www.robertsmitchell.com / obituaries

Tobiasson, Bruce Otto , owner of Waterfront Design Associates of Medfield, died on Wednesday morning, February 3, 2010, at the Thomas Upham House after a long illness.

Born in Cambridge on September 22, 1943, he was a son of the late Nils H. and Helen (Jorgenson) Tobiasson. Bruce was a 1961 graduate of Belmont High School and continued his education at Northeastern University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1967.

Bruce began his career as a civil engineer with Crandall Dry Dock Engineering in Cambridge prior to settling in Medfield to work with Childs Engineering in 1969. He founded Waterfront Design Associates over twenty-five years ago and concentrated on building marinas and small craft harbors, a niche which would lead him to projects all over the world. Locally, his designs include waterfront facilities at the Charles River Yacht Club, Marina Bay, Fan Pier and Pier 4, Constitution Marina in Charlestown, the Northeastern University Henderson Boathouse, and berthing arrangements for the USS Salem in Quincy. He authored an internationally recognized reference book, “Marinas and Small Craft Harbors” (1991). Bruce taught marina management courses at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and was an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He had also written extensively on Marine subjects and lectured about marina development on five continents. He was a founding member of the International Marina Institute.

A dedicated Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer for 48 years, Bruce most recently served in many capacities with Flotilla 25-02 in New London, CT. Among his myriad contributions were working as a vessel examiner and a past Division Captain for Division 25. He was appointed an Honorary Chief in the United States Coast Guard in January 2009. Bruce had logged in excess of 1400 volunteer hours in 2006 alone. A certified marine diver, he held a Coast Guard Masters License. His passion was for the sea and his boat, the Westviking, a trawler docked in Old Saybrook, CT. He was a master of marine safety and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his Coast Guard colleagues and fellow boaters.

Bruce was very active civically in Medfield, having served as both Commissioner and on the board of the Water and Sewer Commission for many years. He also served on the Long Range Planning Commission, and in the 1990s, had headed the Medfield High School Music Association.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan (Dahlberg) Tobiasson; a daughter, Kristina T. Elias and her husband Christian of Waltham; a granddaughter, Madison; a brother, Wayne N. Tobiasson and his wife Elizabeth of Etna, NH; and three nieces, Wendy, Becky, and Kirstin.

Visiting hours will be at the Roberts-Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Miller Street, Medfield, on Friday, Feb. 5th from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8p.m. followed by a Graveside Service at Vine Lake Cemetery, 625 Main Street (Rte. 109), Medfield, on Saturday at 11:00a.m.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, Feb. 27th at 11:00a.m., at the Coast Guard Academy Memorial Chapel, 15 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT. If desired, donations may be made in Bruce’s memory to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund, U.S. Coast Guard Mail Stop 7180, 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 610, Arlington, VA 90598-7180.

Guest Book:

Jan Schuler and Gary Ceberek	(garjanzee@att.net):
Dear Sue and family, We are saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. He was a real fighter and amazed us all with his strong will. We will miss him... Jan & Gary

Martha-Jane Ekstrand, Weymouth, MA
What an interesting and impressive life! My deepest sympathy, Kristina, to you and your mother and to all of your family. Love, MJ

bernie clavette & gary pohlmann	(ezmirage@gmail.com):
our deepest sympathy to you all. bruce was one of the nicest guys in the marina. we will all miss him.

Holly Hallowell McKillop	(nursefx@yahoo.com):
Dear Mrs. Tobiasson, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had hoped that 2010 would have been a better year. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. You were such a wonderful friend to Mom. We appreciate you and hold you in our hearts. With love, Holly, Laurel, Lindsay and Hope The Hallowell Sisters

Roger Dion	(cremedy@netzero.net):
I'm very sad to hear of Bruce's passing.I can only hope that what I've learned from him, will make me someday a master of the seas, just as he was. God Bless You All

Anna Floser and family	(afloser@medfield.mec.edu):
Sue - I was so saddened to hear of Bruce's death. I know how difficult this is for you and your family. Please accept our love and best wishes and prayers to see you all through this very difficult time. I know that time and God can get you through this. LOVE Anna

Jack & Andrea Tyler	(jtyler@clarksol.com):
We are saddened by the news of Bruce's passing. Sue, please do not hesitate to call on me should you need any help with the cottage or the boat.

Tom	(tsavoy01@snet.net):
Deepest sympathies to his entire family. As a fellow Auxiliarist, his other family, I can say we will all miss him dearly. I hope it can be some small comfort in knowing how much we all respected Bruce for his knowledge, work ethic, the myriad of things he did for us all and his overall great personality. Semper Paratus.

Ray & Linda	(raylinsea@gmail.com):
Dear Sue & Kristina, Our deepest sympathy to the family during this difficult time. We'll always remember Bruce for the truly remarkable man he was. With love, Ray and Linda

Jay Rosecky	(jayro1934@comcast.net):
My world has become a little smaller -- I miss my good friend of so many years -- though I wish I had known his middle name was Otto !!

