Tracy Spinney
May 04, 1956 ~ October 16, 2026
Lloyd Tracy Spinney Weston, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, accomplished creative professional and sailor, passed away on October 16, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by family.
A man of many talents, endless curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, Tracy was driven by passion and a relentless sense of adventure. From the fast-paced world of Madison Avenue, where he embarked on an impressive advertising career, to sailing the open seas, he embraced life with enthusiasm and an appetite for new experiences. A natural storyteller and engaging conversationalist, Tracy loved nothing more than sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and enjoying good company over a great meal with family and his vast network of friends.
Tracy was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he studied journalism at the University of Oklahoma. He later moved to Tulsa, where he started his advertising career. After moving to Dallas, Tracy continued to rise in the industry, working at Ackerman & McQueen and later The Richards Group. In 1990, Tracy relocated to New York City, where he worked at some of advertising’s most renowned agencies. After starting as Vice President at N.W. Ayer, he moved on to Jordan, McGrath, Case & Taylor, where he served as Senior Vice President and Creative Director. Later, he served as Senior Creative Director at Young & Rubicam. Beyond his advertising career, he also worked as a media producer and commercial actor. Represented by agents ICM and Innovative Artists, many still recognize his distinguished voice, which propelled him to being an accomplished voice-over artist for countless national campaigns including Ameriprise, Capital One, IKEA, and Oreo. His career took him worldwide to London, Paris, Tokyo, and beyond, collecting passport stamps and souvenirs to bring home to his two daughters.
Though an Oklahoma boy at heart, Tracy became a lifelong New Yorker, spending nearly three decades in the city he loved. Living near the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, he was deeply affected by the events of that day. In the weeks that followed, he supported his fellow New Yorkers by preparing and serving meals to first responders during the day and cheering on the Yankees with them in the evenings.
In 2011, Tracy turned his lifelong passion for sailing into a second career, becoming a respected sailing instructor, professional captain, and racer. He first discovered his love of sailing during a cruise on the Chesapeake Bay in his 20s. He earned his U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master’s License, logged more than 6,000 blue water miles, and shared his love of sailing with hundreds of students. His dedication earned him recognition as an American Sailing Association Outstanding Instructor.
One of Tracy’s greatest adventures was his love story with his wife, Suzanne. The two met aboard a sailboat in 2012 and married in 2013. They eventually relocated from New York City to sunny West Palm Beach, where they built a beautiful home with their beloved dogs.
When on land, Tracy loved cooking, mixing a delicious cocktail, listening to music, watching movies, writing, and reading. Most of all, he thrived on bringing family and friends together, making holidays and ordinary moments memorable through quirky traditions and his signature dishes.
Tracy will be remembered for his love of life, quick wit, creative mind, and the joy he brought to those around him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Slater Spinney Weston; his daughters, Kristen (Ryan) Firster and Laurel (Kale) Rampenthal; his grandchildren, Aiden, Carter, and Kace; his father-in-law, Dr. S. Nelson Weston; his former wife, friend and mother of his daughters, Jamie Corkran and her husband Steve; and his dogs, Tiller and Dory.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the New York Harbor Sailing Foundation https://nyharborsailing.com/tracy-spinney/ in Tracy’s memory, honoring his lifelong passion for teaching the joy of sailing.
To honor Tracy’s wishes, a family service will be held in South Carolina and a celebration of life in New York City at a later date.
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Dorothy Scarlett - Former colleague
October 19, 2026, 8:19 pm
Dear Suzanne ,
I was so very sorry to learn of Tracy’s passing . He sounds like a wonderful and talented man with an adventurous spirit and love of life .
My sincere condolences to you and his family .
Fondly ,
Dorothy Scarlett
Pierre Wallinder - Friend
October 19, 2026, 9:11 pm
With tears coming down my cheeks I write to express my most sincere condolences. I know Tracy from sailing, and loved him both as a good friend and watching him instill skills and appreciation among his students. I am sure I will see him again in the afterlife, sailing and smiling and cracking a joke or two.
Genie and Andy Zangle - Friend
October 19, 2026, 9:15 pm
Suzanne,
Genie and are very sorry for your loss.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
We enjoyed our time with him while he was in NYC and he will be greatly missed by everyone.
Genie and Andy Zangle
Nasser - Friend
October 19, 2026, 9:17 pm
Great Friend of over 50 years.
