends. Joe Coolidge meant more to me than any adult I knew outside my own folks. Love forever, Susi Gerry Wolfson

Dear Coolidges,

I'm so sorry for your loss, Joel was our dearest friend. I'm speaking for all the Gerry's. I remember the Liberty Cup Race, and how Mr. Coolidge had gone overboard right at the starting line while working the foredeck, but God Planted him back up on the boats transom and it was as if he never fell over. What an exciting time. It was one a many I enjoyed with Mr. Cooldge. I was so choked up yesterday with the wondeful service. I just needed some time alone to reflect...

Thinking of you from faraway El Paso, Gayle...I just read this beautiful tribute. Your dad was such a good friend to mine. So sorry for your loss. Margaret Winchell Miller

HAVE A GOOD CROSSING.

I was a law clerk and began my practice of law with Joel (Mr. Coolidge to me back then) in 1981. I have only fond memories of Joel and his stories of Herman the frozen German and PeeWee the cat. Joel mentored me by reminding me that sometimes you need to "rock back in your high back leather lawyer chair to think it through before making a decision".......advise that holds true today. My very best to Joel's family and friends as I know he will be missed.