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In Memoriam Local philanthropist Midge Verplank dies By MATT DEYOUNG Grand Haven Tribune Article: Grand Haven Tribune Obituary: Klaassen Funeral Home L.J. “Midge” Verplank loved nothing more than “looking over the numbers” of his numerous businesses, cutting through the surf on his sailboat, and supporting the Tri-Cities community. Verplank, who co-founded Shape Corp. and several other local businesses, and was the former CEO of Verplank Dock Co. and Verplank Trucking, died Friday, Dec. 16. He was 91. “To me, he was a mentor – he was someone we looked up to,” said his daughter, Melissa Verplank. “He was so generous – generous with his family, generous with his community, generous with his businesses. “His generosity to the Tri-Cities community was...

It is a typical summer weekend at Crystal Lake with a sunny sky and a 20 mph breeze from the south. Norman Olsen and crew make their way out onto the dock, hoist their CR-60 sails, and sail out from the lee of the club to the blustery race course. In a year where the WMYA region saw a surge in participation from younger sailors, there is something a little different going on here. Olsen, 77, and his able crew all qualify for free coffee, as they have a combined 275 years of “experience” on board. While it seems they might all be more comfortable on a keel boat, they all share a common fate. Despite an average age of...

At the 2006 Annual Meeting a motion was made to hold the WMYA Annual Meeting to the opening evening / registration night of the annual championship regatta to facilitate more input and participation from sailors. The motion was approved and the WMYA Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday August 1st, 7:00pm at the White Lake Yacht Club.