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Thomas Colvin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 4, 2014.

Thomas E. Colvin

September 1, 2014

Thomas E. Colvin, of Alva, FL passed away peacefully Monday, September 1, 2014. He was born in Chicago, IL to Edwin and Mariam Colvin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Colvin. He is survived by his three children, Karen Porter, Kevin Colvin, Kenneth Colvin and their spouses, three grandchildren, Noel and Karly Fedosh and Kellie Brooks. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday 5:00 PM, September 5, 2014 at the National Cremation Society, 3453 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.

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Recent Activity

July 28, 2025

Lydia Follett Yehling posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2024

Mike Ewald posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2022

Rosa-Mary McCoy posted to the memorial.

26 Entries

Lydia Follett Yehling

July 28, 2025

Tom lived next door to my family in the early seventies in Mandeville LA. He was a dedicated craftsman of the sea and built all kinds of boats and pirogues. An interesting talented person once again is gone but leaves behind a lasting legacy in his craft. Sleep well, Tom. Your friend, Lydia

Mike Ewald

January 19, 2024

~Thank you, Tom, Jean and Ken, for your hospitality and friendship while I sailed with you for a short while so many years ago.
It was an amazing adventure and I learned so much from all of you...and especially Tom with his endless knowledge of ships and the sea.

I still treasure that journey with all of you and always will.

Thank you.

Mike Ewald [email protected]

Rosa-Mary McCoy

August 29, 2022

I cannot believe it has been so many years. Tom was was one of the most intelligent I have ever known. I hope the children are carrying on as he and Jean would have wanted them to do. Sincerely Rosa-Mary Lippincott McCoy

April 2, 2020

Tom Colvin and his lovely wife Jean were two remarkable people. Alva was blessed that they chose to live here. When you saw them, you thought they were a quiet couple. Wrong!!! They lived what they believed. My life is better for being able to call them friends.
Rosa-Mary McCcoy

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David Bunton

April 1, 2020

Privileged to meet in person. Blessed to get some books to read and study. Respect for his hard work and dedication. Forgiveness/smiles for when I exasperated him. Thank You. Mr Colvin for what you shared and all I was able to learn.

Thank you Tom!

Jay Rose

January 3, 2018

David Post

May 19, 2017

My wife and I built a steel 42' Gaff-rigged Gazelle over a 5 yr period in the 1990's, launched in 1996 in Narragansett Bay, lived aboard and raced several years in "The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race" and loved (almost) every minute. When considering building this boat, I had supplied Tom with a complete list of everything aboard a previously built schooner to confirm all would fit in the Gazelle. His reply was that "Yes, it would all fit", but he was appalled at the small quantity (1 or 2 bottles) of rum we carried. A great guy, designer, and, although seldom met, a warm and wonderful friend.

Michelle & Kevin Marsden

January 10, 2017

We are sad to learn (albeit so late) that Tom passed. After our Gazelle (42' gaff-rigged schooner)' Teddy II 'turned 35 years old it was time to personally meet the man who we exchanged correspondence & adventures with over those decades of cruising. I went to Alva in Feb. 2013 and enjoyed a quiet visit with Tom . It was good to chat, share photos & stories & finally identify with a man who gave so much to the world of metal boat building, practical cruising and to his wife Jean & the kids. Only wish my husband could have been there- the chat would have been much longer! We will miss this legendary old salt! Always think about him every time we sail out of the harbour- farewell Tom

January 18, 2016

Dear Tom (and Jean),
Thank you for giving us the greatest adventure of our lifetimes. Bill & Linda (Chinese Junk, OOTHOON).

Ian Corish

November 6, 2015

"A great naval architect and a gentleman.....
my father was building the Gazelle in Australia in the 70s and the beautifully drawn plans inspired me to pursue a career in drafting.."

Merritt Walter

November 22, 2014

Tom was a mentor and inspiration to me. One of the great yacht designers. He never hesitated to give freely of his vast nautical knowledge. Tom, I will mess your sage advice and chats on how a good boat should be.

