Letter To The Editor: Randy Eckstein

It was with sadness that I read about the passing of Randy Eckstein in the October 29 issue of the WJ.

I fondly recall early in my career with the WJ, my interview in late 1977 with Randy and his lovely wife Roslyn, sitting at the kitchen table of their home in Harahan, La., which served as their office as they began Eckstein Marine Service.

He was a bright, spunky, ambitious young man, only 25 years old and excited about their fledging company as they described the pending delivery of their first towboat, the Roslyn Eckstein from Albert Ortis Boat Building Company. I was fortunate to be on hand for the delivery of the boat at Krotz Springs, La., a few months later, where Roslyn smashed a bottle of champagne against the bow in a quickly organized and unpretentious christening of their first boat in a fleet that eventually expanded to 36 boats.

I was sorry to learn several years ago of his medical condition that forced an early retirement and more saddened to read of his passing.

By poignant coincidence, the Forty Years Ago column in the same issue included a reference to the new 1,000 hp. Randy Eckstein (first of three boats to eventually bear his name) being delivered to Eckstein Marine Service by Albert Ortis Boat Building Company.

Jeff L. Yates

Editor, Inland River Record