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In memory of John (Jack) Brady, who left us in April of this year, 2004
I have known Jack, a successful film producer, for over thirty-five years. Jack had a personal interest in the development of this product and I am very grateful for his involvement and encouragement. The story of how I came to know Jack is one of the adventures that helped inspire development of the Multibananaboat. I immigrated to the United States 38 years ago. Arriving in New York, I traveled across the country for the next year with three companions visiting America’s spectacular natural resources. My love of surf eventually took me to the beaches of Southern California. For the next month we pitched our tent, camping out from San Diego to Santa Barbara. While at Leo Carrillo State Beach north of Malibu, we had just set up our camp and headed south along the beach where we witnessed a sailboat capsize in the surf line. A trained lifeguard in my native country, I immediately entered the water and assisted in getting both the occupants and the sailboat safely ashore. To show their appreciation, the people asked me to join them at a gathering that was taking place at their home just up from the beach. Three of the more confident in the group decided once again to try their hand at sailing the boat. The strong southerly breeze increased over the next few hours. One of the people who had taken the sailboat out later returned, explaining that the boat was beached about three miles south, and they were unable to sail it back in the strong headwind. Everyone followed her to the scene, where I offered my assistance once more. I suggested that attempting to tack back and forth up the beach in the prevailing wind would be a difficult and lengthy process, but I had another idea. They helped me launch the sailboat out through the shore break. I sailed it out alone about eight miles, enabling me to gain a sufficient angle to the wind, allowing one long tack back to the house.
When I finally arrived back at the house after dusk, I was given a hero’s welcome by an anxious group of people who had all but given up on my safe return. Jack, their neighbor, was among the most concerned. I was introduced to Jack who graciously expressed admiration of my efforts. Since that day I never lost touch with Jack. He opened his heart and his home to me, and made me feel like I was one of the family. He helped me procure employment in the film business, first as a stuntman, and later as a carpenter and set designer. Jack was interested in the Multibananaboat from the day I shared my vision with him. He involved his entire family in testing and promoting it. I credit my good friend Jack Brady with the success I have had taking the Multibananaboat from a dream to a reality. Jack is missed by all who knew him. I will always remember him, and the friendship and support he gave to all those he came in contact with.
Leon Halfon
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