Mourning the Passing of Tripp Brice

The Wrightsville community celebrates Charles McDonald “Tripp” Brice, the beloved Bridge Tender Marina dockmaster who passed away Aug. 13, 2023, at the age of 65.

Tripp was an extraordinary man, a devoted patriot who embodied so much that is good in America. A happy Tar Heel, a delightful storyteller, a man of talent, sharing, and enthusiasm, he was spirited away before he had a little more time to achieve all his dreams, and before he had a little more fun while doing it.

The office at the Bridge Tender Marina at Wrightsville Beach has always been a fascinating place. The dockhands learning their trade, fishermen, mates, guides, boat captains, guests coming and going — all make it a place with a warm, interesting, unique and lively character. It is the heart of the boating and fishing scene at the beach, providing a home for some of the most beautiful, classic hulls ever built, and a hub for some of the most knowledgeable fishermen, mates, and skippers who ever put to sea.

The place forms a unique opportunity to experience an amazing slice of maritime life.

The man in charge of this eclectic and wondrous scene was its dockmaster, United States Coast Guard licensed captain Tripp Brice.

He was one of those most colorful, respected and influential figures in saltwater fishing, boating and marina life at Wrightsville Beach. As dockmaster for 35 years, he converted his vast maritime experience into clear observations, practical advice, hard work and dedicated logistics for boaters and anglers at all levels.

“Tripp was a tireless worker, but especially after hurricanes or severe storms when the docks and boats were disrupted or damaged. He knew marina logistics by heart and was cautious of dangers such as leaking fuel, exposed electrical lines and current, missing dock boards, broken riggings and railings. He was always there first to restore shape and order to the marina,” says Dr. Rick Weisler.

Always willing to reexamine traditional ideas and occasionally add a bit of hilarious fiction, he had a friendly, unassuming manner that endeared him to countless friends.

“He was just an outstanding man and great friend to many of us and a powerful figure at the marina,” says Kit Taylor, his longtime friend and associate. “He taught and mentored dockhands over the years, always instilling a positive and enduring impression. He was an inspiration to others, respecting their ideas and willing to let them shine but gently encouraging them to do their best.”

Born on the island of Bermuda and raised beside the ocean, Tripp had an enduring fascination, love and knowledge of the sea. Comfortable outdoors in the most challenging elements, sailing, boating, fishing and hunting ran deeply through his life. A true outdoorsman with his cherished Labrador retriever Drake, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, but his first goal always was serving his community.

An avid duck hunter and decoy collector, for many years he was chair of the area Ducks Unlimited chapter. With Taylor and Jimmy Vass, he co-founded the Captain Eddy Haneman Sailfish Tournament, which has been in existence for 22 years. Haneman, the tournament’s namesake, was a pioneer of sportfishing at Wrightsville Beach. Highlighting the Cape Fear’s sailfish fishery, the tournament is a fundraiser for Lower Cape Fear Hospice and each year chooses a deserving member of the community as a beneficiary, usually from a law enforcement family. 

Tripp was very proud of his father, a United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, and Tripp often said he learned so much about being a responsible man from his dad. He hoped he could serve others as well as his father. And serve he did.

Always a patriot and passionate about helping veterans, Tripp recognized the tremendous sacrifices our former and active-duty service members make to keep us free and secure. He was a key organizer of Hope for the Warriors, the annual offshore fishing tournament sponsored by Weisler. The tournament usually pits a team of Marines against a team of soldiers, usually on the Vonda Kay fishing out of Carolina Beach. The program gives veterans a low-stress fishing trip where they can relax at least for a day to help them transition to civilian life, adapt and cope.

“This is the sixth year that this incredible group has come together to support service members,” says Weisler. “Without the time, generosity, and support from Tripp and the marine community that Tripp knew so well and worked with to make it happen, this event would not be possible.”

Tripp changed people’s lives. By example, he helped them learn to be better anglers, boaters and mariners while also introducing them to the peace, glory and enjoyment of the sea and outdoors. He quietly represented values that escape many of us.

His life exemplified his belief that there is a time for each of us to serve our community, improve it and set a positive example for those who live there.

Always a devoted Tar Heel and dedicated Mason, he never lost his energy, optimism, or his zest for life. He maintained that buoyant spirit to the end, too stubborn not to be at his marina desk even through the last days. He was fiercely devoted to Sherrie, his wife of 30 years, his many friends, his family, and his community.

Tripp moved the interest of others to the center of his life. His legacy is that of a good man, a shining light who left Wrightsville Beach and the world a better, richer, more vibrant place.