Woolsey remembered for his zest

It was only a week ago that Roy Woolsey drew cheers during one of the social parties at the Lido 14 Class Championships.

Fellow sailors hollered for the man, who was known for his zest for life and who was known to continually ignore his age for the sake to become at one with the sea.

That’s how his family will remember Woolsey and that’s how the community will also keep his memory.

Woolsey, a former commodore of the Lido Isle Yacht Club, died at the age 90 early Tuesday morning. He suffered a massive stroke Friday while playing bridge with his son, Roy Jr.

Last week, he competed in the Lido 14s, the regatta that celebrated its 50th year. Woolsey was there when it began. He said he always enjoyed the camarederie that came from the event. He also treated it as a reunion because he was able to see friends from the past.

He had lived on Lido Isle for the past 57 years. He and his wife, Louise, bought a summer home on Lido in 1952 and then made it their permanent home 10 years later.

Woolsey’s love for sailing intensified during his years on Lido. He remained relatively healthy because of his passion for the water.

“He was so vigorous and active,” Louise said. “He was always doing something. Sailing was his first love and then bridge.”

Woolsey also carried a strong love for his wife. They were married 66 years ago. They met in 1936 at a dance when Woolsey approached his future wife, asking for a turn on the floor.

In a recent article in the Daily Pilot, Woolsey said the two danced when they celebrated their 66th anniversary in May.

At times, Louise would sail with Woolsey during competition. Woolsey’s son would sail with him, too. Roy Jr. was with his dad last week when they competed in the Lido 14s.

“He was always doing something,” Roy Jr. said of his late father. “I would sometimes joke with him that he never knew how to relax. He always wanted to get the most out of life and do as much as he could.”

Woolsey, who was the LIYC commodore in 1969, finished seventh in the silver fleet and won the seventh race of the series. He was the oldest sailor in the regatta. That was usually the case.

When he also sailed his laser, he would be known as the oldest sailor.

But age was not the essence of this man.

“Everybody just admired him so,” said Cynthia Niblo, who lived next door to Woolsey for the past 43 years. “I went to the party on [Aug. 21]. There were such cheers for him when he was introduced to the podium. He was just revered by the sailors because no too many people are doing that at his age. It’s basically his life since he retired from law.”

Woolsey also served for the Navy. He later practiced law and nearly passed a case requiring an interpretation of the Bankruptcy Code before the U.S. Supreme Court.

When he wasn’t sailing or playing bridge, he usually made people smile and was known for his sense of humor. He was also known for being modest.

When the Daily Pilot approached him for an interview, he jokingly said, “I thought you wanted to sell newspapers. You shouldn’t be talking to me.”

A memorial service for Woolsey will take place Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian.

In place of flowers, the family is asking to make donations to The Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 8113 Newport Beach, CA 92658.