John Annino	(john.annino@ct.gov):
The world of Boating Safety has lost a great steward. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bruce's family and freinds. From the State of Connecticut DEP Boating Division.

Dennis And carmen Pike	(rdpike@att.net):
Sue and Kristina, Carmen and myself extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to both of you and the family. Bruce was a good friend and neighbor at the dock. Respect is a mild word for how we felt about him. We will miss him. If there is anything I can help you with at the marina, just call. Love, Dennis, Carmen and Emy.

Janice Knight	(janknight@verizon.net):
Dear Kristina, My heart and prayers go out to you and your Mom at this sad time. I wish I'd had the opportunity to know this amazing man who was your Dad. I know you will always cherish the memories of all you shared with him. My love to you, Janice

Robert Sasso	(robertsasso@livenation.com):
Dear Kristina and Chris, I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. From what I have read and heard he sounds like an extraodinary man and father. Please let me know if there is anythng I can do during this very sad time for your family. Robert

Sally Wallet	(sally0604@comcast.net):
I am Steve Wallet's mom (the M.T.WALLET) just behind your boat at Ragged Rock Marina. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathy to you and your family. How nice that he was able to see his grandchild

John D. Lane	(ka1wvm@yahoo.com):
im truley going to miss bruce, he was always availible to answer questions or give adivice and im glad i had the op to serve as SO CM under his direction when he was division captain, i last saw him at whites point in the fall and enjoyed his conversation and fellowship, he helped me alot in the USCGAUX,and i know im not alone when i say he will be missed! I didnt get to know his family but i want to send my sympathy and prayers their way..Phil 1:3

Steve, Kayla and Diana Wallet	(steven.wallet@diageo.com):
Sue, Kristina and Chris; We are so very sorry for your loss. Bruce was an amazing person and probably one of the nicest guys we have had the pleasure to know. Ragged Rock will not be the same without him. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help during this difficult time.

Steven G. Wapen	(swapen@snet.net):
All Auxiliarists who knew Bruce are going to miss him dearly. His leadership and tireless dedication to service was an inspiration to everyone. Bruce was a true gem.

Mervi Fantasia	(mervi.fantasia@verizon.net):
Dear Kristina and Sue and the entire Tobiasson family, Very sorry to hear about your loss. We had so much respect and admiration for Bruce Tobiasson. What an accomplished individual! We recall all of you fondly from our days with Medfield High School Music program. Mervi and Phil Fantasia

Colleen Sullivan	(sc3ms@verizon.net):
Susan, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, Colleen Sullivan & family

Karen Prager	(prager42@hotmail.com):
Much love to you, Mrs. Tobiasson and Kristina. I'm thinking of you and praying for your family.

Liz and Ed Doherty	(edpdoherty@yahoo.com):
We are so sorry to read of Bruce's passing. He was a good man who gave back a lot more than he ever took. The town of Medfield has lost one of our best. Our thoughts are with you. Liz and Ed Doherty

Jack and Madaline Meyer, Sea Power, Inc	(madmeyer@att.net):
Sue, You know how very sad we are for your loss and ours of a great person. It has been an honor to know him and know how hard he tried to fight to live and how hard he tried to help the CG. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack and Madaline

Bernie Toole	(BernieToole@LiveNation.com):
Kristina and Chris, we are very sorry for your loss and our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. - Bernie & Marianne Toole

Martha Bewick	(marbewick@comcast.net):
Dear members of Bruce's family, I am so very sorry to read of Bruce's death today in the Boston Globe, which included such a wonderful account of his good life. He was someone I worked with over the years on ferryboat and Boston waterfront issues, and was always generous with his advice, and an invaluable resource for those seeking to improve safety and waterfront standards. His book is an absolute classic, and provides a standard worldwide. There will be a great gap on the Boston waterfront, but his memory will loom large among those who admired and respected and liked him. He will never be forgotten. My deep regrets and sympathy. Martha Bewick

Carol and Vinnie Yannone	(taberfan@aol.com):
Dear Sue and family, Thinking of you all, especially today, and wanting you to know how sad we are for your loss as well as Coast Guard Auxiliary-Division 25's loss of such a good friend and champion for the safety of Long Island Sound boaters and the general public. We agree with Martha Bewick's comment that Bruce's memory "will loom large among those who admired and respected and liked him." Please keep us in mind if there is anything we can do to help you out here in Connecticut. With sympathy and love, Carol and Vinnie

Glen Tobiason	(glen.tobiason@gmx.net):
May I express my sincere condolences from across the pond. The world is now missing a fine and respected person. Glen Tobiason and Partner Angelika Ohnemus

Len and Karen Borkowski	(lenbork@snet.net):
We are truly saddened by Bruce's passing. .The boating community and especially "B" dock at Ragged Rock has lost a true friend. His smile, kind words, and selfless acts will always be remembered.It has been an honor to have known him and his family.He will truly be missed. Our deepest sympathy, Karen and Lenny

Marg and Leif Petterson	(margp@norsesys.com):
The "Master Skipper" of B Dock will be sorely missed.

