Author, avid sailor and longtime New Mobility contributor Alan Troop died at his Davie, Fla., home on Dec. 18, 2014. A devoted husband and father, he was best known for his Dragon De La Sangre novels, his freewheeling style and his versatility as a writer. Susan Troop, his wife of 27 years, says his infectious smile and irreverent spirit will be greatly missed. He was 69.

Troop was born in New Jersey and raised in Miami Beach, where he graduated from Miami Beach High School in 1963. He attended both the University of Florida and the University of Miami. After graduating from college, Troop operated Biscayne Electric and Hardware, a family wholesale business that began in 1952. In 1977, he became a C6 quadriplegic after a body surfing accident at Fort Lauderdale beach.

Later in his life, he pursued his dream of becoming a writer. He wrote several books, including the Dragon De La Sangre series published by Penguin Putnam’s Roc Books. He also had numerous poems, essays, short stories and articles published in national publications such as the Miami Herald, the Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale’s Sunshine magazine, and New Mobility. “He loved writing,” says his wife, “especially for New Mobility. He was the most curious person I know and loved doing research on everything.”

Troop spent his free time sailing his wheelchair-accessible catamaran on Biscayne Bay and around Southern Florida. He was a founding member of Miami’s Shake-A-Leg organization, an international adaptive sailing program that loaned a variety of adapted boats to people with disabilities.

“Alan was a strong presence in my life and in the lives of our children,” says Susan. “He was fiercely protective of all of us and did everything he could to make our lives easier, fun and interesting. He knew how to live and get what he wanted. In 27 years of marriage I’ve never been bored. He was our social director. He knew where we should eat and what we should read. We depended on him for advice on many things. He loved our children and grandchildren — and me — without reserve. I miss him terribly. Our anchor is gone.”

Troop is survived by his wife Susan; children Jason Troop, David Troop, Leah Foster, Leon Bernstein and Michael Bernstein. He is also survived by six grandchildren — Delaney Troop, Zoe Troop, Carolina Troop, Levi Foster, Sadie Foster and Aaron Bernstein.