Guilford Ware Full, 97

Brooklin, Maine

Guilford Ware Full, lovingly known as “Giffy,” died peacefully on Saturday, July 6, with his children Bill Full and Arlene “Tuny” Page at his side in Brooklin. Giffy was born in Lynn, Mass., on Feb. 9, 1927, to William Sanford Full and Mabel Farnham Full.

The family relocated to 16 Beacon St. in Marblehead, Mass., where Giffy and his siblings William, Barbara, Jim and Caroline grew up. As luck would have it, their new home happened to be directly across the street from Graves Yacht Yard where custom wooden boats were being built, rehabbed and stored. It was on those hallowed grounds that Giffy learned everything and more about the wooden boat industry and, in very short order, became a student in wooden boat building and care, while somehow surviving a traditional education. With World War II underway, Giffy didn’t wait to be called up. Rather, he lied about his age and served in the U.S. Navy until at the war’s end he was honorably discharged.

On his return to Marblehead, Giffy threw himself into the marine industry with a strong focus on the building and surveying of wooden boats. His reputation blossomed. In 1949, Giffy began a 22-year run as private captain aboard the yachts of Maynard and Jane Ford.

In early 1952, Giffy was invited to a blind date, and chose the yacht Maggie Fury for drinks and dinner, where he met the love of his life, Charlotte. Legend has it that it took Giffy several months before making it clear to her that he was the captain of the yacht, not the owner! That said, the die was cast. Giffy and Charlotte were married in 1952, and welcomed son William in 1954, and daughter Tuny in 1956.

Giffy and his brother Jim were “like-minded souls” and together bought, designed and built boats to support a dynamic business of boat charters, harbor excursions, deep-sea fishing and the like. Together they ruled Marblehead Harbor for over 25 years.

Giffy’s reputation as an honest and thorough surveyor of any type of boat was beyond reproach. He loved the work and was honored to have assessed famous vessels such as the Mayflower II, the USNS Constitution, Ticonderoga, and many of the Aage Nielsen-designed boats, and no fewer than 60 of the Concordia yawls. That said, Giffy was just as happy to help newcomers to the boating world with his classic “free advice!” He loved his connection with the WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, where he taught the basics of surveying boats to eager students who invariably became close friends.

Giffy’s “pseudo” retirement allowed for extensive cruising with Charlotte and more friends (and friends yet to be) than can ever be counted. Ultimately, they chose the wooden boat capital of America – Brooklin, Maine – as their true and final home. They enjoyed camaraderie, storytelling, family, and their “open door” policy that never failed to bring fun and laughter. After Charlotte’s passing in 1994, Giffy was supported by friends and family, who encouraged him to soothe his heartache by buying another boat, the Golden Rings, named in honor of Charlotte. Eventually his boat-owning days came to a quiet close, but Giffy’s passion for boats, family and friends never waned. Giffy passed away just as he wanted: with family and friends galore, with dedicated caregivers, phone friends, “in his house!” with the odd rum and Coke, and with the sure knowledge that he was respected and loved beyond measure.

Bon voyage, “Cap.”

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