BFSC memorialized Dean by naming the New Year's Day Poker Run after him - Dean Holcomb Poker Run.

"...I remember crewing for him on the infamous cruise that involved a Coast Guard rescue on Mobile Bay. As his partner, Carol Jones, put it "When he sets his mind to something, it's hard to deter him." The Coast Guard had a hard time getting him to relinquish the helm to them that night. On a very hot day I remember Don walking by me on the dock after fixing his boat saying,

"This is too much much like work!" BFSC Lifetime Achievement Award is named after him. Big Santana sailboat fan."  - Nancy Spraker

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Jeff was preceded in death by his father Charles and his mother Gay. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy (Justus) Paes, brother Bill and sister Pat, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Jeff was an avid sailor and member of the Barefoot Sailing Club at Lake Lanier. He enjoyed cooking, woodworking, and traveling, especially to the Caribbean. He was well known by family and friends for the delicious peanut butter candy he made at Christmas.

Commodore of BFSC 1994 and LLSC 2002. BFSC memorialized her name by renaming the Women Skippers regatta to the Joan Holcomb Memorial Women Skippers Regatta. LLSC now co-hosts the race w/Barefoot.

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"He could repair anything! When I crewed for him on a Florida BFSC catamaran cruise, I got the stinky cabin next to the head. He went directly to a nearby marine store, got a product, plopped it in the marine head and problem solved. He is the one who brought our current Favored End from Alabama to Lake Lanier. During an accidental grounding on his boat my arm broke and he dutifully took care of me."  - Nancy Spraker

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Beloved wife of Jim Chambers. 

"He died of a heart attack while crewing in an out of state race, think it was in Florida. Had to be helicoptered to a hospital. He was my 'lawyer'. Advised me and helped me with a traffic ticket once, gratis. He was not materialistic, according to his wife."  - Nancy Spraker

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2007 Barefoot Commodore.  

We are sad to note the passing of Thomas “Tom” J. Swendiman in June of this year after complications set in from surgery in 2024.

Thomas is survived by his brothers, John Swendiman, Mark P. Swendiman, Allen T. "Trent" Swendiman.

Tom sailed on Lake Lanier for 50+ years, first in a Catalina 28 named “Song of Norway”. In 1984 he purchased his beloved Cal31 “Windwalker”, which he has cruised and raced ever since. A secret “Wind Wax” was alleged to have been used to make it extra fast. So many family members and friends have sailed w/Tom over the years... so many owe Tom for introducing them to the lifestyle... as much as Tom personally enjoyed sailing on Lake Lanier, he got the most joy out of sharing the experience with friends and family.

Several of us in BFSC considered Tom a close friend. Intelligent and kind, he had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. One of his dearest qualities was being genuinely interested in other people. He was one of the very best listeners and phone calls with Tom were never short. He’ll be missed. He already is.

Fair winds, Swendiman.

10/20/25 Update:  John Swendiman hosted a lovely virtual Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 18, 2025.  Barefoot Sailing Club intends to have an additional Celebration of Life at a later date. 

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