Eight Bells – Paul Gervais

It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of our dear friend and fellow iceboater, Paul Gervais, who left us on September 11, 2025. His passing leaves an eternal Void over Champlain.

For over three decades, Paul was a steadfast presence on Lake Champlain. He was the trusted voice for ice conditions, covering the lake with unmatched dedication and care. Even after shifting his winter pursuits to skiing, Paul remained our go-to source for Champlain ice. His reports, shaped by a lifetime of knowledge, were relied upon with confidence. If Paul said the ice conditions were good, we knew it was at least as good as he reported. Along with the usual caveat of hazards.

Many of us owe countless days of sailing on Champlain to Paul’s vigilance. From Inner and Outer Mallets to Burlington, Shelburne Bay, south of the bridge, and elsewhere. His keen eye and tireless devotion opened the way for racing and cruising that might otherwise never have been possible.

I will always remember, some time in the early or mid 90’s, venturing across the pressure ridge between Inner and Outer Mallets Bay to race, the promise of vast, black ice opened up before me. It was my first true taste of big ice, a gift made possible by Paul’s watchful presence.

Paul’s spirit will live on in every stretch of black ice, and in every breeze that carries us across Champlain with speed. May he now find eternal joy carving perfect lines through mogul-packed slopes and sailing forever fast across endless black ice.

A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 3:00 PM
at Champlain Marina, 982 W Lakeshore Dr, Colchester, VT (Mallets Bay).

Friends are warmly invited to gather, honor Paul, and share stories of a life so richly lived.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. Please share your memories of Paul in the comments section and send any pictures you have to me.