ForeverMissed
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Tributes
March 27, 2023
March 27, 2023
I am currently building one of his boats, the "Saucy Shingle" and I have to give appreciation and love to the man himself. Thanks
August 22, 2022
August 22, 2022
Dear Glen , I know that even if you are not with us physically but spiritually you are, and you still can hear my words , I am so grateful to you for more than 13 years ago i came through your web site and as a crazy fisher man by hobby , i been cought by your way to Inca rage people to build their own boats and since then i am still waiting and looking for a chance to start as i am still living in an apartment with no Garage and I am sure that i will do it soon may be using my son's. i miss you man may God bless your sole . and as for you Gayle you should be always so so proud of you dad as one of the kind, God bless you.
August 22, 2021
August 22, 2021
Caring employer, prolific designer, father figure. You had an incredible influence on the boating world. I wish I had thanked you more often for your kindness and for employing me for 35 years. God's speed, Glen.
June 14, 2020
June 14, 2020
Thank you Glen for the wonderful hours I have spent wearing out many editions of your Book of Dreams. I still hope to build one soon!
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
Since I was young, Glen was an inspiration for me. Throug the many articles he wrote in Popular Mechanics (my father followed it) I growed familiar with boat building. Finally as an adult (1987) I built the Glen L 10 to my big joy, whose images are somewhere in the Glen-L webpage.
Glen, thank you for your inspiring life.
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
My grandsons continue to enjoy the IMP built for them a few years back. Death comes not with the last breath, rather the last time a name is spoken. Mr Witt continues with us.
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
I was homeless when I came across the Glen-L Trailer site and learned I could build my own RV and have a home again. I will FOREVER be grateful to Witt and his family for giving me hope- a priceless gift. Today, I'm planning to start my build and am encouraging others to do the same. Thank you and God bless your family!
August 22, 2019
August 22, 2019
We shared some common loves, boats and classical music. My favorite boat pattern is the Bolero Runabout and asked his daughter if he ever played that famour classical piece at home and she remembered that he had and realized the reason for the boat name. It is great that he left a legacy to his daughter to carry on the business after his death. Obviously he lead a good life.
June 13, 2019
June 13, 2019
I can remember so well (forty years ago) coming across a small ad in an out of date boating book,,,"Build your own boat...)"
What a great idea I thought... I wonder if I can do that!
What an impact that little ad made on my life.
Thank you Glen
August 23, 2018
August 23, 2018
Glen has been an inspiration for me since the early 80s. His designs, particularly his "Lucky Pierre" has been the stuff of dreams. By his designs and his family, hewill live forever! 
Thanks, Glen!
August 23, 2018
August 23, 2018
I was inspired by Glen's designs from the first time I saw the website. I have spent countless hours looking through the catalog. Glen had a gift and he shared it with us all.
August 22, 2018
August 22, 2018
My thanks for the life of Mr. Witt, whose common sense for the common man brought about and popularized the garage-built boat. The fact that his boats now frequently appear in WoodenBoat Magazine is testimony to his talent and love for clean, eye-pleasing lines, where form defines both function and performance.
November 7, 2017
November 7, 2017
I just learned of the passing of Glen L Witt. Only in recent years did I even become acquainted with the company. Since then I have avidly followed this site. I have not only been inspired by the designs, but more importantly, to me, the man behind it all. Gayle, your sharings have made me feel as if I am part of your family. I suspect I am far from alone in that. Your father gave us so much more then boat plans. He gave us an example of how a man should truly live and help make life better for family, friends, and strangers.
August 22, 2017
August 22, 2017
Glen, thank you for the knowledge and inspiration you gave me through your books and plans. Thank you for the time you spent that one afternoon at your business when you autographed my brand new copy of "Plywood Boat Building". You may have gone home, but you will remain with us through the knowledge and inspiration you gave us all!
August 22, 2017
August 22, 2017
His plans gave me hope that I could build a small trailer and get out of being homeless. That will always be priceless to me. He will be sorely missed.
July 21, 2017
July 21, 2017
Glen made a difference in many people's lives. His body of work is impressive.
July 12, 2017
July 12, 2017
Glen has been an ispiration for me for thirty years. I have dreamed about building a boat and purchased plans and books. Some years ago, I happened to be in southern California on business and had the opportunity to visit Glen L Marine. I bought Glen's book on Plywood Boat Building and he was gracious enough to autograph it for me.

He was a fine Gentleman, with an equally gracious daughter. He will be missed, but my world is definitely better for his presence.

