BUILT ON A DREAM

Beginning with a Passion

Green Turtle Bay was founded in 1984 by William E. Gary III upon retiring from his career as a corporate lawyer. He and two partners purchased what was once the Port Ken Bar with a vision to improve the property for pleasure boaters. The partners bailed, but Bill had a vision. As a child at summer camp young Bill learned to sail. This lifelong activity became his “happy” place. Over the years he and his wife Bette Burruss sailed around the USA, and even as far as South America aboard his 36’ Catalina sailboat the Tortuga Verde (Green Turtle).

Pursuing Excellence

A couple of years into ownership a 100’ yacht belonging to the Evinrude dynasty stopped at the marina for fuel. It was quite the afternoon - boaters all around came to marvel at the huge ship. Bill had a “light bulb” moment and knew he needed to focus on growing the marina to reach out to what has now become a vibrant boating community of transients who travel the inland waterways.

Embracing Community

Mr. Gary always felt that it was the community that made new and old customers feel at home, and he made sure Green Turtle Bay was the place all water loving people wanted to stay. His vision expanded to build condos, pools and restaurants, a Boat Works to service boats, a Ship’s Store for supplies, a boutique and even a grocery store. Establishing Grand Rivers was part of this dream, so he sat on the Tourism board and was instrumental in bringing a bank to the Grand Rivers Village.

Serving with Care

Although Mr. Gary is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. Bill was loved and had relationships with people of all walks of life from condo owners and guests, slip holders and boaters and Yacht Club members. He loved this resort and the people who worked for him, he loved building and growing, and this dream is what inspires and energizes our team and guests to this day.