This summer was Dan Fought’s final season leading the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society (LWBS) Pond Boat Building program.
Affectionately called “Cap’n Dan,” Fought has brought joy and learning to Lakeside’s youngsters for the past 16 summers. The program under the tent in Bettinger Park has given children an opportunity to build boats using “grown-up” tools under the direction of this kind and patient Lakesider.
As the son of a Methodist minister, Fought was introduced to Lakeside as a child. Over the years, he and his family returned to spend time with his parents, who owned a cottage on Poplar Avenue. He began spending summers here helping his aging father enjoy the programs.
It wasn’t long before Fought became involved in all things Lakeside. For several years, he taught airplane folding classes at the Rhein Center, served as an LWBS board member, grilled hot dogs at the Wednesday Picnics in Perry Park, and helped on the Dock for nighttime cruises. Known as “Schmee” at the LWBS Pirate Adventures, he welcomed passengers with a hearty “Aargh.”
Fought is being called back to California to help his family and friends. As a result, he is selling his family cottage. Fought is the epitome of what it means to be a Lakesider. He will be missed for his genuine care for others, willingness to do “whatever it takes,” and, mostly, his true Lakeside spirit.
