DeTour has a truly outstanding Port Captain

Introduction by Vice Commodore Craig Shantz

The Great Lakes Cruising Club’s William J. Kivell Memorial Award was established to recognize a GLCC Port Captain who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has made an outstanding contribution to the Port Captain program. 

This award is named in memory of the late Director William J. Kivell, who was the first to occupy the position of Port Captain Coordinator, in 1987-88. The award is presented at the Club’s annual meeting.

Port Captain Dave Obergefell (H-83), DeTour Village, is the recipient of this year’s William J. Kivell Memorial Award. Dave was nominated by Larry Hunter-Blank. 

Larry Hunter-Blank nomination: While traveling through the North Channel, a friend was separately cruising in the area. He experienced issues with his engine and was docked in DeTour, MI, wondering who he could call for assistance.  I looked up the Port Captain for DeTour and found Dave Obergefell’s name and phone number.  

I placed a call to Dave and he shortly returned my call. I explained the situation and he provided a couple of options for assistance. That help was greatly appreciated and would have been more than enough. However, Dave called me the next day to ask about my friend and if he was still in need of help. I told him I believed he was fine but upon his request, I provided my friend’s contact information.

Dave subsequently not only called my friend, but stopped by his boat at the marina to see if he could be of any further help.

Dave went out of his way, not once, but on several occasions. He rose far and above what I would have expected of a Port Captain. I believe he deserves special recognition. Thank you for the opportunity to recognize Dave’s outstanding assistance.

Response to Award:  Dave was in Antarctica and not able to attend the AGM.  Upon hearing that he was being recognized with the William J. Kivell Memorial Award, Dave stated, "Living and docking in DeTour Village gives me great daily opportunity to meet many of our GLCC members and provide assistance, anywhere  from a friendly welcome to navigation/maintenance help, or providing rides or a car to visitors. I have suggested to many visiting boaters that they join GLCC and explained the benefits".  

"We will be here to welcome and assist our members in DeTour as they head to the 2026 Rendezvous.  As Cindy and I plan to do Superior again this summer, this gives us a good reason perhaps to join a rendezvous for the first time in over 25 years as a member".

"Thanks again for the honor of receiving the William J. Kivell Memorial award.  Please know I will do everything to live up to its meaning".