John Carl “Jack” Hornor, the Chairman of the Board for the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and leading marine industry leader, died October 1, 2013 of brain disease at Hospice of Queen Anne’s in Centreville, MD. He was 68.
Hornor celebrated life on the water as a sailor. He was a naval architect and marine surveyor with many ties to the recreational boating industry. Hornor was the founder and owner of Marine Survey & Design Company and was a mentor to many in the marine industry.
“Jack was a close friend and mentor for me personally and many of the ABYC staff,” shared John Adey, ABYC President. “His expertise and sage advice will certainly be missed.”
One of Hornor’s many specialties was handling damage claims. He helped salvage hundreds of boats in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and other hurricanes as part of the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance Catastrophe Team. He also served as an expert witness in legal cases involving vessels.
“Jack was an immense contributor to the marine industry and boaters alike, helping them know about boats both as new purchases and disaster recovery,” said Margaret Podlich, BoatUS President.
In addition to being a very active member with ABYC, Mr. Hornor was a former board member of the National Association of Marine Surveyors, and a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the Mid-Atlantic Mariners Club, and the Miles River Yacht Club.
“Jack managed to make difficult things simple and coupled that with a great personality,” expressed Dave Marlow, ABYC Vice Chairman. “He will be missed but not forgotten.”
Prior to his marine experience, Hornor attended two years of college in Kansas on a football scholarship before he flew helicopters during the Vietnam conflict as part of the U.S. Army Special Forces, and received a degree in business administration from State University of New York. Following his graduation from the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology, ABYC’s educational affiliate, he managed several large marinas, worked for the City of Fort Lauderdale, and then started his own marine survey business.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elaine Dickinson, of Neavitt, MD. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. October 9 at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 South Harrison St. in Easton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Queen Anne’s, Inc., 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617, or any local hospice organization.