We started Freshman in 1974 @ University of Oklahoma to1980 and great friends Since.
Tracy Came to my wedding to Christine to California-9/11/1983.
I went to his wedding with Jamie later.
Tracy was a Blessed Human and Friend.
Stuart Trubey - Class of 1974 Edmond, OK
October 20, 2026, 12:00 am
Godspeed, Tracy. May you find eternal calm seas and favorable winds.
Joan Carr - Friend
October 20, 2026, 12:16 am
Suzanne,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tracey was one of a kind. A true gentleman with a heart of gold and love for his family, you, and the sea. He will always hold a spot in my heart. He taught me what it was like to love sailing and feeling of a warm breeze on my face. I’m so very happy I got to know you both.
My love and condolences go out to you out to you, his family, and all his friends. Spinney will be missed beyond words
Love you
Joan Carr
William Taylor - Friend
October 20, 2026, 12:20 am
Lively fellow. Bright, funny, eager, engaging. I always enjoyed his company. A man who stood his guns and brooked no quarter. He is out now with the horizon meets the sky and there is no better place to be. It’s a magical place.
Nasser M. Moghadam & Christine E. Moghadam - Friend
October 20, 2026, 12:20 am
We want to offer our condolences to Suzanne, Family and Friends.
Tracy was a bright light and will be missed.
Barbara Weston - Cousin
October 20, 2026, 12:54 am
Ray and I are saddened to hear this news. What an amazingly talented and creative man he must have been. Your tribute was beautifully written. We are so sorry for your loss.
Elaine Weston Hixon - Cousin
October 20, 2026, 12:58 am
Heartfelt sympathy for your tremendous loss, Suzanne . My prayers are with you . May God comfort and strengthen you each day forward . Lots of love ,Elaine Weston Hixon
Joann Hoy - friend
October 20, 2026, 1:45 am
I enjoyed getting to know Tracy at the Palm Beach Sailing Club. Although his point of view was challenging at times, I found his candor refreshing. We shared the love of big boat sailing, and I will always remember some of his sailing stories. Rest in peace. Fair winds and following seas.
Mark Tyler - Friend
October 20, 2026, 2:50 am
Grew up with Tracy. Was a great friend, we had some crazy times together. He will be missed.
Laurel Rampenthal - Daughter
October 20, 2026, 9:54 pm
I love you, dad. You will live on through me every day and I’ll continue to make you proud.
Jen Schilling - Friend
October 21, 2026, 8:12 pm
My heart is broken to hear of Tracy’s passing. ❤️
Tracy and I go back many years to our days living in New York City, where we were good friends and spent time together. Those are memories I will always cherish. Tracy was someone who truly loved life, and he had such a kind heart.
Although life took us in different directions, we stayed connected through Facebook over the years. When I lost my beloved Yeti a couple of years ago and was struggling with the heartbreak, Tracy reached out to me. He could see how much I was hurting, and he took the time to offer comfort and kindness. That meant more to me than he probably ever knew, and I will never forget it.
I was so happy to have the chance to see him again last year, just before Christmas, when I visited him in New York City with my daughter and grandson, Arthur. We had a wonderful meal at Sparks, and I am so grateful to have that memory with him.
Tracy was one of those special people who never lost his kindness or his love for life. I feel fortunate to have known him, to have shared those years of friendship with him, and to have had the chance to see him again.
My deepest condolences to his beautiful wife, Suzanne, his daughters, and all of his family and friends. May you find comfort in the love he gave and the many wonderful memories he leaves behind.
Rest peacefully, Tracy. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and you will never be forgotten. ❤️
Tracy Price Johnson - Friend
October 22, 2026, 3:46 am
Tracy Price Johnson
Tracy was an Edmond High School friend but I followed his adventures and accomplishments throughout the years – what a clever and creative man he was. He was a wonderful man in early life and stayed true to his character in later life.
Sail on, friend!
Burak Ayata - Friend
October 22, 2026, 5:52 am
Rest in peace, Captain Spinney.
It was a true privilege to have met you in this life. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, improving my sailing skills, and teaching me so much beyond sailing.
Your appreciation for life, respect for the world around you, and genuine humility were truly inspiring. You were one of the most remarkable people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
You will always be remembered with great respect and gratitude.
Rest in peace, Captain. Fair winds and following seas. ⛵