[Keith Norrington]

Capt. Dennis Trone exemplified the kindness of river people. I first met him in 1975 when he brought the JULIA BELLE SWAIN to Louisville for the steamboat race with the BELLE and DQ. Capt. Trone and his crew could not have been more friendly and hospitable. The JBS returned for the race again in 1976 and 1977. Our crew on the BELLE enjoyed many visits with the JBS crew and riding each other's boats. I was thrilled when Capt. Trone let me steer the JBS up the Ohio near Six Mile Island. I am greatly saddened to learn of his tragic passing and extend my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Libby Trone, the family and Capt. Denny's MANY friends along the rivers. A long and loud whistle salute to a fine gentleman and consummate riverman whose expertise, generosity and friendship brought joy to multitudes.

Herewith are several images in tribute to Capt. Denny. The first image, taken in the 1980's, shows him in the JBS pilothouse with Miss Ruth Ferris, the beloved river historian and museum curator from St. Louis, and Capt. John Hartford, who caught the "steamboat bug" when a student in Ruth's fifth grade class at the Community School. The second picture, taken by Ruth on August 18,1980, is of Capt. Trone narrating and John at the wheel. Photo number three is the JBS blowing her whistle and about to depart the CITY OF BATON ROUGE wharfboat at Peoria in June of 1982 when Judy Patsch and I were visiting during one of our summer safaris covering many waterfronts.