Lakebay Marina Resort on the mend

Hugh McMillan

Lakebay Marina Resort played host for two nights in early April to 13 boats of the Tacoma Power Squadron under the leadership of Commander Tim Craig and his wife, Linda, third and fourth at the far side of this table.  Photo by Hugh McMillan, KP News

In early April, Mark and Cindy Scott, co-owners of the Lakebay Marina Resort, hosted a "by contribution only" pancake breakfast with all the trimmings. It was a fundraiser to help defray unanticipated cost overruns in their efforts to resuscitate the landmark facility. Scores of enthusiastic supporters flocked to the site to help.

Among the marina's many supporters, 13 boats of the Tacoma Power Squadron spent two nights there under the leadership of Commander Tim Craig and his wife, Linda. They joined scads of Key Peninsula citizens at the breakfast. All want the marina brought back to its former glory days, a time when it hosted a multitude of yacht clubs from around the Sound and even Canadian waters at dinner dances to live music.

Tim Craig said, "The owners and (we) put on a nice breakfast to help with the cost of getting this marina gong again. My uncle Riney and aunt Bernie owned the marina in the '60s. Everything (that is) here, my uncle put here. My mom, Inez, and aunt Bernie worked in the kitchen and sold breakfasts and lunches to the community. Some of my cousins and neighborhood kids worked the docks and we had gas here, too. I have many great memories of this place."

Speaking for 23 members of the visiting Tacoma Power Squadron, Larry and Cindy Warren wrote, "We have been teaching boating education since 1939. Our older boaters always came here and always spoke of the good times and great scenery. ... The Tacoma Power Squadron has adopted the marina and comes once a year with a work party to help out.”

All the proceeds from the breakfast went toward satisfying requirements from the Pierce County Health Department , according to the Warrens.

Dennis Stuhaug of Longbranch said, "We've been stopping here for 30 years. We need the marina as part of the heart, business and social life of our community."

Pierce County Councilman Stan Flemming, who has been a supporter of the marina, said he used to love spending warm summer days as a boy at the marina in Steilacoom.

“Like Lakebay Marina, it was old and reflective of life along these shores,” he said. “Lakebay Marina is a local treasure and historic icon in our community. Preserving it is crucial to ensuring a part of our past is preserved for current and future generations.

“Mark and Cindy Scott have done a superb job capturing the ambiance and spirit of the marina's life,” he added. “Now, we need to step up to help ensure that it is preserved. It's like standing on the one-yard line in the fourth quarter and they're in need of a 12th-man rally. It's our community, our history, and I urge everyone to help cross the goal line."

Cindy Scott said she and her husband were grateful about the tremendous support they’ve received from the community. “Without this wonderful community, there would be no us,” she said.

For information about Lakebay Marina and Resort, go to lakebaymarina.com.