There's a gentleman out there who has done a lot for the Chris Craft Commander community, and he's done it quietly, and with a LOT of polish. I just wanted to take a moment and let people know who this guy is.
Curt Radford started boating as a small child. Here he is boating alone on Lake Michigan.
Shortly after this photo was taken, he wrote the first of several outstanding articles to appear in Classic Boating Magazine, including “Classic Glass”, the first real feature article (and one of the most informative) I ever found about the 38 Commander.
(Actually that’s James Armstrong, learning the ropes early!)
Caught in his own element, on the docks, plenty of Commanders in the water, with a camera.
In his element, at the controls of an aircraft. This photo was with good friend Gary Otto, in Gary’s plane, heading out from Drummond Island.
Curt, always the avid boating enthusiast, and friend, seen here with fellow founding Chris Craft Commander Club co-founder, Todd Heinrich, at the helm. I don’t recall who the other gent is. Someone send me a note if you know.
Note received recently, added by edit: "The gentleman to the left is Robbie McDonald a surgeon from Oshkosh who has a 42' Commander."
Here's a photo Alarik Von Hofsten took of Curt, again, in his element, on a Commander with his camera. This photo distorted when I was formatting it, but I kept it because it does look kind of surreal.
Here's the one Alarik took.
I've had the pleasure of working with Curt as a co-founder of the Chris Craft Commander Club, and essentially, working with him over the last six years. During this time I've enjoyed his great sense of humor, his genuine interest in the Commander community, and his sense of fair play. Curt recently sold his boat, but he still has a friend with a Commander (many friends, actually), so I'm hoping we see lots more of this guy in the future.
During the last year Curt spent a lot of time working on the bylaws for the Commander Club. The work was submitted in Michigan City last August, and it was the catalyst for what evolved into the new Bylaws accepted by the club with a 95% affirmative vote. Curt, it's been a huge pleasure and priveledge to be able to work with you, and to know you as a friend. Thanks for all you've done for the Commander community, and I'm looking forward to the next time we can shake hands and say "hello" in person.
Regards,
Paul
