Cable Marine, Boat Owners Warehouse founder Elmer Strauss dies

Oct 10, 2019 by Dorie Cox

By Dorie Cox

From boatyards to retail stores, Elmer Strauss built a collection of businesses that helped change the face of the yacht industry in Fort Lauderdale. Since the 1970s, he started parts supplier and service providers that include Cable Marine, Boat Owners Warehouse, BOW Worldwide, DS Hull and Yacht Equipment and Parts. Mr. Strauss died on Oct. 7. He was 85.

Former president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and recipient of the group’s Golden Anchor Award, he was once named Fort Lauderdale’s Man of the Year and is credited with helping grow the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. 

Elmer Nathan Strauss
Sept. 4, 1934 – Oct. 7, 2019

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Strauss attended Pennsylvania Military Prep School, earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Penn State University, and was in the U.S. Army. Previously married with six children, he and his family lived in Absecon, New Jersey, before moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1972.

Mr. Strauss was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Virginia Dell Strauss, and his grandson, Thomas Warren. He is survived by his children, Carla Strauss, Peter Strauss (and Robin), John Strauss (and Mindy), Terri Strauss, James Strauss and Deborah Warren, along with nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a niece.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. at Davie United Methodist Church at 6500 S.W. 47th Ave. in Davie (33314). Immediately after the services, a celebration of life will be held at the Pine Island Ridge Country Club, 9400 Pine Ridge Drive, also in Davie (33324). 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the OceanConservancy.org. 

To read The Triton’s 2014 profile of Mr. Strauss, click here. His online obituary is here.

Dorie Cox is editor of The Triton. Comments are welcome below.

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About Dorie Cox

Dorie Cox is a writer with Triton News.

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