Thomas Colvin

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

~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]

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

"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.."

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

Our deepest sympathies are with you.

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

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!