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“There is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” Ratty, The Wind in the Willows

E. Peter Schellens passed away peacefully on May 26 at his home, South Cove Farm, in Essex. He had celebrated his 95th birthday on May 9. Born in 1922 in Montreal, Canada, to Eugene Levering and Dorothy MacClenathan Schellens, Pete grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and attended Riverdale Country Day School in New York.

He received his BS degree in naval architecture from the University of Michigan in 1944, where he met and married his devoted wife of 71 years, Elizabeth Torrey Grimes of Ann Arbor. Pete and Betty settled in Essex after he returned from the Pacific Front in WWII, where they raised their three sons, Dick, Kit, and Tom. He and his father founded the Schellens-True Corporation in Ivoryton, manufacturing turbine blades for the aerospace and power industries.

He continued in this career until his retirement, when he once again pursued his love of designing and building wooden boats with friends Rod Lucas and Dave Edwards in his own shop. Beginning with rowboats, he graduated to larger Downeast designs, the “Aunt Elma,” “Summertime,” and “Corinthian.” Pete’s love of the ocean and blue-water sailing took the family the length of the New England coast over many summers on their three Crocker Cutters.

His three sons all continue this love of boats and the water, a true gift from their father. Whether in Essex, Port Clyde, Maine, or Man-O-War Cay, Bahamas, Pete was sure to be found near salt water, close to a boat, with his ever-present smile and a twinkle in his eye, delivering quips like “I’m happier than a clam at high tide,” “if I had a tail it would be wagging,” or “if you’re not enjoying life, you’re missing the point!”

Pete is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Dick Schellens and Stephanie Hampton of Portland, Maine, Kit and Kathy Schellens of Essex, and Tom and Jane Schellens of Old Lyme; eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Betty who died in July 2016.

A private family service is planned. Memorial contributions in Pete’s honor may be made to The Mystic Seaport, 105 Greenmanville Ave. (Rte. 27), Mystic, CT 06355. To share a memory of Peter or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.