By Neil Satterly, Adirondack Chapter
The ACBS has lost an icon to the Antique and Classic Boating community. This week Joseph Fleming Sr. passed away following several months of declining health. Many of you know that Joe was one of eight founders of the ACBS and one of only two surviving members with Munroe Sherill being the other.
In addition to being an ACBS founder and International President, Joe will forever be remembered as an energetic and enthusiastic member of both the Adirondack and Lake Hopatcong Chapters, and Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club right up to the end. Joe led an Adirondack Chapter workshop last year on battery types and attended the Fulton Chain Rendezvous last summer. His passion for sharing knowledge and history of boats and boating systems was fueled by an equal passion to always keep learning.
In the 1980s Joe resurrected the Electric Launch Company (ELCO) which built hundreds of beautiful electric launches. Today they are highly prized for their elegance, durability, and resale value.
So long dear friend, you will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
The ACBS will carry an article on Joe’s legacy in a future issue of Rudder magazine.
Update: Here is a link to Joe’s full obituary and information on his memorial service to be held May 4th. The Fleming family invites people who can’t make the service to post a memory or comment on the website.