Kathleen Latham

Kathleen Chance Latham of Fort Lauderdale, FL passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by love on the morning of January 9, 2023 after a three year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Kathy had a one-of-a-kind spirit and the world is a lesser place without her.

Kathy was a Miami native born April 25, 1955 and the child of the late Walter and Cecile Chance.  As the youngest sibling of five, she was fondly known as “The Last Chance.”  She grew up in North Miami and was well-known in the neighborhood, riding her bike everywhere.  Her days as a Pioneer at North Miami Senior High were some of her most memorable especially as Captain of the Cheerleader Squad.  Out in front of the crowds was a comfortable place for Kathy as she encouraged the team’s morale and entertained the audience.  Kathy’s ability to motivate others and be a champion for the underdog reached out to more people than we will ever know, including those less fortunate and needing help the most.

After graduating from North Miami Senior High School and the University of Florida, she joined forces with the love of her life, Bob Latham, and together they became an inseparable team in both business and life.  They took a small Fort Lauderdale-based mobile boat rigging and repair business and created Latham Marine, a high performance steering and parts business which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.  The company built a reputation in offshore powerboat racing where Bob was a World Champion under the Team, Man O’ War.  Kathy was known as a marine industry maverick as she led the company to great success.  Kathy’s “No Cash, No Splash” edict earned her label as a no-nonsense and feisty businesswoman. 

Kathy was a loyal friend to many and a passionate animal lover.  As her mother had written when Kathy was 15 months old “that discovering the animal world proved a delight to her.  She made friends with all God’s creatures from bugs to ponies.” Kathy was a generous philanthropist supporting animal rescues and was dedicated in countless ways to make a positive difference in the lives and welfare of all animals. 

Kathy was a proud American and staunch patriot who felt blessed to be born in the USA. She could be seen at a variety of rallies spreading her energy and excitement for the political freedom she believed in so strongly.  She generously gave her time and financial support to U.S. Military Veterans and always went out of her way to thank them for their service.  Kathy strongly supported Dave Bray USA, a Rock n’ Roll Patriot who delivers the celebration of freedom through one of Kathy’s greatest passions, music - a love taught to her by her mother.

Kathy often spoke of her humble childhood and was proud of the family and business she and Bob created together. Her greatest joy was her family who loved her beyond measure.  Kathy delighted in her “Peace, Love and Happiness Garden” which she created with Stephane Fortin, her dear friend and gardener. With its breathtaking plants and flowers, waterfall fountains, ponds, and hidden treasures, it was showcased at the 2018 Secret Garden Tour, Fort Lauderdale.  Kathy cherished her time at their ski home in Steamboat Springs, CO where they enjoyed winter sports and summers with those she loved.    She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother who was affectionately known as “Sugar.”  Sugar liked being with people and made friends everywhere she went with her positive attitude, contagious zest for life, and powerful sense of humor.  She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her, but we can find comfort in knowing her spiritual presence will be with us forever.

Kathy is survived by her husband Robert; daughters Olivia Spinuzzi (Brad) of Ault, CO with grandchildren Giavanna, Blaze, Blake and Miabella; daughter Amanda, owner of Man O’ War, a Mercury Marine dealership in Fort Lauderdale; sisters Susan Hecker and Janice Davis (Charles Sr.); brothers Walter Chance (Betty Lou) and Ted Chance (Sonia); sister-in-law Terese Latham; brother-in-law William Latham, Jr.; her beloved long-time friend and caregiver Yolie Madera; a host of nieces and nephews; and a tremendous circle of extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.  The family requests memorial contributions may be made in Kathy’s name to any one of the charities she valued most or to help fund Multiple Myeloma research:  The Hometown Foundation, Inc. @ hometownfoundation.org; Rescue Life @ rescue-life.org; and the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center @ give.miami.edu and direct the gift to Landgren Myeloma Service.