Hello to all the family and friends of my dad, Brian Bond. I know many of you have spoken about the impact Brian had on your life. He certainly was "larger than life" in many ways. Since you have such wonderful memories and stories and comments, I hope that this will be a place for us to share so we can all read each other's thoughts and feelings.
My Dad was a humanly great man - he defined the word 'transparent'. Whatever he felt, he wore on his sleeve. He was my friend.
Lots of love to you and my Angel Dad (he was no angel on earth - lol),
Sue
I will never forget the first day I met Brian. I stepped onto the deck and he looked at me with my artificial leg and right away he knew not to treat me any different than the others.
ReplyDeleteBrian taught me how to work hard, to go for a dream, to define what I wanted in life and to have a plan in how to get there.
Brian encouraged me on my journey to the paralympics in 1984. He pushed me, yelled at me, and taught me how to reach down deep and pull out the energy I needed to accomplish the task at hand.
He taught us discipline. He taught us to be real. Speak what is on your mind and not be afraid of where the chips fell.
Brian became my mentor when I began coaching. His enthusiasm for swimming and for life was contagious. Brian taught me a lot.
I will miss him greatly. Thanks Brian. You were my friend, mentor, and life coach.
Cheers.
Mr. Bond. Thanks for everything. Thanks for the "killer lane" that was 10X100 for being late. It taught me that when it's important, you're on time or you pay a price. Thanks for the laughter, the amazing coaching and the pride you had when one of us did something well and thought we'd never achieve. I always knew what a great coach you were, you have been my favorite coach since I can remember. Now, I'm a parent to three boys and I search high and low for a hockey coach that instills the same sense of pride and belonging that you gave all of us. I haven't found one yet, but, because I knew you, I know they exist and are searching for kids to help along the way. You made a difference in this world. Rest in Peace and thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteI first heard the name Brian Bond from my dear friend Janice whose son Ian swam under Brian Bond for a number of years. My daughter was 3 when she started lessons at a community pool and Janice suggested I needed to get her swimming with HWAC. Hope had a few coaches but I can say without a doubt that she loved Brian the most. She drove Brian nuts but she hardly missed any of his practices because it was Brian that was coaching her. Hope loved swimming for Brian but loved more coaching side by side with him as many other swimmers did too. Brian was a great mentor to Hope and I am thankful that Hope was able to spend time out of the pool on the the deck and have his wisdom passed down to her. We need more Brian's in the world - he was honest and he cared, that's why his swimmers have great memories of him. Brian will always have a special place in our hearts and will be dearly missed.
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