Stephen D. Ramsay

NORTH CHATHAM - Stephen Dyer Ramsay was born on February 28, 1936 to Robert L. and Genevieve S. Ramsay. He grew up in Wellesley, then in Concord, Massachusetts. At a summer home owned by his Great Aunt Florence Linnell in North Chatham, he developed a love of swimming, sailing in a Baybird and fishing, mostly for flounder. Steve graduated from Concord High School, attended Colby College, received an AA from Mitchell College and a BS from Babson College. Sailing was the basis for his career as well as an avocation. He was Northeast Manager for Columbia Yachts (1964-66), then the Vice President and Treasurer with custom sailboat builders Allied Boat Company (1966-72). Steve was Executive Officer of the Yacht Architects and Brokers Association from 1977-87. He also held administrative positions in real estate, advertising and printing companies.

Steve crewed with the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit and in sailboat races off of Cape Cod and the Islands. He also enjoyed skiing in the White Mountains, doubles tennis and was a starter/relief pitcher for the Senior Cape Cod team in 2008, winners of the AA World Championships. He sang in the Mid-Cape Chorus, the choir of Pilgrim Congregational Church, and played piano by ear, accompanying sing-a-longs for retirees.

After a number of years with dementia, complicated recently by pneumonia, Steve passed away Sunday March 30, 2014 at the Hope Hospice in Sandwich. He is survived by his brother Robert of Carver, his sister Rebecca of Cambridge, his sons, Stephen of Marstons Mills, Todd of Cohasset, Brian of Orleans, their mother Marguerite Ramsay of Arizona, three grandchildren, Matthew, Benjamin and Rachel, plus many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A family memorial service is being planned. Donations may be made to Pilgrim Congregational Church, Rte. 28, Harwich Port, MA 02646.