June 2009 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 5.
Over the Bar: Freddy Brownell & Phil Bolger
DAVID “FREDDIE” BROWNELL out the United States and around the world. never be forgotten. ner. He also brought renewed attention to
David “Freddie” Brownell passed away Every time a trailer operator presses a switch PHIL BOLGER leeboards, the dipping lug rig and the sharpie.
on 16 April at his home in Mattapoisett, on a hydraulic trailer or a yard employee Designer Philip Cunningham Bolger of One of his obituaries stated, “Bolger will
Massachusetts after a lengthy illness. He is places a boat stand under a boat, it will all be Gloucester, Massachusetts took his life by always sacrifice aesthetics in favor of func-
survived by his wife Margaret and daughters because of Fred’s vision. Testimonial to this shooting himself in the head with a Colt 45 tion, simplicity, or lower cost. And he’s out-
Michelle “Miki” McGreevy, Linda Brownell is that he was the recipient of the prestigious during the early hours of Sunday morning on spoken in terse, barbed prose as to why those
and Sharon Spector and husband John of “Excellence in Technology Award” given 24 May. His wife and business partner, well-loved aesthetics got in the way. More
Mattapoisett and his son Tom Brownell and out by the American Boat Builders and Re- Susanne Altenburger, woke a little later and than a few sacred, sea-going cows have felt
wife Sharon; four step-children Richard pairers Association at a gala reception held at went out and discovered the body outside the sharp tip of Bolger’s pen. That, along with
Keenan and wife Sandy of Sacramento, CA, the Bahia Mar Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, their home. He was 81 years old. his taste for extremes and willingness to take
Stephanie Ogara and husband Larry of Florida. Bolger wanted to be always in control small, cheap, and simple boats seriously, has
Fairhaven, MA, John Keenan of Blue Hill, Although many of the people who have and had watched several older family mem- won him both respect and hostility - respect
ME, and Michelle McGreevy of been in contact with him over the years will bers suffer from lost mental faculties and did toward a guru, hostility toward a temple de-
Mattapoisett; and numerous grandchildren remember him as a quiet individual with a not want that to happen to him. Over the last filer. But his no-nonsense, priorities-oriented
and great grandchildren. pencil placed behind his ear in the event he several years, despite his excellent physical approach to boats, and to their place in our
Brownell was born and raised in came up with a new idea and needed to make condition, he developed some cognitive is- lives, always makes his designs fascinating.”
Mattapoisett, and was a life long resident and a notation, those who were closer to him will sues, which lessened his design productiv- Bolger attended Bowdoin College at
major contributor to the town. He was a remember him as a very caring person who ity. At first he did not notice the change, but Brunswick, but left before graduating to
graduate of Fairhaven High School and the had an unbelievable sense of humor. The as he grew worse he recognized he was devel- serve in the Army. He returned to Bowdoin
founder and president of Brownell Boat people that really knew him will be talking oping a problem. He noticed this while doing College and earned a BA degree in history. He
Works, Inc. In addition to Brownell Boat about the fun times and pranks he’s pulled on consultant work for the U. S. Navy and assist- began his design career learning from John
Works, Inc. he was the founder of Brownell them for many years to come. Fred was also ing the Gloucester fishing fleet in dealing with Hacker, Lindsay Lord, and L. Francis
Boat Trailers, Inc, Brownell Boat Stands, Inc. a man who had an enormous love for the the high cost of diesel fuel. The amount of Herreshoff. The man who taught Bolger the
and what is known today as Brownell Sys- boating lifestyle and has made a long lasting hours devoted to this and their normal work most was a boatbuilder Nicholas Montgom-
tems, Inc. impression with boatyard and marina owners affected both of theirs health. They tried to ery, who had a small shop on the Annisquam
“Fred” was an exceptional individual from Maine to Florida. During his annual trip make changes to adjust for his slowing pro- River. Over the years he designed 680 boats,
who was self learned and in his early days to south Florida each winter aboard his self- ductivity, but they did not work. He and his
Continued on Page 19.
built high quality powerboats that were built custom sport fisherman the “Maggie B” wife discussed the options, which he wanted
sought after by the most elite anglers ever these boatyard and marina owners would to control if possible.
known to fish the waters of Buzzards Bay, welcome him with open arms. They would Without any warning
Specializing in Marine Electrical Systems
Cape Cod and the islands. He was extremely also be on top of their guard, as they never to those who knew
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reliable and was always ready to assist his knew what hilarious prank awaited them next. him, he finally came to
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clients even at a moments notice. Fred was He also enjoyed countless hours aboard his the conclusion that he
also a man with a very high intellect who was boat in the summer time with family and was getting worse and
the inventor of the hydraulic boat trailer and friends and in the early days he could be thus took his life.
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the adjustable boat stand. These were not found offshore in pursuit of swordfish. Fred Bolger had an
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only products that assisted him in his day to was truly an outstanding individual, and his amazing career bring
· Engines · Mechanical · Storage · Carpentry · Painting
day operations but products that completely commitment as an inventor, employer, hus- us the “instant boat”,
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