Gibson’s Gifts

Thank you for your recently published tribute to Rob Gibson, who in his lifetime ensured that thousands of children in our community not only learned to swim, but also gained love and respect for the water. I have a vivid memory of the pleasure he took in the graduates of his 3rd Grade Swim Program. Rob had the opportunity to introduce some of his 8- and 9-year-old grads to the crowd when the U.S. Men’s Olympic Water Polo Team played an exhibition game at the Elings Aquatic Center at Dos Pueblos High School in the summer of 2008. When Rob spoke, he captured each child’s strengths and accomplishments in a few words and with great pride. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that some day a child he taught or coached ended up as an Olympic athlete. But far more important was the gift of swimming and being comfortable in the water that Rob gave to so many children who may never have had that opportunity if not for his passion and determination. When we lost Rob, we lost not only a kind soul, but a remarkable community resource.–Susan Christol Deacon