Lester R Trott

Lester R. Trott passed away on February 6, 2015 after a brief illness surrounded by his twin daughters, Leslie Gibbons-Neff of Annapolis and Linda Crandell of Stevensville, MD. A native Annapolitan, he was born February 20, 1918 to Capt. Thomas A. and Mary Frances (Windsor) Trott of Annapolis. An avid sailor, Lester held the unique distinction of being the longest member of the Annapolis Yacht Club for 75 years. He was instrumental in starting the AYC Junior Fleet sailing program. He retired from the Maryland Department of Economic Development where he directed the Maryland Division of Tourism for 22 years and passionately promoted the state of Maryland by instigating Chesapeake Appreciation Days and many other Maryland tourism events. He served as the Public Relations manager for the Annapolis Boat Shows for the first 15 years and helped start The Skipper yachting magazine in 1953. Prior to the start of WW II he enlisted in the Army for 2 years, attended Drake University and studied at the Weems System of Navigation with Captain Weems which led to his reenlistment in the Air Corp during the war. He started his own advertising agency and also worked for the Annapolis Capital Gazette in the 1940's where he met his future wife, Mildred (Jeri) Rafferty who predeceased him in November 2013. Les, as he was affectionately called, was also a charter member of the Annapolis Power Squadron, the Annapolis Jaycees, the Annapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Press Association. Lester is survived by his daughters Leslie (Jeff) Gibbons-Neff, Linda (Chuck) Crandell and two grandchildren, Cara Gibbons-Neff and Captain Charles M. Crandell III USMC. He was pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Owen and Norman Trott and wife Mildred (Jeri) Trott. Friends may call on Tuesday, February 10th from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD where services will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.