Still waters run deep, and for one man, the draw of the sea’s deep waters would direct the course of his entire life―a life full to overflowing with humor, drama, kinship, and a pure and abiding faith that keeps him afloat even in the darkest of storms.

These are his stories, and through them, the author invites you to feel the wind in your hair, the sea spray on your face, and the buoyancy of spirit that can only be truly felt when in the company of good friends and family.

Visionary and founder of the highly regarded Coastal Missions Society, and designer of the “Canadian documented steel vessel” Coastal Messenger, Roy Getman―widely known as Uncle Roy―started his life as a barefooted hillbilly kid from Dixie Mountain, but after his father purchased a ship in 1948, intending to move the family logging and sawmilling business to Alaska, Roy got his first taste of life on the water, and never looked back.

Now retired from his position as skipper/operator of the mission vessel, Roy lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, with Rachel, his wife of sixty years. Both of them remain active within the Society.

“If you have an idea or pursuit, then step out and do it. Some things do not turn out as imagined. So what? Step out anyway. Make your life full.” ~ Uncle Roy