November 5, 2014

I have just read the latest entry for Tom Colvin. It was a great pleasure to hear from someone from the past and respected Tom as much as those who loved him and Jean. There will never be another Tom or Jean....what a team. How lucky they chose Alva, Florida to retire. They never really retired. Love to all who knew them and their family. Thank you for your entry.
Rosa-Mary Lippincott McCoy

Dave Zeiger

November 4, 2014

Landing salmon in a tossing sea, I looked up to see a Colvin GAZELLE coursing by under red, Chinese junk sails. Rising from sea-level and peering through rent fog, Mt. Fairweather - one of the tallest base to peak mountains in the world - towered over the scene. It was breath-taking. His beautiful creature set me on a course I still steer, some quarter century gone.

Your words and works have been both inspiration and guide!

Thanks, Tome, and fare well!

Dave Z
(TriloBoats)

one of your designs, 'Eva'

George Ray

October 3, 2014

Thank you Tom for all you contributed to the boating world and the time you generously gave to those struggling to figure out things nautical. Sorry that sometimes we were goofballs and tried your patience but you pointed the way and we will be looking to your star in the heavens to help us find our way.

Rosa-Mary Lippincott McCoy

September 18, 2014

Tom and Jean retired in our little town many years ago. It was a great thing for Alva, Florida to have this couple. If any one had some to say that was bad about them, I never heard it. When you were in their presence, you felt you were with noble people.
Can you image that you knew and were friends with an international back yard builder of boats????? I think that I am correct that he built his last boat here in Alva.
When Jean went to heaven, we knew that we had been with a great woman. Now that Tom has joined her, we can add that we have had the pleasure of being with two great people. We will miss them both. I do not get the paper any more and Don is 100% disabled. We do not get out very often. To the Children of these wonderful people, we understand your loss and wish we had something to offer to make you better. I must say that you are better because they were your parents.

Cameron Bowman

September 10, 2014

Kevin, Karen and Ken I want to you all to know I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Our families have had close ties for many years and I will always remember him with great fondness and respect. Love you all dearly

Tom & Jonnie Adams

September 6, 2014

Kenneth and family, Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the lose of your father.

John Crabtree

September 5, 2014

I find myself saying things about boats, sailing and the world in general and then realizing I sound just like Tom! Age and experience is at last teaching me to understand many of the things he said. My condolences to the family.

September 4, 2014

He was a great neighbor, friend and person. He was an incredibly smart man and I only learned a fragment of what he knew. We will miss him beyond words can describe.

John and Leane King

Sail on, Tom!

September 4, 2014

Kevin and Penny, I am so sorry for your loss of your father. He was a great man who touched my life deeply even though I had never met him. I sailed his boat DELIGHT and he spoke to me through her. God bless you! And sail on, Tom!

Robin Childrey

September 4, 2014

Kevin & Penny,
Please accept my heartfelt remorse for your loss. When you lose someone you love - surviving the loss is difficult.

September 4, 2014

Angela & Kenn,
We love you and are praying for you, Karen, Kevin and all the family.
Tom was precious and a very talented man. We are blessed to have known him and will cherish his books!
Love, thoughts, prayers,
Mom and Douglas

Denise & Dave

September 4, 2014

Angela and Kenn,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Riverdale Dental

September 4, 2014

Our deepest sympathies are with you.

Randy & Brenda

September 4, 2014

Kenn and Angela,
May the fond memories of your Dad comfort you during this time of sorrow.

Paul Alexander

September 3, 2014

A great man and a dear friend. So generous with his time and knowledge. My condolences to his family. Tom singlehandedly re-kindled my dream to voyage. I cherish the time I spent learning from him. I can hear Tom now…”Why in the world would you want to do that!!!??”… as I asked my latest dumb question. What a great guy!

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Funeral Services Provided By

National Cremation and Burial Society North Fort Myers, FL

3453 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, North Fort Myers, FL 33903