W. Richard Boehmer, age 68, of West Bridgewater, died peacefully with his family at his side on November 17, 2011 at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, following a lengthy illness.  He was the loving husband for 39 years of Kathleen (Buckett) Boehmer.  Rich is also survived by his daughter Amanda H. Boehmer of Saratoga Springs, NY and a brother Steven C. Boehmer of Ohio. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Walter R. and Helen (Cloeren) Boehmer.  A graduate of Ohio State University, Old Dominion University and the University of Rhode Island, Rich loved to learn and valued education.  He was a prolific author, who published a book and over 100 articles for both the popular press and technical journals in the U.S., Canada, England, and South Africa, many of which were translated into other languages. He was also a nautical researcher and internationally sought after expert on sailing speed and performance, founding the Sail Performance Center. He served as a consultant to ocean racers and boat designers, and as the sailing record keeper for the Guiness Book of World Records. He also worked as an oceanographer with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Dept. of Natural Resources, scientist at EG&G in Waltham, and instructor of graphic design at the Mass. College of Art in Boston. Rich was an avid collector, genealogist, and sailor. He also enjoyed sports cars, rollercoasters, math, computers, music and anything to do with the ocean - swimming, scuba diving, and shelling. During his youth, he enjoyed scouts and earned his Eagle Scout Award (Order of the Arrow, Ordeal).  Teaching and guiding his daughter to always seek opportunities for exploration, discovery and learning was most important to him.

A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street, Brockton.  For condolences www.conleyfuneralhome.com.