The Old Dominion Boat Club

Alexandria, Virginia - , “As a slipholder, I spent a lot of weekends with Deac, maybe 12 to13 years. Everybody loved him. He added a personal touch to the City Marina and is an icon up and down the river” commented Old Dominion Boat Club’s Commodore Lorraine Lloyd and City Marina slip holder following a ceremony and social gathering of food and beverages hosted at the ODBC in memory of Fay Egbert “Deac” Heath (Jr.), Alexandria City Marina Dockmaster.

“Deac” succumbed to a massive heart attack on March 28, 2005 while working the Alexandria docks. He was 59 years old. On Saturday, June 4th, family and friends participated in a short Memorial Service on the City Marina’s A/B Pier followed by a procession of 14 boats. The Alexandria Fire Boat, Viligant, escorted the parade and roses were cast from each boat to the water in front of “Deac’s” Marina office as the John Glenn Fireboat of D.C. sprayed its hoses in the background as a tribute to “Deac.” “I am amazed at the number of friends Deac has. No wonder he loved his job so much” said Mona Heath, his wife. The R&R Belmont Bay Marina Charter Boat carried Mona and family members during the parade. City Marina slip holder and ODBC Club member Steve Bell said, “I’ve been a slip holder since 1999 and was new to boating. Deac gave me a slip where he knew I would be comfortable docking and always seemed to be there to help. He watched out for our boats and took care of them during extreme high/low tides. I have always felt that my boat was secure with Deac there.”

Rodney Masser, Alexandria Fire Department #201 said, “I’ve known Deac for 13 years. I dealt with him a lot. He was so helpful and everyone liked him. He was just an all around great guy. He will be missed.”

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Old Dominion Boat Club

The Old Dominion Boat Club has been a part of the Alexandria community since its first meeting in September of 1880. Over the course of its 125-year history the club’s membership has grown from 75 to 700 on the current roster. The Boat Club has consistently promoted charitable causes and community service. Among the club’s many community activities and outreach opportunities are its sponsorship of the Select Fall H.S. Rowing Program, 30-year-long sponsorship of a Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing, charitable donations to the Make a Wish Foundation and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and funding of high school scholarships for rowing.

Alexandria City Marina

The Alexandria City Marina is located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the southeast tip of Founders Park. The marina is surrounded by parks, walking/bike trails, quaint restaurants, shops, historic sites and is host to summer concerts.

For boating enthusiasts, the marina is a 3 mile cruise from Washington DC and Maryland. In addition to affording a spectacular view of the Potomac River, the City Marina has 62 boat slips plus additional short-term docking space on sea walls and adjacent areas.

The City Marina offers docking for pleasure boats and commercial vessels. For boaters who wish to stay over night, restroom and shower facilities are available. One 30 amp electrical connection and water hose bib (in season) are available for each boat slip.