April 19, 2024

Judy Rantz Willman: The Boys in the Boat — A Daughter Remembers

About the Talk:

This presentation begins with a little history on how the book was “born” and covers some of the process involved in its writing. Judy takes a brief biographical look at each of the boys and includes both a reading from the book and film footage of the actual Olympic race taken from Leni Riefenstahl’s period documentary movie Olympia. She also speaks briefly about the 2024 MGM movie, “The Boys in the Boat”.

She then takes a look at what Joe Rantz was like as a father, touches on his later life, and then probes the question of why the book has had such an impact on those who read it.

A slideshow of historical pictures accompanies the talk.

We are suggesting a $10 speaker donation for all those who attend this talk.

**This talk will be in person only**

About the Speaker:

Judy Rantz Willman is the daughter of Joe Rantz, the number seven seat in the 1936 US Olympic men’s 8-oar crew. She was born in Lake Forest Park, a suburb of Seattle, Washington. Judy grew up in a family of five children. She worked her way through college at the University of Washington, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education. She worked for 5 years at Boeing. Judy enjoys writing, painting, and singing and has a passion for horses. She is married to Ray Willman and they live on a 5-acre farm in Redmond, Washington. They are parents of a daughter, Jennifer and a son, Chris.

March 2024:

March 15, 2024: Josh Anderson, Executive Director at The Center for Wooden Boats

Topic Description: Calling current members of CWB to join us for the 2024 annual membership meeting and dinner. Our Executive Director, Josh Anderson, will share important updates and information about the impact we have made over the last year!

Not a member yet?

Sign up for a membership at CWB here.

February 2024:

Olive Theodore Owner of Walrus, Capital Campaign Manager at The Center for Wooden Boats

Topic Description: Olive Theodore started Walrus Boat Recycling, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and upcycling boats while tackling a variety of socioeconomic and environmental challenges.

January 2024:

January 19, 2024: Delmas Whittaker, CM, Director, Marine Maintenance Maritime Division, Port of Seattle |

Topic: Information on Port Allies Against Human Trafficking Campaign

November 17, 2023: George Cavallo, Coast Guard Art Program Artist, Author, & Retired Rescue Swimmer

Topic: Discussing his recent book "Sharks and Daisies: Tales of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer"

October 20, 2023: Bruce C. Arnold, AIA Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects

Topic: Shared the history, process, and plans for the Northwest Native Canoe Center being built in Lake Union Park!

August 2023 Speaker: Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director, Maritime at the Port of Seattle

Topic: Provided an update on the Port’s operations and initiatives including capital projects and investments the Port is making, environmental and sustainability programs designed to reduce greenhouse gasses and improve local habitat, and workforce development programs aimed at growing and diversifying the maritime workforce.

July 2023 Speaker(s): Eric Hvalsoe, Paul Erb, Erik Hollembeak, “Pram-el” Discussion & launching ceremony, port madision pram built at CWB in 2023

Topic: We launched the Port Madison Pram built from scratch in our Traditional Boat Building class during July’s Third Friday! The launch was followed up by a launch party and ended with an hour-long panel discussion by Eric Hvalsoe and students about their experience building the boat.

June 2023 Speaker: Chief of Staff, Olav Saboe - District 13 United States Coast Guard

Coast Guard Art program

Topic: Varied roles and missions of the Coast Guard, as well as its many additional duties in Seattle. The speaker at this auspicious opening was Coast Guard District 13 Chief of Staff, Olav Saboe.

The Coast Guard inaugurated the exhibition as our Third Friday Speaker on June 16!

Thanks to the 87' U.S. Coast Guard cutter “Adelie” for tying up to our west wall and offering free tours after the talk!

May 2023 speaker(s): Youth Instructors Panel - CWB Summer Camps

Topic: What Makes Summers at CWB so Special?

April 2023 speaker: Rick Randall - the Classic Yacht Association

Topic: Stewardship and Beyond – Owning and Cruising a Classic Wooden Boat

February 2023 speaker: Chris Chase, Project Manager Western Flyer Foundation

Topic: Western Flyer History and Restoration Project

January 2023 speaker: Eric Hvalsoe, Boatwright & Designer

Topic: Completing the Lake Oswego rowboat