Bicyclist killed in crash owned Lake Minnetonka marina

Updated: May 21, 2010 - 4:04 PM

Gary Edward DeSantis, 59, would bike from his Andover home to Sailors World.

resize text
print
buy reprints

Tweet
share

email
Email share

your name

your email

recipients email

+ add a comment add a comment

The 59-year-old bicyclist killed in a Plymouth crash was a Lake Minnetonka marina owner and avid bike rider.

Gary Edward DeSantis, of Andover, was riding on County Road 47 near Lakelawn Lane when he crashed with a 2000 Mercury Mystique about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The Hennepin County medical examiner's office, which released DeSantis' name, called his death from multiple blunt-force injuries an accident.

DeSantis was the owner and CEO of Sailors World Marina and Boat Club. The family business sells boats and has a 79-slip marina. Previously Paul's Landing, it has offices and a clubhouse overlooking Smiths Bay.

People "didn't just buy a boat from Gary, you became a part of his family," said Wayne Sharp.

DeSantis biked to and from work, said Rick Pinkus, who had a boat at the marina and who did maintenance work for DeSantis. Pinkus said he once asked if the daily rides were tiring, but DeSantis told him, "That's just a warm-up!"

"If you met him once, you'd remember him for the rest of your life," Pinkus said, recalling his big heart, work ethic and can-do attitude.

DeSantis had five children with his wife, Cheryl, who died in 2006. He remarried in 2008. His family did not return calls.

The 25-year-old woman driving the car was not arrested, and drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor, Plymouth police said.

VINCE TUSS