Eugene Story, a marine engineer who founded Marine Management Systems and led the development of innovative products that revolutionized software technology in the commercial shipping industry, died this month at age 88.
Mr. Story was a founder of Maine Electric Boat Co., which developed hybrid electric powered boats for Maine’s fishing industry, and became a supporter of the arts in Greater Portland. He died on Nov. 9 from complications with mesothelioma.
“It’s a significant loss,” said his wife, Ruth Story, of Portland. “He was an extraordinary man.”
According to Mr. Story’s obituary, which was published Sunday in the Maine Sunday Telegram, he was one of the first people to obtain U.S. patents for computerized marine systems. In 1969, he founded Marine Management Systems, which later became a leading supplier of software for the management of commercial ships. He was the first to design integrated shipboard management systems linking ships to shore, his obituary said. By the early 1990s, his company had grown to support over 1,000 systems world-wide.
“He was world renowned for his vision for what computers could do for the maritime industry,” his wife said. “He was an expert in marine management systems. He had that vision… .”
According to his Linkedin page, he ran the company until 1998. In his later years, he founded Maine Electric Boat Co., which promoted development of hybrid electric power boats for Maine’s fishing industry. His wife said he had two goals in starting the business: to help fishermen work more effectively and to protect the environment.
“Gene was a visionary,” she said. “He didn’t talk down to people. He explained. He answered questions and asked for feedback. He was a consummate leader. He was a man of integrity, honesty and enthusiasm for adventure. He was multi-talented and used his talents to create things or make a situation better.”
The Storys moved to Portland nine years ago. Since then, he cultivated many friendships and got involved in several causes promoting the arts and environmental initiatives. He was also a strong supporter of Long Creek Youth Development Center, a juvenile detention center in South Portland. His wife said he felt strongly about giving back to the community.
“He felt it was his Christian obligation,” she said. “It gave him pleasure to do the work he loved and serve others.”
Mr. Story lived in Portland with his wife and the couple would have celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary on Nov. 27. It was a second marriage for both of them. He raised six children from his first marriage.
Mr. Story had an active life outside work. He loved sailing, traveling and cycling. His wife said they were very happy together.
“He was so interesting. We never ran out of things to say or places to explore. We loved to travel,” she said. “We were right for each other. We were happy. We complimented each other. I loved him deeply. And when you love someone deeply and you lose them, you grieve deeply.”
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral of St. Luke, 143 State St., Portland.
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