Cruise to honor life of Pete Delia

By Ron Wilbur
Commodore of the Canyon Lake Yacht Club

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club and the Canyon Lake Car Club extend a heartfelt invitation to the entire community to join them tonight (Friday) at 6:15 p.m., as they gather at the Holiday Harbor Guest Docks to pay tribute to the memory of their esteemed resident, Pete Delia.

Pete, a beloved long-time member of both clubs, passed away peacefully at his Canyon Lake residence on the morning of Aug. 4.

Anticipating the participation of family members, the event‘s poignant proceedings will unfold amidst the picturesque setting of the docks. The evening will be marked by shared camaraderie, appetizers, and drinks as attendees recount their cherished memories and stories of Pete.

Suzi and Pete Delia. Photo by Donna Ritchie

Subsequently, the assembled group will embark on a leisurely cruise around the Main Lake, eventually converging at Catfish Cove for a brief, yet meaningful, ceremony.

The essence of Pete‘s vibrant spirit will be captured in the touching tie-up of boats in a circle, a gesture inspired by the surfers‘ tradition, where flowers will be released into the center as a poignant tribute to the departed.

Following this ceremony, the gathering will continue in the spirit that Pete himself would have enjoyed – with socialization, swimming and lingering conversations well into the warm evening.

Coinciding with the peak of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, attendees will gaze skyward, seeking the elusive streak of a “shooting star.” In this celestial display, many will find poetic comfort, humorously remarking, “there goes Pete streaking through the sky.”

Reflecting on Pete‘s life, it is impossible not to acknowledge the profound impact of his wife, Suzi Delia, who passed away in March 2022. Her departure deeply affected Pete, yet he remained a pillar of strength for the community he cherished.

A multi-faceted individual, Pete‘s contributions are indelibly etched in the tapestry of the Car Club and Yacht Club. Known for his infectious smile, quick wit, and penchant for humor, Pete was not only a founding member of the Car Club, but also a dedicated figure in the Yacht Club‘s activities. His prized possession, the award-winning yellow 1934 Ford Coupe, became emblematic of his character.

In the annual holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Pete truly shone as the “Dragon-master.” He was entrusted with the stewardship of the iconic Green Dragon, a role he embraced wholeheartedly. For several parades, Pete orchestrated the flames and smoke, and his vivacious laughter echoed alongside the fiery spectacle.

In true Pete fashion, the flames often roared to life in the causeway tunnel, amusingly sending a shower of burned spiders onto following boats, much to the surprise of their passengers. The Yacht Club has chosen to honor Pete‘s legacy by renaming the legendary Green Dragon as “Pete‘s Dragon.”

The Delia family intends to hold a “Celebration of Life” service at a later date, a testament to the enduring impact of Pete and Suzi‘s presence in the community.

As the Canyon Lake community gathers under the starlit sky, it bids a fond farewell to Pete Delia, embracing his memory with stories, laughter, and celestial wonder, knowing that he will forever remain an integral part of the stars above and the community he cherished.