Statement from The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Commodore, Everette Hoard.
“Everette was the living embodiment of the Queen Mary’s spirit,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “His love for this ship, its legacy, and every person who stepped aboard was unmatched. We have not only lost a family member – we’ve lost a legend who will live on in our hearts and our souls.”
Commodore Everette was more than a crew member, he was the heart and soul of the Queen Mary. For over 40 years, he dedicated his life to honoring and preserving this historic ship, though his love for her began long before his first official day aboard. As he often recounted, he was a young child when his parents first brought him to see the Queen Mary, and from that moment on, he knew his heart belonged to her.
Everette didn’t just serve aboard the Queen Mary; he welcomed every guest as though they were stepping into his own cherished home. With warmth, grace, and encyclopedic knowledge of the ship’s history, he brought her stories to life and made every visitor feel like part of something greater. His presence touched thousands of lives, from lifelong fans to first-time visitors, and his impact on the Queen Mary community is immeasurable.
We will miss his kind heart, his passion, and his unwavering devotion. Commodore Everette Hoard is forever part of the Queen Mary’s story, and his legacy will continue to shine as brightly as the ship he so dearly loved.