Dave & Pat Lafo	(dlafo70@comcast.net):
Dear Sue & Kristina: Dave & I were so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We send our sincere sympathy to you both and to all your family. Our thoughts and fond memories of Bruce are with you and Kristina at this very difficult and sad time.

Neil & Nancy Ross	(neilross@cox.net):
Beyond his height, Bruce was a giant in the marina industry. His talent as a professional engineer designing marinas was outstanding. But what truly set Toby apart was his enthusiasm for teaching others about good marinas though his illustrated lectures and his book “MARINAS and Small Craft Harbors.” Toby's book is considered the world’s preeminent engineering design reference book. Bruce had the courage and foresight to put, what many professional engineers considered their “trade secrets,” into his book for the common benefit of the marina industry. Sue, you and your family lost a great husband, father and grandfather. I've lost one of my closest marina industry colleagues. But all of us are better for having known and shared life with Bruce. And we share your grief.

Prof. C. Allen Wortley, P.E.	(wortley@engr.wisc.edu):
Bruce was a great teacher and educated thousands of students by lecturing for many years in our Annual Docks and Marina Course and Conference and with this seminal book MARINAS and Small Craft Harbors. Bruce served his country timelessly as he did with all that came in touch with him. He was a true professional and great image for all that believe in serving and helping. Great Job Bruce! Al and Dale Wortley

H. Gene Walker	(hgwalker@allegiance.tv):
Bruce was always a resource when the problem was complicated. The marine industry will miss this pioneer as will I.

Tim Bazley	(tim@bluewaterdesigngroup.com):
Bruce was a steadfast inspiration to me and our company as we continue to follow his example of professionalism in marina designs. He was always able to help lend an ear and offer his guidance whenever I needed him. I know the industry will miss him greatly. I can imagine the loss the family feels. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. I am honored to have known him. Tim Bazley BLUEWater Design Group

ronaldo souza	(rbsouza@msn.com):
Bruce, my friend, I was shocked with Kristina's email! What a loss! We had wonderfull times during your visits to Brazil and the works we've done here, and during all your lectures in the US. And we'll remember you forever. Wherever you are now my dear friend, rest in peace. Sue and Kris, my condolences for you. Bruce was a real friend and I'm very sad for all of this.

John Corrough	(marinaconsultant@aol.com):
My deepest condolences to Bruce's family. It was a true honor to have known Bruce. His contributions to the field of marina and small craft harbor design through his book, his teaching and design efforts have influenced and will continue to influence many. He was gracious with his knowledge, was a true man of the sea, and left us all a definitive legacy of professional contribution. May you have smooth seas and a gentle passage with the wind at your back,Bruce- we are all better at what we do for having known you. John Corrough The Corrough Consulting Group

Rosita Olsson	(jan.olsson@skottanet.se):
Dear Sue. We are very sorry for your loss and our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family Rosita ,Jan,Anders and Claes

George H Bassett Jr. CMM	(gbassett@niresorts.com):
I am very saddened @ the passing of Bruce and share your Grief. He was a Mentor to all of us in the Marina World. He was always there with an answer or assistance when asked. The world has lost a great Seaman and friend. God Bless

Harriet and Goran	(wiman@exploateringskonsult.se):
Dear Sue. Our thoughts goes to you and Kristina with family. We remember the good time when we visited you in 2001 and how we appreciated your hospitality. In clear mind we have the wonderful days we spent with Bruce in your summerhouse and in your boat. He was a very interesting man and he had so much knowledge in boating and marinas – things that interest us a lot. In our bookshelf we have his book about marinas. We share your sorrow and send our condolences.

Patty Iafolla	(pmiafolla@comcast.net):
Hi Mrs. Tobiasson. I'm so sorry to read of your husband's death. When we spoke last you were looking forward to time together after your retirement. All our best to you and your family. Patty Iafolla

Julie Iafolla	(Julz102@comcast.net):
Mrs. Tobiasson, So sorry to hear about your loss. My sympathies to you and your family.

Patty Iafolla	(pmiafolla@comcast.net):
Hi Mrs. Tobiasson. I'm so sorry to read of your husband's death. When we spoke last you were looking forward to time together after your retirement. All our best to you and your family. Patty Iafolla

Suzanne Smith	(Division25nl@yahoo.com):
Hi Sue, Deeply saddened by the passing of Bruce. Even for the short time I knew Bruce it was a great honor to help relieve him of one of his many duties as Auxiliary Division Commander. I also really loved hearing about how much he enjoyed his little grandchild. With Deepest Sympathy to you and your family.







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