Byron Jessup

Byron was a big part of my growing up, and was always so friendly with a kind word. His legacy continues through his wonderful kids Cayce and Kelly. My heart goes out to them and to Marge.

Bryon came into my families lives in the mid 70's at the Oceanside Yacht Club.
My brothers, sister and I were the same age has his children Casey and Kelly. We reaped the benefits of Byron as a father and leader...someone who made things happen. We junior sailors had been outgrowing our tiny sabots. Then one summer day, a fleet of two-man. 13' Ghost sailboats appeared at the Yacht Club. What a kick in the pants they were. They were fun to learn how to sail. Talk about motivating the Juniors to rush to the yacht club and go sailing! The Ghosts are just one more thing that keeps us OYC kids in touch all these years later. I know now that buying the boats was a project instigated and supported by Bryon, Marsh Henshaw and others . (Maybe someone can add the other owners names?)

I had dinner with Bryon, Marge and Jon last summer at OYC. Bryon talked about his transition from Sailing to powerboating. (how m any Pacifiers were there?) He also talked about the key he had to the newly installed Elevator near the Bar at OYC.

Love to all

Bruce

PS.
Also what needs discussing is the Byron Jessup Display at the Oceanside Surf Museum. When he was a Life Guard they had these heavy plywood paddle boards to rescue people in the surf. Bryon met with this new, at the time, surfboard shaper who was building light surfboards with foam. Bryon and Hobie Alter designed and tested a foam rescue surfboard that is still in use by lifeguards today. Bryon said "to tell the truth I just wanted a rescue board I could surf on."

His presence will always be missed.

Byron was an inspiration to me and my family. He accepted my kids wherever they were in life and always had something encouraging to say to them. He had endless stories about life, and his adventures on the water. We love him and will miss him.

He was a fighter, a consumate gentleman and I know he was deeply loved by his family. Condolences to Kelly and Cayce and their families.