My search for Larry Knapp turned into quite an adventure.

Since I don’t pick up bait early enough, that option was out.So I needed to do a little detective work. Where have I seen Larry lately? I recalled seeing him at the East Side Park dock during the tribute boat parade for George McEvoy, so I headed over there on a chance sighting. No boats, no luck. So my next thought was Atlantic Edge. I knew that Larry went out early and came in early, but I wasn’t sure what early was. I asked Linda at Atlantic Edge if Larry kept his boat there or on one of their moorings. She told me to wait a minute and went into the office to ask if anyone knew Larry’s traffic pattern. She came back out and said that he was just taking his boat across the harbor to the Tugboat marina which is where he has kept his boat in winter for some time. That was my break. I made it for the Tugboat hoping to catch him before he packed in for the day.

Success! On the outer most berth, I spotted Larry’s boat with Dustin Bibber buttoning up a canvas cover. I said hi to Dustin, an old friend from his high school days with our daughter Megan. He said that Larry was in the bilge area hooking up a heater to help keep things from freezing during the cold. I recalled that Larry had some back issues and imagined the process of crawling around in tight spaces would not be an entirely pleasant process.

Larry emerged. We chatted a bit as we always do upon reconnecting, then I asked him if I could make a photo for my Register column. He said OK, so I rushed off to get my camera before he changed his mind. When I got back to the boat, Larry was tidying up around the boat, as was Dustin, and he, perhaps a little reluctantly, let me grab a few quick frames.

I met Larry at the YMCA back when Len Willett was the directer. I used the Y because my apartment at Treasure Island had no water in winter, and no heat! I recall an unfinished glass of scotch froze during the night, so the heat of the Y was a welcomed relief.

Larry and I would cross paths from time to time. His family lived at the head of Little River and, as I mentioned in a previous column, I would see his father on the water and around the area. His mother, Gloria, was one of my favorite, all-time check out persons at Shop ’n Save. She always remembered me and was such a delight. I missed her when she left that job.

In March of 1988, my now wife Susan and I found ourselves expecting (after 10 years together). Our parents were not happy that we were not married. So on a whim, I called Larry and asked him if he would be willing to take us out on his boat Notaluca for a small wedding with David Stinson, the Congregational minister and a group of friends. He graciously agreed and, on a remarkably mild and sunny March 17, we dropped anchor just off the Royall property next to Virginia Inness-Brown’s cottage near the mouth of Little River. We wanted to include Virginia, a good friend, but she was recovering from a stroke and couldn’t join onboard. It was perfect. Virginia looked out from her cottage window as the ceremony took place. I and we will always be grateful to Larry for being so generous and accommodating.

There aren’t too many people left in the area that I have known for as long as I have known Larry. Lucky me and lucky all who don’t need early bait! Captain Knapp, we thank you for being you. We’ll keep the light on for you!