William J. (Bill) Larson, 75

Newport, R.I.

Bill died on May 12, 2018. He was born in Bellport, L.I. to Anders Peter and Florence Mary Dyer Larson, and was raised in New York City.

Bill graduated from the Trinity School in New York City. He attended Randolph Macon University and graduated from American University with a degree in foreign policy. He was perhaps proudest of his service in the U.S. Army intelligence service, stationed in Berlin during the Cold War.

Bill was the principal of EXMAR, a manufacturer’s representative firm in the marine industry, for 40 years. His clients depended on his extensive understanding of specialized products from anchors to engines and from high-tech rigging to commercial fishing gear. He knew the particulars of every boatyard and supplier through the Northeast U.S. and Canada.

He was an avid sailor and a member of the New York Yacht Club and the Storm Trysail Club. He served for several seasons as a volunteer coach with the U.S. Naval Academy Offshore Sailing Team, instructing midshipmen on racing tactics, teamwork, and on-the-water leadership and sportsmanship. He maintained contact with many of them following their graduation and took pleasure in their achievements as commissioned officers.