Eight Bells: Bruce Rifkin

Bruce Rifkin, long time member of San Diego Yacht Club, died June 21 in San Diego, CA due to complications from MS after a valiant fight. He was 58 years of age.

Bruce was a graduate of San Diego State University, following which he spent a year in Panama doing marine research. He was one of the earliest employees of the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, a community sailing facility for residents and area university students and alumni, where he worked for many years.

Bruce was a sought after craftsman, which included the keel construction for America’s Cup boats, and designed and oversaw the construction of the boat in the Point Loma library. He was an accomplished sailor, surfer and wood worker, and could be described as an all-around waterman.

In his later years, he organized and helped run the MS Day on the bay, and designed items to improve the lives of the disabled and volunteered as a U.S. Sailing Judge. He is survived by his parents Gordon and Bernice Rifkin, brother David Rifkin and sister Cella Rifkin as well as Jane Engelman.

Ashes will be scattered Sunday, July 27 from SDYC, followed by a gathering of friends and family at the yacht club at about 11:00/11:30.