John L Downing, III
LTC, FA, USAR (Ret)
Amherst, NH
July 6, 2017
July 6, 2017
I was deeply touched knowing that Glen has passed on. I also have benefited from his works even though I live across the seas, far away in Nigeria.
July 6, 2017
July 6, 2017
I was fortunate to have worked for Glen for 35 years. I began with Glen L. Marine as an apprentice wood worker in 1971 and soon became shop foreman. Working for Glen was an incredible privilege. As an employer Glen was beyond generous. During down economic periods Glen kept employees working out of sheer compassion. I regarded Glen as a good friend who offered me sage advice often. Glen L. Marine was a family affair with Gayle and Barry also contributing mightily but the rest of us were always made to feel an important part of this family. Those of us who were fortunate enough to work for and with Glen lost more than an employer. A huge part of our life also left us and will never be replaced.
June 30, 2017
June 30, 2017
Likely the most influential person in the home built industry. Innovative, influential, very helpful and generous. A hole now exists, not probable to be filled any time soon with his lose. My deepest sympathies and thoughts for Gayle, John and family.
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
My deepest condolences Gayle, John and Family, I have always enjoyed the emails and as soon as I get healthy again and I will, I will be building a Glen L boat. Although it will take longer now.......
   Smooth sailing Glen,, you will be missed.....Sean
June 27, 2017
June 27, 2017
Please accept my most profound condolences on the passing of that great man who was your father. Although I hope to soon join the ranks of Glen-L boat builders, I have already had the immeasurable pleasure of reading Glen's books and studying his plans.. And dreaming.
June 26, 2017
June 26, 2017
The boating world loses another great one! Fair winds and following seas Glen L. Witt.
June 25, 2017
June 25, 2017
With the passing of your Dad, Glen, we have lost one of the last of a generation of creative people that brought boat building to the masses, great souls like Percy Blandford, Phil Bolger, and Harold Payson. Blessings on you and your family.
June 25, 2017
June 25, 2017
Have followed Glen-L marine all my life. I feel a great loss. My condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.
June 21, 2017
June 21, 2017
Glen's amazing designs continue to inspire. I have built 5 Squirts over the years starting when I was a teenager. may he rest in peace and continued success to the business he created.
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
My family built two of your designs, the Glen L 21 and Centerfold. My sincerest condolence to you and your family
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
Sad times, but glen will be remembered for a long time to come,i have almost completed Delta Q
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
Gayle, Your Father's life and work will continue on and his soul, will be in your heart forever. Love and Prayers for your loss.
Amen

Paul McComas
Jacksonville, Florida
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
Dear Gayle, my heartfelt condolences for the death of your father, the spirit of him will continue in you as captain of GLEN-L, enthusing many who dream of building a boat.

Ignacio Rosales Sch.
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
Though I never actually met Mr. Witt, He taught me, and all of us a lot about boats and boatbuilding and about perseverance.
    He has touched so many people in a manner that undoubtedly made us more capable, independent, and certainly expanded us in such a positive way.
    He must have been,- make that Be, wonderful.
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
You have been such a big part of our lives. "Fisherman", "Lucky Pierre"
"Vera Cruise" "Utility" and "Squirt"
So many happy memories.
Fare well my friend.
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
Gayle and John We are very sorry to here of your fathers passing . Paula and I will have you in our prayers. His legacy will live on through the decades in all the Glen L boats that have been lovingly built by their owners in the past , and all his designs yet to be built in the future.
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
Fair winds and following seas Mr. Witt. Thank you for sharing your lifetime of achievements with us. God speed to Gayle and the "Crew" you truly have made the world a brighter place.
June 19, 2017
June 19, 2017
I am so so sorry for the lost of the great Mr.G.L.Witt , it is years now and I am waiting for the right timing to start building my dream boat, kept watching your site every week and have more inspiration , my only problem is to have a place where I can work. but just to see the success of others thanks to Mr. Witt was filling me with Joy and no stop hope, may God bless his sole for all the happiness that he put in the heart of the others with his help, and bless you to keep his memory and tradition alive for the joy of many others and for many many years to come. Thanks again Mr. Glen , may God rest your sole in his great peace.
June 19, 2017
June 19, 2017
Gayle: my heart is heavy knowing the sadness you are feeling. I do know how much you loved your Dad and how often you saw him and how you took care of him. Feel comforted knowing that your Dad knew you loved him so much. What a blessing for any parent to know that their child loves them!
June 18, 2017
June 18, 2017
My deepest condolences Gayle and family. Although I never met your father, I feel as though I knew him, from your stories over the years, and the enjoyment I have received from planning and dreaming of the day I build a Glen-L boat.
June 18, 2017
June 18, 2017
Our prayers go out for you. I first got interested in building a boat thru your ad's. Rest in Peace Glen.
Ed Davis DSC USN Ret
June 18, 2017
June 18, 2017
I am deeply saddened to learn of you father's death. Many were inspired by him to do the unthinkable...to build a boat they could not otherwise afford; to learn new skills; to work with a daughter, son, spouse, or friend; to take pride in, to celebrate, and to share with both friends and strangers alike the path from creation to christening. To carry in your memory the unique aromas of turpentine, tung oil, varnish, saw dust, stain, and paint, or to catch out of the corner of your eye the unmistakable glint of sunlight reflecting off the varnished surface of a wooden boat; to hold a sweating bottle of a cold,refreshing beverage while taking a break as a ballgame plays on a transistor radio (a WHAT?) or maybe an iPhone. And to have these long-ago memories spring to life when unexpectedly encountered and transport you back to a distant time and place populated with family and friends now far away or gone. Your father, and those like him (yourself included) accomplished this by creating boat plans and the means to carry them out. How marvelous...for him, for you, for us. May his memory be for a blessing, and this Father's Day be for a celebration, commemoration, and affirmation of his life and his gifts to us all.
June 18, 2017
June 18, 2017
In New Zealand we have a single saying /word to describe such a person and legacy such as Glens

Ledgend
June 17, 2017
June 17, 2017
My dad built two Glen L designs over the years, and now so am I.
Building boats made my dad very happy, thank you Glen.

To the Witt family please accept my deepest condolences.
June 17, 2017
June 17, 2017
A genuine inspiration...  So many years I dreamed of his boats... God Bless
June 17, 2017
June 17, 2017
It is sad to hear of Glen's passing. However, his legacy will go on, especially through all who have built a boat from one of his plans. I am privileged to be working on a boat project, and would not be able to do so without his wonderful company. I pray that he rests in peace, with pride in the family and company he created.
June 17, 2017
June 17, 2017
Dear Gayle & Family, Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. Your dad was obviously a great inspiration to many people, and your plans have been used world-wide. I haven't yet built a boat but seeing the boats that some have built from your plans are truly awesome.
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