The Theisz family, Des, Joyce, Jenny (now Pichler), Greg and Trevor were a very active family in the Club during the late 70’s and early 80’s.  When the WYC Sailing School commenced in 1979, Des was one of the first instructors along with Pauline and Greg Cleaver with Bryan Hill as the Principal.

Des and daughter Jennifer were amongst our better Sabre sailors for a number of years.  Des also raced in a Heron, an Impulse and a 125 in his time at the club.  Adam Smith Senior reminisces about hard fought battles with Des on the upward leg, rounding the windward mark and Des inevitably lighting up a cigarette to enjoy for the reach.

Des’s lasting legacy is the board he constructed that we still use to describe the sailing course of the day.

Des’s funeral will be held this Friday at 11am at St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne.