Ronald Mauselle

Ronald Mauselle, affectionately known as “Captain Ron” throughout the boating industry, a visionary entrepreneur, devoted family man, and steadfast steward of the maritime community, passed away surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind his daughter, Roxanne Gillis and a legacy defined by Adventure, Grit, and an unwavering love of his wife of 63 years, Maxie Lee Mauselle, who passed away in 2021. He loved Jesus and the Sea—values that shaped both his life and the company he built from the ground up, Inflatable Boat Center Inc.

Ron was the founder of the Inflatable Boat Center Inc. in Portland, a business that began with one Zodiac inflatable boat in 1972, growing to be the largest and senior Zodiac dealer in North America and one of the country’s most respected authorities on inflatable and rigid-hull inflatable boats, and outboard engines. Under his leadership, alongside of his wife, Maxie, IBC became known not only for its technical expertise but also for its innovation, excellent service, and deep respect for everyone who walked through its doors—qualities that reflected Ron himself.

Among Captain Ron’s many accomplishments, one in particular was by far, his favorite; When he won the World Championship White Water race on the Payette River in Idaho. Here, Ron raced against 12 South African and International teams through intense rapids during a multi-day race on the turbulent river …in an inflatable boat and outboard engine.

Over the course of his career, Ronald earned numerous industry recognitions for his contributions to the local and international marine community.

He was particularly proud of the trust placed in him by the Military, Fire Departments, Search-and-Rescue teams, and recreational mariners who relied on his work to keep them safe on the water. Ronald’s dedication to high standards, hands-on problem-solving, and customer education made him an influential force within the boating community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ronald will be remembered for his humor, warmth, support for his family and friends, and the steady kindness he extended to everyone he met. He was a mentor to many, a loyal friend, and the heart of his family—an anchor whose presence brought steadiness and comfort. His ability to welcome new friends to his and Maxie’s Grand Banks yacht, “Wanted” made it a popular fun spot to visit while it was anchored at the Portland Yacht Club. Captain Ron’s passion was for everyone to enjoy the fun of Zodiac inflatables whether utilized as a tender for their yacht or a ski boat for new boat owners.

Ron loved skippering his Grand Banks on the ocean and local rivers and was a phenomenal captain. This was demonstrated when he was personally invited to join Grand Banks for their 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2006 with a 2 month- long tour aboard their own “Wanted” through the Inside Passage; 850 miles from Bedwell Harbor, BC to Wrangell, Alaska. Captain Ron and Maxie piloted their yacht throughout with expertise and ease, towing their own 21 foot, CZ7, a civilian version of Zodiac’s 7 meter military inflatable boat, offering rescue when needed to fellow boaters. It was not public knowledge that this was all immediately following Maxie’s intense 14 week chemotherapy treatments to combat her cancer that almost killed her. Maxie forged through, expediting her final chemo treatment to make the voyage.

Ronald’s life was marked by passion: for the water, for family, for purposeful work, and for the people he cherished above all else. Though he has set sail on his final journey to join Maxie and family with Jesus, the legacy he leaves—built on passion, service, and love—will endure in the countless lives he touched.

He will be profoundly missed by his daughter, Roxanne, her husband, Joe and his grandchildren, Hunter, Catalina, Melissa, Jacob and Gabby.