Remembering Our Pal Syd
Syd, hugging his hemi in Black Witch
I was on the phone yesterday with several folks talking about Syd, and as sad as it is. And it is. We couldn’t stop laughing at some of Syd’s stuff. His different collections of odd ball stuff and how passionate he was about, well, everything. He was, and I say this with 100% truth, a guy that would do anything for anybody. And made it fun along the way. And be honest with yourself now, wouldn’t you like to be remembered by laughter, sadness yes. Sadness can’t be helped. Laughter is earned. And that made Syd a VERY rich man.
Syd had a way of making it all fun
Syd’s passions were so vast its kinda hard to pin anything down that was “His Thing” Boats for sure were up on the top of the list though. Syd and his family were a fixture up in Clayton and on the finger Lakes. Like never ever missed an event, and was ALWAYS giving rides and encouragement. This all sounds a little over the top, but it’s not. That is Syd.
The family Dispro’s Clayton
Now, one of the true joys of WoodyBoater is no oner really dies here. So there is that, and no doubt Syd will appear at the holiday party and my plan is to keep the “Syds Text Message Museum” going. AND this.
Syd loved finding stuff like this. And sharing it.
It’s still recent news, but I am putting this out there to the ACBS and the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. There needs to be a Syd Marsden Award. An award to someone each year that always is there, no matter what, always available, and always with laughter and joy. Trust me, it would be one of the hardest awards to win, and chances are the person that does win it each year, wouldn’t even know why. See you around here in Woodyboaterville Syd…
The world needs more people like Syd!
Never met Syd personally, but feel like I know him through the stories on WB and his postings. I pray for peace and comfort for Syd’s family. I hope his entry into the Woody Floater challenge still stands!
YES, many years with the Marsden family in Clayton and NY area.
Well done Syd, thanks for the smiles…RIP John in VA
I only know Syd thru his interesting “finds”, shared here on WoodyBoater. Sounds like I missed out on meeting a wonderful person. Peace to his family & friends – may you all find comfort in treasured memories.
First met Syd in 79 at the show in Clayton, a fine man from a fine family…
I like some others, never knew Syd personally. I feel like I did through WB. I always enjoyed his comments and articles. He seemed like a great guy. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Syds family in this difficult time.
Sydney always had something different (strange, weird) at Clayton and his tales were great!
A very nice obituary written about him. https://www.pettigrassfuneralhome.com/obituary/Sydney-Marsden
❤️
I think Syd visited me last night.
I had an American Beauty dream last night which I have not had for a really long time.
Syd was one of my best friends. He was allot the things mentioned previously and more. When I visited my first boat show in New York at Skaneateles, he invited my wife Cinda and me to come and tour his barn full of amazing old boats, motors, and Maritime paraphernalia. He gave us rides in his boat and invited us to join him at the awards banquet. Whenever I was working on a project, he would jump in and research his files for specific information to make my model build more authentic. We worked together on a model of his Black Witch and we spoke on the phone nearly every day for one and a half years, perfecting every detail of that model, He personally machined half of the fittings on that boat. He took two days out of his schedule to help me measure all of the details of Pardon Me in preparation for that build. I will miss him greatly.
I’ve known Syd for years, actually knew him more as Bruce as his father was Syd. The Marden family was always very involved in antique boating and as we, as the Wine Country chapter were the next geographical chapter over, we were quite familiar with their passion for old boats. Their displays at the FLC/Skaneateles show and the Clayton/ABM show were legendary. I judged with Syd at the FLC show last summer and it was a pleasure. Condolences to Karen, Wendy and the rest of the family. His enthusiasm and knowledge will be greatly missed. As I’m almost 74, 66 is too damn young.