Bruce Brakenhoff, 80, a notable member of the American yachting industry, died on June 15 at his home in Jamestown, R.I. Mr. Brakenhoff started his career more than 50 years ago with Orienta Marine in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and was a vice president of Northrop and Johnson.
In 1967, he co-founded Bartram and Brakenhoff, a yacht brokerage firm, with his partner and friend Joe Bartram. Mr. Brakenhoff grew up in Larchmont, N.Y., and moved to Jamestown in 1985. He was a former Commodore of the Conanicut Yacht Club in Jamestown, a member of the Storm Trysail Club, and a former member of the New York Yacht Club and the Larchmont Yacht Club. He also was the ethics committee chairman for the Yacht Brokers Association of America for more than 20 years and treasurer of the American Yacht Charter Association.
A mainstay of the yachting industry, he wrote and created some of the original charter contracts, regulations and practices that are still in use today. He was well-liked and respected in the yachting industry and his colleagues say that he will be missed and impossible to replace. Mr. Brakenhoff also served as the moderator of the First Baptist Church in Jamestown and was active on its Board of Trustees, serving several terms over the years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Noel H. Brakenhoff, his son Bruce R. Brakenhoff Jr., of Portsmouth, R.I., and his daughter Betsy Brakenhoff Hickey, of Hanalei, Hawaii; grandchildren, Emily Brakenhoff, Grace Brakenhoff, Malia Hickey, Julia Orchard Merkel, Andrea Orchard, Dennis Orchard and Michael Orchard; and great-grandson John and James Merkel. A memorial service will be held in July.
Published in The Providence Journal on June 18, 2012