F. Weston "Wes" Starratt, a contributor to Bay Crossings from its earliest days, died on August 6 after a brief illness. He was 85 years old.
By Bobby Winston
Published: September, 2011
F. Weston Wes Starratt, a contributor to Bay Crossings from its earliest days, died on August 6 after a brief illness. He was 85 years old.
Wes wrote countless articles for Bay Crossings and for a time served as senior editor. He was a correspondent for Cargo Business News, Professional Mariner, and Pacific Maritime Magazine and for 20 years served as editor of the journal of the National Society of Professional Engineers.
He was also an indefatigable writer of letters to the editor. His trenchant, Cassandra-like missives on regional planning, infrastructure, emergency preparedness—and much more—were, like Wes himself, scrupulously well-prepared and invariably reflected large amounts of determined hard work. His letters appeared regularly in the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Tribune and especially the Marin Independent Journal.
Wes had a particular interest in issues regarding Marin, where he lived for many years in San Rafael with his longtime partner, Dominick. But his overriding passion was reserved for the maritime industry and, in particular, a vision of comprehensive regional ferry service for the Bay Area.
Wes was there at the beginning of Bay Crossings, contributing exhaustive accounts of the birthing pangs associated with the founding of what is now the Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA). He brought a relentless focus to bear on the importance of regional emergency preparation, presaging a mandate in 2008 by the California State Legislature charging WETA with creating such a regional plan.
Wes was never shy about expressing his opinions, in press or in person, and the more he cared about something, the more pointed his point of view became. Wes cared a very great deal about Bay Crossings and, in truth, it wasn’t always easy hearing what he had to say. He wanted the best for us, meaning the entire San Francisco Bay maritime and waterfront community. He was a mentor and friend and we miss him very much.
