David Westphal May 18, 1934 - April 26, 2022

Big Pine Key, Florida Dave was born on May 18, 1934 to Herbert A. and Mary L. Westphal in Port Huron, Michigan and died on April 26, 2022 in Big Pine Key, Florida.

He was an extraordinary boat designer, builder, and sailor which began at the age of eleven. After graduating from Port Huron High School and attending Jr. College, he left for Miami and enrolled in the University of Miami. He became well known for his building and sailing skills in the Miami community. His designs included the Westphal One Design and the Westphal Dualer, and in addition he built many custom yachts including steamboats, paddlewheels, Sharpies (Yellowbird, Tropic Bird) and many more. The Sail, Power, and Steam Museum in Rockland, Maine houses both a miniature and full-size version of one of his steamboats.

Dave married “the treasure of his life” Loretta Walls on March 10, 1988. They owned and operated the Manatee Bay Marine until retirement brought them to Big Pine Key. Summers were spent in Maine where they became involved in the sailing community.

David is survived by his wife Loretta “Luigi” Westphal, his daughter Mary Ann Weitnauer (Michael), and grandsons James (Erin Kavanagh) and Andrew Dorsey. He is also survived by sisters Nancy Madtes, Jo Westphal, Carole Bleasdale (Robert Gilkey) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave has donated his body to science, hoping to help develop a cure for Parkinson’s. Following procedures to promote that, cremation will occur and memorial gatherings will be held in important places in Dave’s life: East Boothbay, Maine, Port Huron, Coconut Grove, Miami River, Manatee Bay, and Big Pine Key.

If you would like to honor Dave with a memorial, please consider a donation to: Marr-velous Pet Rescue, 68 Silver Springs Dr., Key Largo, FL 33037

“A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind.”