Sad news ladies and gentlemen...

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RIP Les. So sorry to hear... him and his site has been a part of our boating lives for so many years....

As some of you know, BE is the part of the reason for my current career/lifestyle as a captain, at least for the boat I m running now. About 12 years I was contacted by an RO who wanted advice on buy a boat in the 65-75 range. One thing key to another and I ended up captaining that boat for about 8 years including the famous Miami Nantucket webcam thread which is still one of the top threads. In the course of the running this boat, we ve met numerous charter guests, some have become friends and one repeat eventually hired us to run the 84 Lazzara we re running now.

A because of Les and BE. Life is funny sometimes, isn’t it?
 
My deepest condolences to Les's family. His web site was the first boating site I found on the internet back in the 90's. He created a great site and I am sure all of us will miss him terribly. Rest In Peace Les.
 
Condolences to the family and thank you Les for all you have done to help boaters. You will be sorely missed.
 
Horrible news. Condolences to the family.

I was just today pondering the old group that originated on this site many years ago -- Les, George, Greg, Peggy, etc.
 
Sad news, so sorry for everyone's loss.

My knowledge increased dramatically as a result of this website, and those RO's who answered questions & responded to comments

We have lost a good many RO's here, and it was Les who brought us all together..... for the common good.

Les, if you can hear me... THANK YOU !

RWS
 
Very sorry to hear, and thanks Brian for passing along my condolences to Elaine.

I never did get the whole ‘gtbc’ ( grumpy tow boat captain) alias - Les seemed like perhaps the least grumpy person I’ve ever come in contact with. Will miss him.
 
So sad to hear. Godspeed, Les, and condolences to Elaine.

I'm with ya alk, I didn't get the GTBC thing too much, either. Always took things with humor. Les will be missed.
 
Very sadden by this news! While I have never met Les I had the pleasure of speaking with him several times and he could not have been nicer! My condolences to the family, please know he will be missed by many!
 
Les Hall, the friend I never met! Les was the guy who arranged for Mike Heffron ani I to go to N Carolina to test (or destroy) a new line of boats. Les provided me with about 15-20 years of friendship with other friends I never met, and a few that have become very good friends. Les provided this platform to ask questions of experts (George), our just voice opinions.. He will never be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace
 
This news is beyond words for me right now...God bless him and his family. They are in my prayers........:(
 
Les was a great guy. The boating community has lost a parent. I am fortunate to have so many brothers and sisters here to help me through this time of loss. I am a better boater and person because of BoaterEd and Les and George. Rest comfortably now Les. You fought a brave fight. You did not lose that fight, it merely ended.
 
Oh no. I'm so sad to hear this. Les and I never met in person, but spoke with him several times over the phone and exchanged many emails with him. God rest his soul. Peace be with you, Elaine.
 
With sincerest condolences to those left in his wake. I only knew Les from this website, and I can only imagine the in-person gentleman who's wit and wisdom lead to this contribution to comradery, sharing of knowledge & opinion, and, oh, yea, some boating knowledge from time-to-time. Rest in Peace, Sir.
 
Here in the deep winter of my life I often think about the many people who influenced the man I came to be. Some of these people will never know how much their friendship has meant and the huge impact they made in my life. Some of the impact was direct, but often times it was indirect because it put me on a path that I might never have taken.
A few weeks ago a old friend, who I never met face to face, called me for the last time. Over the last few decades we had talked many times and discussed many personal subjects. We had enjoyed many online debates and discussions. We found much joy in each others humor. We had a similar value system and could argue without fear of losing the friendship. I will miss all of this, but I will continue to talk to him.
My friend was a giant in the boating world and his leadership spawned many imitations. Thanks to him I became a much more proficient and safe boatman instead of the boating nimrod I might have been. His BoaterED.com site had a major impact throughout the boating community and even on those charged with law enforcement in the marine world. His leadership has touched many hundreds of thousands and many of them will never know of it. Through all this he remained a very humble man. I doubt he even thought about himself as he was just doing what he loved. His legacy will live on.
The thing he gave me that I cherish the most is the friendships that came my way from knowing him. Some of these friends have truly become family with whom I have shared many wonderful times. A few I have never met face to face but have 'watched' their families grow and was privileged to be allowed to share in that.
Now I say goodbye old friend till we meet again on a new sea. He fought the cancer attacking him with all he had. He stood tall through it and through life. When we had our last talk it was one of laughter and asking about each others family. We did not touch the health issue. Men who know each other well have sense about what subjects we should touch on when things are tough. I could feel Les saying goodbye without him needing to say it. He lived his life with dignity and left it the same way. Respect is not given, it is earned and Les Hall earned more than most. Yes, Les Hall was a man.
 
My condolences to the family and friends of Les. I know this site has helped many boaters answer questions about safety, travel, maintenance and everything boating. His light has shined upon numerous people due to BE and hopefully will continue to do so with the help of his friends. RIP Les. Today is a sad day for us all.
 
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